Despite the simple set-up, a TCM physician remains focused on providing acupuncture treatment to local residents. (Photo by Gu Ji Hong)
For residents living in remote areas, seeing a doctor is always a challenge.
Lunugamawehera is an administrative division within Hambantota District, Sri Lanka, with a population of about 36,000. Due to local economic and geographical constraints, medical resources are relatively scarce, and residents often face health problems associated with poor water quality.
“The most common health problem here is tooth decay because the water quality in this area is not ideal, and residents mainly rely on water that they usually purchase. In addition, other chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and eye diseases are also common among residents.” Dr Dinesh, Director of Divisional Hospital Lunugamawehera, explained that some elderly and frail residents have to keep postponing their treatment due to mobility issues. Even those who make it to the hospital may face a shortage of specialists and long waiting times. If they need to travel to a better-equipped hospital, the journey may take three to four hours by road.
From 7 to 9 August 2026, the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), together with the Taiwan Tzu Chi medical team, Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore), and around 200 volunteers from Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, held a three-day free clinic at Divisional Hospital Lunugamawehera. Medical services including internal medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology and Traditional Chinese Medicine were provided, benefiting nearly 5,000 people.
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Crowds streamed in throughout the three-day free clinic, with some residents patiently queuing from early morning to receive treatment. (Photo by Deshitha) -
Local volunteers shared the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era at the free clinic and brought out a bamboo coin bank, encouraging everyone to do one good deed each day. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng) -
Volunteers doing their best to care for every resident who came for treatment. (Photo by Gu Ji Hong) -
Oral health examinations are important for people of all ages. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng)
Arriving in Tears and Leaving with a Smile
Residents of Lunugamawehera in Hambantota have relatively limited knowledge of oral healthcare. So, when eight-year-old Vihaugai received his first dental cleaning and filling, he burst into tears upon seeing the dental equipment. After reassurance from his mother, the doctor, and volunteers, he gradually calmed down.
After learning that the child did not usually brush his teeth at night, the dentist promptly taught him about oral hygiene. Vihaugai promised the dentist that he would brush his teeth properly, visit the dentist regularly and no longer be afraid of dental treatment. The child then left with a bright smile.
On the other hand, six-year-old Sadasi suddenly became dizzy after receiving a dental filling. Neonatology specialist Dr Lee Le Ye immediately stepped in to help, elevating her legs and guiding her to breathe slowly. After her condition stabilised, Sadasi was transferred to the paediatrics department for further examination.
Dr Lee Le Ye explained that the child became dizzy because she was anxious about the dental treatment and was breathing too quickly. She reminded the child to slow down her breathing the next time she visits the dentist.
Dr Lee Le Ye checking the children’s neurological reflexes. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng)
Dr Lee Le Ye has participated in overseas medical outreach organised by National University Hospital Singapore for many years. For more than a decade, she has regularly travelled to Cambodia to provide free medical services, never once stopping her efforts to serve. When she was a young doctor, she witnessed first-hand how illness and suffering can affect not only an individual, but an entire family. Deeply moved by what she saw, she chose to dedicate her life to medicine and helping others. “Practising medicine and helping others is my lifelong mission,” said Dr Lee. This year, she participated in a Tzu Chi Free Clinic for the first time and was deeply moved by the harmony and mutual support among the team members.
From dentistry to paediatrics, an unexpected situation brought different medical specialties together in an immediate handover, highlighting the harmony and close collaboration among the teams at the free clinic.
Bringing Better Vision Through Professional Expertise
Nimnika Karunanayake is a local optometrist who learnt about Tzu Chi through her university lecturer, Dr Asela, and served as a volunteer optometrist for the first time at this free clinic. She observed that medical resources are limited in remote areas, and even when people travel to better-equipped hospitals, many still cannot afford the cost of prescription glasses.
Over the three days of service, she applied her professional expertise to help residents see the world more clearly. The smiles and heartfelt gratitude she received brought her a sense of joy and fulfilment like never before.
A local volunteer is assisting the ophthalmology team with conducting vision tests for residents. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng)
72-year-old Soms Siri was accompanied by his son, Snamal, for an eye examination. When they learnt that he was eligible for cataract surgery, both father and son were filled with gratitude. At public hospitals in Sri Lanka, a cataract surgery often involves a waiting period of two to three years, and some elderly patients may even pass away while waiting. Tzu Chi works with a local charitable hospital to provide intraocular lenses at a subsidised rate, giving more rural residents the opportunity to regain their sight and improve their quality of life.
Travelling from Afar in Search of Hope for a Child
56-year-old Muththaiya learnt about the free clinic from a friend and brought her 17-year-old grandson from Colombo on an economy bus without air-conditioning. After an eight-hour journey, they arrived at the clinic at 4:00 a.m. and waited patiently.
After suffering an epileptic seizure at the age of four, Muththaiya’s grandson developed stiffness in his limbs and has difficulty moving. After his mother passed away and his father left the family, Muththaiya took on the responsibility of caring for him. With a meagre income of 3,500 rupees, Muththaiya supports the household while also caring for her elderly mother. Despite their financial hardship, she still made a donation and made a wholesome vow before seeking medical treatment.
After the acupuncture treatment, TCM physician Lam Man Sze patiently taught Muththaiya how to massage her grandson’s face, head, and hands to help ease his discomfort. Following assessments by both GP and TCM physician, a video consultation with a neurologist and a geneticist will be arranged to further assess and follow up on the teenager’s condition.
42-year-old Ayanthi brought her eight-year-old daughter, Savindi, to the clinic for treatment. Savindi has a congenital developmental condition that has left her with weakness in both legs and unable to walk. She has strength only in her left hand and needs to wear diapers when attending school.
Ayanthi brought her daughter Savindi to the clinic. It was heartening to observe that Savindi had progressed from being afraid of acupuncture to being willing to undergo treatment. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng)
“On the first day, she cried the loudest in the TCM department. She started crying even before the needles were inserted and continued crying after they were removed,” said TCM physician Lam Man Sze. She explained that acupuncture on the head can be particularly difficult for children to accept.
To everyone’s relief, Savindi gathered her courage and returned for treatment the following day. Volunteers chatted with her and gave her toys and small biscuits. Her mother also prepared her favourite songs, allowing her to wait calmly in her mother’s arms. Her 12-year-old brother encouraged her as well, helping the 40-minute acupuncture session proceed smoothly. That same day, Savindi’s grandparents also came for eye examinations.
During the treatment, physician Lam Man Sze patiently taught the family how Savindi could practise standing at home each day, as well as how to massage her head, face, and back. Savindi’s brother thoughtfully recorded the physician’s instructions. Her mother also received acupuncture to help relieve her body aches. The three generations of the family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Tzu Chi for the medical assistance they received.
A total of 62 volunteers assisted with interpretation during the free clinic. Pictured here is a group photo of the volunteer interpreters. (Photo by Teh Peng Yeng)
Between 2008 and 2018, Tzu Chi organised 11 large-scale free clinics in Sri Lanka. This marked the first collaboration with Divisional Hospital Lunugamawehera.
Following the series of bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019, which severely affected the country, Sri Lanka was further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic crisis, making life even more difficult for its people. During this period, Tzu Chi’s free clinics were also suspended for a period of time. After the free clinics resumed in 2023, volunteers continued searching for suitable locations to serve, hoping to bring medical assistance to more people in need.
At this free clinic, every smile that returned to a patient’s face warmed the hearts of the medical team and volunteers. Healthcare professionals and volunteers from different places worked together with expertise and compassion, allowing medical care to cross distances and borders and continue reaching communities in Sri Lanka.
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