Mission Sri Lanka

Volunteer Mission 2026

In July 2026, the CRSANZ team completed its inaugural mission to Sri Lanka, working alongside colleagues at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Kandy Hospital. The team included colorectal surgeons Dr Asiri Arachchi and Dr Siraj Rajaratnam (North Shore Hospital, New Zealand) as well as surgical trainee Dr Binura Lekamalage (Taranaki Hospital, New Zealand) and medical students Mia Koufalas (Monash University) and Isaac Liu (University of Auckland).

During the week, we organised teaching and lectures for local surgical colleagues, with a particular focus on rectal prolapse surgery and hemorrhoids. We conducted live‑transmission operations (laparoscopic rectopexy and laparoscopic ultra low anterior resection), allowing surgeons throughout Sri Lanka to join via Zoom and observe real‑time colorectal operative teaching. We performed three laparoscopic rectopexy procedures and one laparoscopic ultra-low anterior resection, using these cases as step‑by‑step teaching opportunities for local surgeons and over zoom.

To support longer‑term service development, CRSANZ donated key equipment including a HAL‑RAR system to Peradeniya Hospital (Courtesy of Endotherapeutics) and box of equipment to Kuliyapitiya Hospital which will help local teams offer contemporary colorectal procedures beyond the mission itself. In parallel, initial discussions were held to develop an Australia–Sri Lanka colorectal fellowship pathway, aimed at providing Sri Lankan trainees with structured fellowship experience in Australasia and strengthening ongoing professional links.

A highlight of this mission was the involvement of two Australasian medical students: Mia Koufalas from Monash University and Isaac Liu from the University of Auckland. Under consultant supervision, they observed in theatre lists, clinics, ward rounds and teaching sessions, gaining first‑hand exposure to global surgery, teamwork and healthcare delivery in a different resource setting. Their participation reflects CRSANZ’s commitment not only to patient care and local training, but also to inspiring the next generation of clinicians to engage in international collaboration and humanitarian surgery.

We also made a visit to Mount Lotus Eye Hospital where we made an in person donation towards the eyes first project from our recent fundraiser this year thanks to Young Bulls Gym.

Overall this was an extremely successful mission and we are keen to continue ongoing support for Sri Lanka.