Support for the Rainbow Clinic from International Relief and Development (IRD) Sri Lanka

The Seenigama Rainbow Clinic has flourished since its inception in February this year and we are delighted to announce the support of the International Relief and Development (IRD) Sri Lanka to continue this critical work.

IRD will contribute over US$14,000 to the clinic to provide transport for doctors to Seenigama, medicines and equipment. The Foundation was thrilled to get around $3000 additional to the proposal request in order to buy a vehicle for transport rather than hire a van each day. We wish to deeply thank IRD for this amazing contribution.

The clinic was opened by US pediatricians Jugta Kahai and Deepa Bhojwani; Charles McWells, a water and wastewater management supervisor; and Tai Kulenic, a licensed art psychotherapist in February this year. These people work through the T-R-Y organization www.t-r-y.org and their work has been truly inspirational.

When the doors of the Rainbow Clinic opened on February 16th - the response was overwhelming. Jugta and Deepa treated children for various complaints. Tsunami related wounds were still evident. In addition, the clinic provided a referral source for children who would benefit from art psychotherapy.

The clinic has flourished since the US doctors returned home and now treats all people in the community not only children. Sri Lankan and international health specialists, doctors and even a homeopathic practitioner ensure that the clinic is open to see patients as often as possible. Dr Radhika Jinadasa is the leader of the Foundation's 'Health' committee and she also travels to Seenigama on Wednesdays and Saturdays to treat patients at the Rainbow Clinic. Dr Jinadasa has volunteered her time and expertise tirelessly and we would like to specially thank her for her superb contribution.

We are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a team of eye specialists to the area, also facilitated through the t-r-y organization. This team will treat cataracts, eye infections and other needs of the village people. We will report on this wonderful mission as it eventuates.