I have been juggling with a few topics for some time. I want to do one on branding bread as quite a few bread brands have surfaced and then on Magna Supermarkets. Finally I decided to write about my trip to Amitirigala, a beautiful village surrounded by mountainy terrain not very far from Colombo.
It takes about an hour and half to get there at a moderate speed of 70. I had no particular reason to go there other than exploring a new place. I have been tagging along with Theja, the instinctive philosopher who teaches us yoga on his explorations of most rural areas and jungles during the past year and a half. These trips have enriched our understanding of local people and their way of living. But more than that it’s a great joy being in their company and experiencing the warmth of true Sri Lankan hospitality – once experienced you could become an expert in identifying fake smiles of people, especially behind customer service counters!
When the four of us got to Amitirigala it was almost midnight and on our way I heard the story of a hospital being built by the villagers there and I wanted to know more about it. The following morning we were introduced to “Amitirigala Gramiya Rohal Sanwardena Swechcha Padanama” (Volunteer Foundation for Development of Amitirigala Village Hospital) According to Mr. Premnath Ratnasooriya coordinating secretary, it started due to the shortfalls of the govt. hospital but instead of just complaining and doing nothing about it they decided to build one on their own. They had visited every house in Amtirigala and neighboring villages to create awareness and raise support. People who could not contribute with materials had volunteered with the labor work. He took pride in telling us that the project has brought people together with a wave of hope and determination.
The concept of the hospital is different from any other. Patients will get more than just medicine here. Regular meditation programs will be conducted for patients especially for expecting moms as mental well being is a positive stimulant. They will also eat healthy food organically grown in adjoining lands. I don’t think any commercially motivated hospital can offer similar services to patients. Building and maintaining a hospital is no easy task, but when one musters the support of the people everything seems with in reach.
The Chairman of the committee Mr. Gamini Amitirigala who has returned after many years in Switzerland has been able to secure help from his swiss connections. A school in Switzerland has donated the roof and Holcim, Damro, Baur & Co contributed with materials required for the project. The committee has also managed to get 25 beds and equipment for a fully automated laundry from a US donor. They are now looking for tiles, sanitary ware and aluminum for the next phase of the project. If you can contribute in any way feel free to contact them on +94 332268235 or + 94 77 3210077.
It takes about an hour and half to get there at a moderate speed of 70. I had no particular reason to go there other than exploring a new place. I have been tagging along with Theja, the instinctive philosopher who teaches us yoga on his explorations of most rural areas and jungles during the past year and a half. These trips have enriched our understanding of local people and their way of living. But more than that it’s a great joy being in their company and experiencing the warmth of true Sri Lankan hospitality – once experienced you could become an expert in identifying fake smiles of people, especially behind customer service counters!
When the four of us got to Amitirigala it was almost midnight and on our way I heard the story of a hospital being built by the villagers there and I wanted to know more about it. The following morning we were introduced to “Amitirigala Gramiya Rohal Sanwardena Swechcha Padanama” (Volunteer Foundation for Development of Amitirigala Village Hospital) According to Mr. Premnath Ratnasooriya coordinating secretary, it started due to the shortfalls of the govt. hospital but instead of just complaining and doing nothing about it they decided to build one on their own. They had visited every house in Amtirigala and neighboring villages to create awareness and raise support. People who could not contribute with materials had volunteered with the labor work. He took pride in telling us that the project has brought people together with a wave of hope and determination.
The concept of the hospital is different from any other. Patients will get more than just medicine here. Regular meditation programs will be conducted for patients especially for expecting moms as mental well being is a positive stimulant. They will also eat healthy food organically grown in adjoining lands. I don’t think any commercially motivated hospital can offer similar services to patients. Building and maintaining a hospital is no easy task, but when one musters the support of the people everything seems with in reach.
The Chairman of the committee Mr. Gamini Amitirigala who has returned after many years in Switzerland has been able to secure help from his swiss connections. A school in Switzerland has donated the roof and Holcim, Damro, Baur & Co contributed with materials required for the project. The committee has also managed to get 25 beds and equipment for a fully automated laundry from a US donor. They are now looking for tiles, sanitary ware and aluminum for the next phase of the project. If you can contribute in any way feel free to contact them on +94 332268235 or + 94 77 3210077.
Up to now the committee has been able to keep this project away from politicians – a critical success factor of this project as people work together without any divisions. According to the committee it’s a hospital built by the people for people.
Old Hospital
Women coming forward
Progress so far
Working hard for the greater good
Some Committee members
Pitures by our budding photographer Dimantha
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