Gemina Perera, MBA, CPA, CGA
Gemina Perera has been serving as president of MedicAid Sri Lanka since June 2021. She Leads the team of directors and volunteers who provide equipment and supplies to hospitals all over Sri Lanka.
My Story
I was visiting Sri Lanka at the time of the catastrophic Easter Bombings of 2019. Fortunate enough to have been unaffected, 2 days later I began volunteering my time at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka - our nation’s main hospital - to assist in caring for the victims of the senseless attacks, and their families.
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Amongst other important revelations, the time I spent in the hospital opened my eyes to the lack of basic patient requirements. Upon my return to Canada, I decided to band together with other likeminded expatriates to attempt - to the best of our ability - to resolve the deficiency of medical supplies in our Homeland.
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Within a month we were able to ship our first 40ft container of supplies for Sri Lankan hospitals. In June of 2021, we were able send another 40ft container of medical supplies for COVID-19 relief efforts.
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When I was approached by MedicAid SL to server as the President, I accepted it without thinking twice as I feel it is our responsibility to assist our motherland’s medical efforts.
MedicAid is a not-for-profit entity in Canada, dedicated to relieving Sri Lanka’s most underprivileged hospitals and clinics of their lack of supplies enabling these institutions to care for their patients.
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Since its inception in July of 2021, MedicAid and its members have been able to single-handedly ship another container of medical supplies and equipment for COVID-19 relief efforts. Partnering with other individuals of a similar mindset, we were able to ship a second container, this one full of PPE.
In making all the above shipments successful, many people donated medical supplies and equipment, volunteered their time in sorting and packing and came forward to sponsor expenses – I feel immensely fortunate to be part of such a great community and has opened my eyes to what is possible when people come together to just help others.
As the proud leader of MedicAid Canada, I look forward to the great differences that we can make in our Motherland, and to what is possible when we come together as one.