Dr. Gamini Gunatillake’s Extra Mile launched in Colombo

The Extra Mile: A surgeon’s experience

s, an autobiographical book by Dr Gamini Goonetilleke FRCS, was launched recently at the Auditorium of The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, Colombo 7 in the presence of a large and distinguished gathering. The book reflects four decades of experience of Dr Goonetilleke, a Senior Consultant Surgeon, narrating his life and work, during the armed conflict as the only surgeon at the Base Hospital in Polonnaruwa and later in hospitals in the combat zone especially the Palaly Hospital in the High Security Zone in Jaffna. A few of Gamini’s patients now recovered were also present as special guests. The speakers at the launch were Somasundaram Skandakumar, eminent diplomat and philanthropist, Dr Anula Wijesundere, a celebrated physician in Sri Lanka and the President of The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, Dr Satish Goonesinghe and the author of course.

Following is the full text of speech by chief guest S. Skandakumar: When my Sandhurst trained brother-in-law, Maj Gen Balaratnarajah, one time Commander of the Volunteers, and  Chief of Staff, of the Army said to me  that there was a  Sri Lankan doctor doing some amazing work with their injured soldiers, I could not have imagined  that 30 years later, I would be speaking at the launch of that surgeon’s second book, the “Extra Mile.”

 I am both humbled and honoured  Gamini, that you invited me to speak today, and thank you for the opportunity.

 In an extraordinary journey of a never ending mile, surrounded by chilling experiences, Gamini, to quote from his own words, learnt lessons, overcame obstacles, crossed bridges, took risks, embarked on adventures to achieve his goals.

Today having accomplished all he set out to do, he stands tall, bearing true testimony to that ever famous song by Frank Sinatra, ” I did it My Way “

His professionalism was enhanced by his compassion, and consequently his treatment of his patients revolved exclusively round the nature of their injuries and not their identity.

 A truly outstanding product of St Joseph’s College , he entered medical College with humility and excelled in the sporting field there too.

He appreciated the opportunity his country gave him to become a doctor, and so when he qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in the U.K., and had an attractive horizon ahead of him overseas, he chose to return to Sri Lanka to serve the people and repay his debt to the country he loved.

 When he completed his challenging and exhausting journey as a professional, he retired with the same humility , a true hallmark of greatness.

 A devout Christian, Gamini believed that his hands were blessed by the Heavenly Father to heal the sick and he remained unfailingly faithful to the Oath of Hippocrates that he took on graduating. He was inspired in his noble work by his faith in God and the support of his dear wife Shelendra and gifted children who must have endured many a sleepless night as Gamini battled relentlessly in serious conflict zones to save lives and limb.

The sorrow, pain, anxiety, anger and outrage that he witnessed first hand led him to lament, how a whole generation had to suffer for the follies and misdeeds of power hungry  racial politicians. Yes marginalization had led to radicalization and discrimination to extremism, at phenomenal cost and loss of lives to the nation.

 Today we stand united as a Nation after having been brought down to our knees in our personal circumstances, by these destructive racial divides, among other insidious conduct , and the ensuing strength is there for the world to see.

 The horrific injuries he encountered that he on occasion innovated and improvised to heal, pained him as much when he knew that those injuries were inflicted by one Lankan on another.

 He was always blessed in his noble intentions  because they  were  matched by sincere action. The proof of this was seen in the second lease of life he provided for many given up for dead, and  some who benefited from those gifted hands have shown their gratitude by being here today.

Among them is Charith , who having lost an arm decapitated from his shoulder, and rendered totally  blind in a mine explosion, recovered  to marry  and father three children.

 I was photographed with him on arrival and the picture is one I will frame and hang in my home till God calls time on my life.

 Thank you Gamini for demonstrating the true meaning of being a Patriot of Our country, and the Extra Mile is indeed a truly absorbing journey of immense courage, innovation, commitment and compassion, that should be experienced by every Lankan.

 So to you my friend, a medical icon and a gift from God, whose thoughts when in a place of worship, have always matched his deeds when outside it, I join a multitude of those less fortunate than us, and friends, to say thank you and may God’s blessings continue to be with you and your lovely family.