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Month: October 2020

“Scenes off the Operating Theatre” Part-1 The Good Friday Massacre

“Scenes off the Operating Theatre” Part-1 The Good Friday Massacre

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent” – Isac Asimov I started work as Consultant Surgeon at Base Hospital, Polonnaruwa in January 1982. At that time the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was very peaceful. There were incidents of violence with the victims being admitted to the surgical ward for treatment of their injuries. But these were caused by stabs, assaults with blunt weapons, trap guns and in some cases injuries caused by guns improvised by the local blacksmith called…

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THE FIRST SEMINAR ON WAR SURGERY IN SRI LANKA

THE FIRST SEMINAR ON WAR SURGERY IN SRI LANKA

AND THE ORATION ON MISSILE INJURIES IN SRI LANKA The first seminar on war surgery in Sri Lanka was held in Sri Lanka from 15th to 16th June 2001 at the JAIC Hilton, Colombo. This was organised by the College of Surgeons together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Sri Lanka Army Medical Services. A total of 175 doctors participated in the seminar. The Chief Guest at the opening ceremony was Lt Gen L Balagalle,…

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Antipersonnel Mines in Sri Lanka

Antipersonnel Mines in Sri Lanka

Learning More about Mine Injuries, Mine Action During Peace, Global Minefields and Mine Ban Treaty A landmine is a perfect soldier: ever courageous, never sleeps, never misses                  Paul Jefferson – one of the earliest humanitarian de-miners The simplicity and cost effectiveness of mines are a major reason for the widespread use of mines in many countries that are now faced with a gruelling battle for their elimination. Long after guns have fallen silent and peace has been declared, landmines continue to…

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Treating War Victims Part 3-Antipersonnel Mines

Treating War Victims Part 3-Antipersonnel Mines

Personal Experiences in the warfront in Sri Lanka Part 3 -Antipersonnel Mines : “The Devil’s Seed” Those who hunger for power try “wading through slaughter to a throne” (Alexander Pope) Antipersonnel landmines are small explosive devices placed underground or fixed above ground and are specifically targeted towards people. These mines come in many different shapes. Often they are camouflaged to blend them into the surroundings and can be fabricated from wood, plastic or metal. They are difficult to locate or…

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Treating War Victims Part 2 – Landmines

Treating War Victims Part 2 – Landmines

Personal experiences in the Warfront in Sri Lanka Part 2 – Landmines: the Hidden Enemy Landmines – History, Background and Types Landmines are explosive devices designed to destroy or damage vehicles, or to wound, kill, or otherwise incapacitate people. They are almost always hidden and camouflaged to match their surroundings, making them seldom seen and difficult to locate. They are usually buried or hidden in grass or buildings, fixed on stakes or to trees. Mines can be activated by being…

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Treating War Victims Part1- Explosive devices

Treating War Victims Part1- Explosive devices

“A Learning experience” Part1- Explosive devices, Explosions and Injuries “As is your sort of mind, so is your sort of search; you will find what you desire”                                                                                                         –    Robert Browning Explosions, the use of explosive devices and the injuries they cause were not a subject of discussion in Sri Lanka until the onset of the North- East conflict in 1983. During my days at the Medical School in the late 1960’s and even afterwards while training to be a Surgeon…

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