For a patient suffering from kidney disease, a dialysis machine is not merely a medical device, but a lifeline and an opportunity to continue living. Describing the donation of six dialysis machines, valued at CAD 83,544 (Canadian Dollar), as a significant humanitarian contribution that will bring this vital service closer to the people of the Northern Province, particularly those living in remote areas, the Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, expressed his appreciation.
The machines will be provided to the Vavuniya and Kilinochchi District Hospitals and the Mallavi Base Hospital. The Northern Provincial Council has also granted tax relief amounting to Rs. 3.5 million for the donated equipment.
The Senthilkumaran Relief Foundation, in collaboration with the Northern Provincial Council, donated six dialysis machines to hospitals in the Northern Province today – on Thursday, 20 August 2026, at the Medical Treatment and Research Centre of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. The event was held in the presence of the High Commissioner of Canada, the Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, the Provincial Director of Health Services – Northern Province, other distinguished dignitaries and medical experts.
Speaking at the event, the Governor noted that kidney patients are required to visit hospitals several times a week for dialysis, placing a significant burden on both patients and their families, particularly those who have to travel long distances to access treatment. He emphasized that kidney disease is not merely an individual health concern, but one that affects the well-being and daily lives of entire families. Therefore, he stressed that establishing blood purification facilities closer to patients’ places of residence would be a valuable humanitarian initiative that would improve access to essential medical services and significantly reduce the physical, financial, and emotional burden on patients and their families.
The Governor noted that kidney disease has emerged as a major health challenge in many parts of the country and emphasized the need for increased research and greater attention, based on health data, particularly in the Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts of the Northern Province. He stated that studies are being conducted on various factors that may contribute to kidney disease, including the quality of drinking water, long-term water consumption patterns, and the use of agricultural chemicals. However, he stressed that it would not be scientifically appropriate to attribute the disease to a single factor. He further emphasized the need for an integrated approach that brings together the agriculture, environment, drinking water, and public health sectors to better understand and address the issue.
The Governor emphasized that addressing kidney disease should not be limited to providing treatment alone, but must also focus on identifying and understanding the factors contributing to its increasing prevalence and implementing effective preventive measures.
While various medical equipment has already been provided to hospitals in the Northern Province, six additional dialysis machines are now being donated to further strengthen kidney treatment facilities. It is expected that these machines will be installed at Vavuniya and Kilinochchi District Hospitals and Mallavi Base Hospital, thereby expanding access to dialysis services for kidney patients at the regional level and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to obtain treatment.
The Governor also commended the longstanding humanitarian efforts of Senthilkumaran, founder of the Senthilkumaran Relief Foundation. Recalling his participation alongside Senthilkumaran in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a housing project in 2007, when he served as the Kilinochchi District Secretary, the Governor noted that Senthilkumaran had demonstrated a strong commitment to humanitarian service since then.
The Governor commended Senthilkumaran’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian service despite criticism, stating that criticism is inevitable regardless of whether one does good or otherwise. He noted that it is particularly commendable to rise above such criticism and continue working for the well-being of the people.
The Senthilkumaran Relief Foundation has carried out more than 100 free heart surgeries between 2018 and 2022, providing life-saving cardiac surgeries and other medical assistance to 201 children and young patients from the Northern, Eastern, and Central Provinces. The Foundation has also contributed to the establishment of blood purification facilities for kidney patients in the Mallavi and Mancholai areas.
The Governor noted that such contributions towards addressing the healthcare needs of the Northern Province reflect strong humanitarian bonds that transcend geographical boundaries. He commended Senthilkumaran for continuing to support the people of his homeland while living in Canada, alongside his professional and social contributions there.
Emphasizing the sentiment that “the resources earned in Canada become a source of life in the homeland,” the Governor noted that the Tamil diaspora makes valuable contributions to the economies and societies of the countries in which they live while continuing to maintain strong ties with their homeland.
He called on members of the diaspora to contribute to the development of the Northern Province in diverse ways, including by visiting the province, investing in local development, establishing businesses, sharing knowledge and technology, and supporting healthcare institutions by identifying their needs and providing the necessary assistance.
The Governor also emphasized the need to adopt a holistic approach to addressing the healthcare needs of the Northern Province, rather than viewing assistance provided to hospitals as the needs of individual institutions. He noted that the provincial administration is prepared to work closely with diaspora networks to systematically identify the specific equipment and resources required by each hospital and coordinate assistance accordingly.
The Governor stated that the Northern Provincial Council has previously provided tax relief to organizations and individuals who donated medical equipment to hospitals in the province. He further emphasized that the provincial administration is prepared to strengthen and expand such partnerships to address the healthcare needs of the Northern Province by encouraging and facilitating more humanitarian donations.
The Governor stated that although the donation made today consists of only six dialysis machines, its true value extends far beyond the equipment itself. He noted that the donation provides greater access to treatment for kidney patients, offers hope to their families, and strengthens the people’s confidence in the power of humanitarian partnerships. On behalf of the people of the Northern Province, the Governor expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people of Canada for their humanitarian support and to Senthilkumaran for his continued dedication to improving the lives of people in his homeland.
The event was attended by the High Commissioner of Canada, the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Provincial Director of Health Service – Northern Province, the Regional Director of Health Services of the Mullaitivu District, medical specialists, members of the medical teams, representatives of the Senthilkumaran Relief Foundation, children who had benefited from heart surgeries and other distinguished guests.
