“‘Kathaññudā kathavedī puggalo dullabhō lōkasmiṁ’” — in this Dhamma teaching, the Buddha highlighted the rarity of individuals who are grateful and mindful of the good done for them. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude in our hearts for those who have nourished us, lent a helping hand during difficult times, and supported us in moments of need. Gratitude is a noble human quality.
In various cultural practices, we witness acts of gratitude. For instance, contestants, in reality, shows sometimes kneel and bow on stage, farmers show reverence by bowing to their tools, and mothers pray with respect as they place a pot on the stove. As children, we were taught to pick up a book that had fallen on the floor with reverence, believing it would bring blessings. Gratitude is demonstrated in countless ways, and today, we share the story of how a community expressed their appreciation for a CT scanner that saved thousands of lives.
At the Kandy National Hospital, the removal of a long-serving CT scanner deeply affected the staff, who had relied on it for years. They organized a farewell ceremony to honor the machine that had contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of over 600,000 patients over the years. The hospital’s director, Dr. Iresha Fernando, noted that the scanner performed nearly 100 scans daily, providing critical services to patients.
Before its removal, the hospital staff adorned the scanner with flowers and draped it in white as a mark of respect. This ceremony symbolized gratitude for its invaluable service. Parts of the machine that were still functional were donated to other hospitals, extending its contribution to healthcare.
Dr. Sugath Dissanayake, head of the Radiology Department, along with radiographer Mr. Tissa Tennakoon, had maintained the scanner for years. Dr. Ganganaath Rodrigo, another specialist, highlighted the broader message behind this act of gratitude. He explained that such ceremonies foster a society that values thankfulness, inspiring others to adopt similar attitudes.
The CT scanner, which had served since 2006, was instrumental not only in patient care but also in training medical professionals. Many radiographers and doctors, now serving across Sri Lanka and abroad, were trained using this machine.
For nearly two decades, this scanner played a critical role in diagnosing diseases, often providing a lifeline to patients who otherwise couldn’t afford private healthcare. Its removal was not just the decommissioning of a machine but a moment that reflected the human connection formed through its service.
During the farewell event, a banner near the scanner bore a heartfelt message:
*”Permission to bid farewell…
For over 15 years,
Serving countless patients,
Thank you for your priceless service…
Though transient is all,
This separation brings sorrow,
A heaviness that touches the heart.
To the countless lives you healed,
To the light you brought to the suffering,
With tears of gratitude, we bid you farewell,
Keeping you in our memories forever…”*
This ceremony stands as a lesson for a society that often overlooks gratitude. It reminds us of the profound impact of acknowledging the contributions of others, even if they are lifeless objects like machines. In a world where even human relationships are often neglected, such acts of appreciation shine brightly.
May this example inspire a society rich in gratitude, kindness, and humanity. The staff of Kandy National Hospital demonstrated that even a piece of machinery deserves recognition for its invaluable role in saving lives, teaching us all the importance of remembering and honouring good deeds.
