The Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives organised a blood donation programme on 06 May 2023 to mark the auspicious day of Vesak.
The programme was arranged for the second consecutive year by the Sri Lanka Mission with the active support and participation of the Sri Lankan community and in collaboration with the Maldivian Thalassemia Society.
The one day blood donation programme was conducted at the Maldives Blood Services (Thalassemia Centre) in the Maldivian capital, Malé under the distinguished patronage of the Minister of Health of Maldives, Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty, Ahmed Naseem, along with the Minister of State for Health of Maldives Dr. Shah Abdulla Mahir and with the participation of the Mission staff, Deputy Director of Maldivian Blood Services Faisal Ibrahim, Chairperson of Maldivian Thalassemia Society Fathimath Jeehan Saleem and members of the Sri Lankan community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the programme, the Maldivian Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mahir conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Maldivian government to the Sri Lanka High Commission and the Sri Lankan community in Maldives for this noble endeavour in organising the blood donation programme, for the second year running.
He highlighted the acute need for blood, not only for surgeries in hospitals but also for the considerable number of Thalassemia patients in Maldives, who require regular blood transfusions, which is a matter of survival for them.
Delivering the welcome remarks,the Sri Lanka High Commissioner, A.M.J. Sadiq appreciated the presence and patronage of the Health Minister Ahmed Naseem and the State Minister of Health Dr. Mahirat the blood donation programme, which had been organized as a gesture of goodwill and abiding friendship by the Sri Lankan community towards the Maldivian people. He further stated that it was in the fitness of things that this year, the Mission has been able to collaborate with the Maldivian Thalassemia Society (MTS), which has been rendering yeoman service to the Thalassemia patients, who will be the major beneficiaries of the blood donation programme.
Noting that the World Thalaseemia Day falls on 08 May, the High Commissioner stated that he looks forward to working closely with the MTS, towards encouraging more Sri Lankans,especially living and working in resorts and far flung atolls, who could also donate blood to the regional health centres. High Commissioner Sadiq appreciated the support of the members of the Sri Lankan community who have been inspired by the humanitarian spirit of Buddhist philosophy to volunteer and donate blood at today’s event. He underscored the significance of the occasion to celebrate Vesak, the thrice blessed and holiest day for Buddhists.
Deputy Director of Maldives Blood Services Faisal Ibrahim, Chairperson of the Maldivian Thalassemia Society Fathimath Jeehan Saleem, also spoke on the occasion.
The Counsellor of the Mission, D. Amanulla, delivering the Vote of Thanks, conveyed on behalf the High Commission, sincere thanks for the esteemed presence of the Minister of Health and the State Minister of Health, as well as support and cooperation given by the Foreign Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Maldives Blood Services to organize the blood donation programme successfully. He also thanked Coca-Cola, Maldives and Nestle Lanka PLC for providing beverages to the participants of the event.
The blood donation programme was an outstanding success and the event had to be extended beyond the scheduled closing time to accommodate over 120 volunteers, who had signed up for the programme, exceeding the target figure of 65.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Malé
08 May 2023
