Ambassador of Japan Visits Asia’s Oldest Leprosy Hospital in Hendala

H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, paid a visit to the historic Leprosy Hospital in Hendala, Wattala on 9 September. Founded by the Dutch in 1708, this institution is recognised as the oldest leprosy hospital in Asia.
 
During his visit, Ambassador ISOMATA was warmly received by the hospital management and briefed on the facility's rich history. Originally established as a colonial-era asylum, the hospital now functions as a care facility for a decreasing number of inpatients. Although Sri Lanka successfully eliminated leprosy as a public health problem in 1995, the Ministry of Health remains committed to ongoing efforts in treatment, surveillance, and patient support.

Ambassador ISOMATA has been actively involved in leprosy-related human rights issues. During his tenure in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was with the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations, he collaborated closely with Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, WHO's Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and the then Chairman of the Nippon Foundation to advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals affected by the disease. Both worked together for the successful adoption of the “Resolution on Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members” at the Human Rights Council in 2008, the first resolution of its kind related to this centuries-old issue.
 
The Ambassador expressed his profound appreciation to the hospital, the Ministry of Health, and especially to the doctors and healthcare professionals who have dedicated themselves for decades. He also reaffirmed Japan’s continued friendship and solidarity with Sri Lanka in promoting the dignity and wellbeing of persons affected by leprosy.