U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap Donates Medical Supplies Through Operation Pacific Angel to The Northern Province

18 August 2016

SRI LANKA -- On behalf of the American people, U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap, representing the American people, donated medical supplies brought in by U.S. Pacific Command’s Operation Pacific Angel (PACANGEL) to Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan who accepted the items on behalf of the people of Jaffna. Operation PACANGEL is donating medical and dental equipment and providing free medical care, dental care, optometry, and physical therapy to the people of Jaffna. The supplies include medication to treat acute symptoms, physical therapy equipment, eyeglasses, dental care supplies, and vitamin supplements. Approximately 60 U.S. military members, along with local non-governmental organizations and members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, will participate in the week-long programs to assist people in Jaffna.

U.S. Air Force medical team in action at a dental clinic in Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam in the Northern Province.

Following ceremonies at Palaly Airport, Ambassador Keshap, Honorable Mr R. Sampanthan and Mr Wigneswaran visited the Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam site where a medical clinic has been established and observed American and Sri Lankan medical professionals working together to provide free care for local residents.

“Americans have been coming to Jaffna since 1816 with the establishment of the first missionary schools and medical centers. We’re proud to continue this long tradition of friendship and assistance to the people in the North;” said Ambassador Keshap.

Also participating were Minister of National Coexistence, Dialogue & Official Languages Mano Ganesan; State Minister for Child Affairs Vijayakala Maheswaran; Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarians E. Saravanabavan and M. Sumanthiran; Health Minister of the Northern Province Dr S. Sathiyalingam; Agricultural Minister of the Northern Province P. Aingaranesan; Defense Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi; District Secretary N. Vedanayagam; Air Force Commander Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala; Air Vice Marshal Sumangala Dias; and Security Force Commander of Jaffna, Major General Mahesh Senanayake.

Free health services will be offered 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam (August 15-17) and at Punguduthivu Shri Subramaniya Girls Vidyalayam (August 19-20).

Local media is invited to attend media day on August 16 at Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam from 1-3 p.m.