December 16, Colombo (LNW): A Japanese emergency medical unit has wrapped up its humanitarian deployment in Sri Lanka and returned home after delivering vital healthcare services to flood-affected communities.
The 31-member team, deployed under Japan’s Disaster Relief (JDR) programme, arrived in the country in early December and spent close to two weeks operating a temporary field hospital at the Chilaw Police Grounds. During this period, the team provided a wide range of medical services to residents in Chilaw and neighbouring areas, including outpatient consultations, diagnostic testing, pharmacy support and essential clinical treatment.
On Monday morning, Health Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe met the delegation at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media to formally recognise their contribution. In a statement, the Ministry said the professionalism, coordination and technical expertise of the Japanese team played a key role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s emergency health response during a critical period.
Team leader Iwase Kiichiro expressed appreciation to Sri Lankan authorities for their cooperation, describing the mission as another chapter in the long-standing partnership and goodwill between Japan and Sri Lanka.
The group comprised doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, radiology specialists and disaster response coordinators, and operated in line with internationally accepted emergency medical standards. The Ministry of Health also maintained close oversight of the field hospital throughout the mission to ensure seamless coordination with local health services.
Officials said the presence of the JDR medical team helped ease pressure on local hospitals and ensured timely treatment for thousands affected by the flooding, underscoring the value of international cooperation in times of crisis.
