To appreciate a unique milestone marked in the medical history of Sri Lanka, Prof. Athula Sumathipala, President of the International Society of Twin Studies and Director of the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD), recently engaged in a special visit to the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Specialized Children’s Hospital.
There, he inquired about the well-being of the twin children ‘Lini and Luhali’, who were successfully separated by this amazing surgery, and met with the specialist doctors who led and contributed to this historic operation to extend his warm congratulations.
This highly complex surgery, carried out for over 24 hours, is a proud occasion that demonstrated the excellence of the Sri Lankan medical field to the entire world. Even in a background where developed countries like England use multi-billion worth of high-tech infrastructure for such complex twin separation surgeries, they have practically proven that any challenge can be conquered through the unparalleled clinical skills, limitless dedication, and correct professional guidance possessed by the doctors of our country.
During this visit of Prof. Athula Sumathipala, he met with Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Dr. Mathula Hettiarachchi (Senior Lecturer – University of Peradeniya), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Akalanka Jayasinghe, and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Saman Renuka, who took the lead in making this complex surgery a success, and their outstanding contribution was highly appreciated.
Even amidst limited resources, this medical team has managed to showcase the world-class talent possessed by Sri Lankan doctors in a way that serves as a paradigm to the entire international medical community. The whole nation’s tribute should go to our medical heroes who conquered the challenge.
