Israel has recently launched a long range plan to train the health authorities in Sri Lanka in the areas of trauma and emergency medicine. The project is being led by MASHAV, the Center for International Development and Cooperation in the Foreign Ministry, and in conjunction with the JOINT (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee), and is considered a flagship project.
The purpose of the project is train health workers in Sri Lanka to treat trauma victims and to assist building protocols and emergency procedures for hospitals on the island. The first stage will take place in the coming days as a delegation of 20 officials from the Sri Lankan health establishment, including doctors, paramedics, and nurses, will arrive in Israel for several training workshops in hospitals and Magen David Adom.
During the second stage, Israel will launch a donation of six ambulances (a donation from the JOINT) to Sri Lanka. In addition, Israeli experts will conduct workshops for local health professionals in Sri Lanka.
Amos Nadai, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Ministry in charge of Asia, had recently visited the capital Colombo and met with the Sri Lankan prime minister, health minister, top officials in the Foreign Ministry, head of the opposition, and other officials. The delegation discussed the bilateral relations between the countries and in regional issues relevant to the two countries.
The prime minister and the health minister thanked the Israeli delegation for their assistance to the local health systems. The prime minister also thanked the assistance of Israeli and Jewish relief organizations in rebuilding homes damaged by the tsunami two years ago.