Friday Jun 19, 2026
Friday Jun 19, 2026
Friday, 19 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Aurum HealthTech CEO Nayana D. Serasinghe (right) presenting the report to SLVA President Dr. Sugath Premachandra
Aurum HealthTech Chairman Ifthikar Wahid (right) presenting the report to DAPH Director General Dr. Sanjika Perera
Peradeniya Veterinary Teaching Hospital Prof. Ashoka Dangolla (right) presenting the report to University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrance Madhujith
A unique collaboration between government institutions, veterinary professionals, academia, and technology partners successfully enabled real-time digital health monitoring of “Aloka,” the much loved dog accompanying a group of Buddhist monks led by Pannakara Thero on their peace walk from Anuradhapura to Colombo via Kandy.
The peace walk, undertaken as a symbol of compassion, harmony, and spiritual unity, drew significant public attention across the country. Recognising the importance of ensuring the wellbeing of Aloka throughout the demanding journey, the Presidential Secretariat had entrusted responsibility for coordinating the animal’s health monitoring to the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH).
The former DAPH Director General Dr. K. K. Sarath subsequently requested the support of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA), which mobilised veterinary teams along the route to conduct regular clinical examinations and monitor Aloka’s condition at multiple stages of the journey.
In a pioneering initiative, Peradeniya Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PVTH) Professor Ashoka Dangolla sought the assistance of Aurum HealthTech, the technology provider behind the Dr. Paw digital veterinary platform currently used at PVTH.
Through this collaboration, the Dr. Paw platform was adapted to support continuous digital recording and sharing of Aloka’s health information during the journey. Veterinary observations and vital parameters recorded at each checkpoint were entered into the platform in real time, enabling veterinary teams stationed further along the route to access the latest clinical information and ensure continuity of care.
The initiative also resulted in the creation of a centralised electronic health record (EHR) for Aloka — effectively establishing a digital veterinary health passport documenting the animal’s medical status and care provided throughout the pilgrimage.
At the conclusion of the peace walk, a comprehensive digital health report prepared by the Dr. Paw team was formally presented to Pannakara Thero, former DAPH Director General Dr. K. K. Sarath, DAPH Director General Dr. Sanjika Perera, University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor Prof.Terrance Madhujith, SLVA President Dr. Sugath Premachandra, and SLVA Secretary Dr. Uditha Wijesinghe.
This initiative demonstrated the growing role of digital technologies in advancing animal healthcare in Sri Lanka and highlighted how collaborative partnerships between public institutions, professional bodies, academia, and local technology providers can support innovative veterinary care solutions in the country.
