SLSPO celebrates its third graduation ceremony
March 26th, 2010: the Sri Lanka School of Prosthetics and Orthotics held a graduation ceremony, at the Sasakawa Hall in Colombo, for its third intake of prosthetic-orthotic students. An elite group of six graduates, three men and three women have come from around the island to learn how to fit and design prosthetic devices (artificial limbs) and orthotics (braces).
Successful in attaining an internationally recognized standard of care, the work is just beginning for these motivated individuals.
Demand for prosthetic-orthotic services is high in Sri Lanka due to illness, road traffic accident and conflict. The latest graduates will join SLSPO Alumni in provide service to persons with disabilities from all over the country, through work in hospitals and clinics. Effective prosthetic-orthotic services can reduce the burden of disability by opening opportunities to education, employment and social inclusion. Such integration can reduce poverty associated with disability and can result in a more prosperous community.
Along with a host of other dignitaries, this year SLSPO was privileged to have Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Secretary to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, a most honored guest, to present certificates to the graduates. Mr. Weerathunga’s presence at the graduation underscores the ongoing commitment of the government and its ministries in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and their interest in developing strong physical rehabilitation services.
SLSPO is also fortunate to have Mr. Kuino Takahashi, the Japanese Ambassador, attend the ceremony to present certificates of recognition to the graduates on behalf the Nippon Foundation. The Nippon Foundation is the generous donor who has provided funding for SLSPO since its inception, and continues to support disability related initiatives in Sri Lanka and in the region.
To see photos of the ceremony please visit our Flickr photostream
