Victorian medical team here

THE Australian Victorian Medical Team under the leadership of Medical Specialist Suman Tennekoone of Australia arrived here on Christmas Day to provide medical facilities in addition to other relief to several parts in the South, a media release for the Tsunami Housing Reconstruction Unit (THRU) of the Urban Development and Water Supply Ministry said yesterday.

The 15 member delegation includes Dr. Peta Benley, John Goodfellow, the Principal of Cardinier International College of Gielong, Victoria, Dr. John Kelley and Dr. Garni Nelson.

The team will inspect construction work of the two storeyed community centre at Charlie Mount Tsunami Settlement at Weligama built under Victoria Aid and provide fishing gear to the tsunami-affected fishery population.

They also expect to provide new computer and school equipment to the Denipitiya Maha Vidyalaya.

Goodfellow will offer a five year free scholarship to a female student to study in the Cardinier International College of Victoria with all facilities provided.

The team will also implement a hospital development programme in rural areas outside the coastal belt. Under this programme to be implemented under Medical Specialist Suman Tennekoone, the Deniyaya Government Hospital will be renovated and provided drugs, medical equipment and clinical facilities.

These Tsunami Rehabilitation activities will be carried out with the assistance of Divisional Secretaries of Weligama, Welipitiya and Kotapola under the co-ordination of THRU Director, Chandra Ranasinghe.

The Victoria Medical Team who has sacrificed their Christmas Vacation in Australia will stay in the Island for two weeks.