The children arrived in Colombo at 10.30 P.M on Friday the 17th of February 06 after setting off from Trincomalee, after school at around 2.00 P.M. Although they were tired from the long journey, it took some time for them to settle down after dinner, to sleep, as they were so excited.

Saturday the 18th -Medical Camp
The next day, they were up and about bright and early, washed and ready, after having their Breakfast, for the Medical Camp scheduled from 8.30 am onwards. The medical camp was conducted in 3 segments.

The first, a team of 5 doctors lead by Paediatrician, Dr. (Mrs) Deepthi Samarge’s examination resulted in some of the children having to undergo specialist medical tests i.e. echo cardiograph, ECG etc.
The next were Dr. (Mrs) Ira Rathnayake & team who conducted a Dental examination of the children. They attended to their teeth as much as possible according to the time available.
Third & by no means least was an Eye clinic Conducted by Dr. Nalin Goonasinghe & amp; Dr.(Mrs.) S. Goonasinghe and their assistants, which was in the afternoon.

These clinics and medical tests took most of the day and at least 10 have to come back to Colombo for follow up treatment. The children who needed specialist consultations and tests were attended to at the Lady Ridgeways Childrens Hospital and the Durdens Hospital. It was a very hectic day for the oraganisers as quite a few children had to go to different hospitals for specialists consultations and tests while the clinic was going on but we are happy to say that it was managed.

The schedule for the rest of the weekend was for the enjoyment of the children.

Saturday evening – the Chinese Circus
This outing was made possible because of the generous sponsorship by the Hastingsbury School and Community College in Bedford, United Kingdom.
The children looked cute in their pink suits and pink frocks and very proudly wearing brand new sandals. These were from a very kind donor who requested Methwela to take the kids to his shop and get them any pair of sandals or shoes they wanted.
The Chinese circus was a wonder for the kids and it must be like a dream for them with all the lights/dancers/acrobats in glittering costumes performing unbelievable feats.

Sunday the 19th Feb - morning
A visit to the Zoo which they had thoroughly enjoyed, judging by the many discussions they were having among themselves over a sumptuous lunch provided by a kind donor.

Sunday evening - the Sathutu Uyana. (Amusement Park)
Methwela gave each child a cream coloured T’shirt, maroon shorts/skirts/trousers and a maroon cap all with their Rewatha Home Logo, to wear for the outing.
The clothes were stitched according to each childs measurements and the colours were chosen and given to us by the children themselves beforehand.
This was specially done to keep a track of so many children, in the amusement park which is rather full on a week-end.
The children were treated to every ride available in the park and they really had a jolly marvelous time eating candy floss and going on the rides. Most of the boys are in the age group of 9-11 years, were so eager to go on the dodgem cars and bump each other. They insisted on putting one of their matrons whom they call, “Mother” or “Aunt” as they feel, in one car and had a whale of a time shouting and cheering her on every time she got bumped around.! It was a tired but happy lot of kids who went to sleep that day after a hot-dog dinner.

Monday the 20th Feb 06
The Rewatha Children left for Trincomalee after breakfast.

The Methwela Foundation and the Rewatha Childrens Home jointly thank all our donors once again for your generosity which helped to make this a reality. The spontaneous warmth and generosity shown by all the people who helped us was touching and also encouraging. A special thank you also to the delicious meals cooked and brought by individuals and families.for the children.and also the volunteers who helped us when manpower was needed.

We thank the team of Medical Doctors, Dentists and Eye specialists for caring for the Children of Rewatha. Some we know closed up their private clinics at very short notice and dedicated their time to these children.As per medical advice about 10 children who needed follow up, will be in Colombo again from the 3rd-4th March 06.

Yours Sincerely

Methwela Foundation
methwela@yahoo.com

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