The need to provide assistance to Brave Soldiers fighting against the LTTE Terrorists has never been demanding. With the recent Military operations in the North to liberate the areas held by the LTTE the number of casualties increased. Therefore, we thought of putting some extra energy towards a mission to help those who have helped us live today by getting together and providing assistance to the disabled young men in the Sri Lankan Army. We have been in direct contact with the Director of the Sri Lankan Army Rehabilitation Unit, Brigadier Dr (Mrs) Sriyani Warusawitharana to identify necessary requirements of these Brave young Men. Directorate has identified, especially made Socket Gel Liners for the use of amputees.
The importance of these socks are immense as they are not available to purchase in Sri Lanka and will be very expensive to purchase from abroad or in Sri Lanka if available. Brig Warusawitharana mentioned that 40 Gel Socks would be sufficient to provide to 1% of the amputees as a start. According to her and as seen by one of us these amputees wear locally made Cotton Sock, which is not ideal for those having a poor stump. We have witnessed how they presently wear the prosthetic limbs without these Gel Socks. Some have been wearing 5 or 6 Cotton Socks to minimise the suffering.
Socket Gel Liners (Gel Socks)
Socket Gel Liner is an especially made Sock with a Mineral Gel Liner layered throughout and sandwiched with two especial fabric layers. Gel Sock help reduces the pressure and pain on the stump when wearing a prosthetic limb. The gel liner provides extra cushion and protects the skin been damaged by the artificial limb. These socks are widely used among Below Knee amputees. They come in different variations, i.e. Single Layer, Double Layer, Ultra Cushion comes with either Cotton Fabric or CoolMax Fabric and in different sizes.
Memorial Ceremony & Fund Raising
We came up with a quick name "Ranaviru Fund" to be organised as a Group in providing assistance to these young soldiers. Initial meeting was held at the Scotland's Buddhist Vihara in Glasgow, Scotland on the 03rd of May preceded by a Ranaviru Adhishtana Pooja (War Hero Memorial Ceremony). Respons for our call for assistance was very high and everyone participated expressed their willingness to support this good cause.
Initial estimate was to provide 40 Gel Socks at a cost of £35 each (based on internet prices), therefore the target collection was £1,400. We initiated funds collection from 05th May and it was a success. We received £90 from two donors on the first day and then the fund started to grow better & faster than we expected. We have received funds from the donors living in the UK, USA & Sri Lanka ranging from £3 to £250. No matter how small the contributions were, we greatly value your intention to support a great cause. The message you gave "We Care" for those who paid a supreme price is invaluable.
Invoices and Acknowledgement
Invoices for the purchase of Gel Liners and other donated items are available along with the acknowledgement from 'Ranaviru Sevana' in the enclosed document. Please click on the image below to open the document.
Project Report
We have compiled a Project Report number of key information associated with this project, including the list of donors and donations received. Please click on the image below to open the document.
Photo coverage from this event is available here.
