National cricket team, legal professionals donate video laryngoscope to treat COVID-19 patients

Equipment handed over to National Hospital Consultant Intensivist Dr. W.D. Dilshan Priyankara on 27 March

On the urgent plea of the National Hospital, the Sri Lankan national cricket team along with some members of the legal profession proceeded to acquire a video laryngoscope on an urgent basis. This product which is from the USA, is to greatly assist treatment of COVID-19 patients and assist in the process of intubation as informed by Dr. Priyanakara, of the National Hospital. 

The Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care was extremely thankful to Attorney-at-Law Nishan Premathiratne on whom the request was made a few days ago, and to the members of the legal profession along with the national cricket team who jointly proceeded to acquire this device urgently. 

The captain of the Sri Lanka Test and One-Day Team, Dimuth Karunaratne said, “We are immensely appreciative of the opportunity to come forward and contribute to this worthy cause which was brought to our attention. At a time like this where our doctors and all emergency staff are doing their utmost, we could only support and assist them in these small ways. I am confident that, we as a nation will overcome this by working together. We are extremely thankful also to Nishan and the members of the legal profession who contributed with us to acquire this device on an urgent basis.” 

The former captain of the national team, Angelo Mathews when contacted said, “The Sri Lankan cricket team and us as a nation, could only do little things, which would go a long way in a situation as serious as this. The army, the doctors and all of the members of the essential services are doing their utmost putting their own lives at risk to keep all of us safe. We should all act as responsible citizens to support them in all possible ways. We are thankful to Nishan and the members of the legal profession who contributed with us, to acquire this urgent piece of equipment for the National Hospital.”

This device was delivered to the National Hospital on Friday and will be immediately in use to treat critical COVID-19 patients in the process of intubation. Premathiratne was immensely thankful to everyone who came forward in such short notice which included several lawyers, well-wishers and specially thanked Dimuth, Angelo and the national cricket team for their swift support extended in making significant contributions to acquire this device.