The third annual meeting of Regional Leaders of Prosthetic and Orthotic Schools in South and South East Asia - taking place in Sri Lanka - concluded on 24th October, with a closing ceremony hosted by the Sri Lankan School of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

These annual events are designed to promote and develop cooperation between major Prosthetic and Orthotic (P&O) Schools, to enhance the delivery of P&O education and promote the P&O profession in South and Southeast Asia and other regions.

Mr Ryo Takaoka represented Mr Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan.

Dr Samantha Ranasinghe represented the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health.

The Sri Lankan Government was represented by Dr. Samantha Ranasinghe, Director of Training, Ministry of Health who, with other dignitaries, including the Deputy Director of Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital and leading medical practitioners, spoke at the ceremony.

Mr Ryo Takaoka, Second Secretary for Economic and Development Cooperation, Embassy of Japan, gave a special address on behalf of Mr. Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan and a number of guest international speakers made important contributions.

Sisary Kheng, Cambodia Country Director of Exceed Worldwide, spoke about about 'Enhancing Regional Cooperation'; Professor Malcolm Granat, University of Salford(UK) talked about postgraduate studies and career pathways to the P&O profession and Professor M.S. Wong, from Hong Kong Polytechnic University - who provided clinical training at the event - spoke about scoliosis training.

Sisary Kheng, Exceed Worldwide Country Director for Cambodia emphasised the importance of international collaboration.

After contributions from other speakers, Professor Paul Flemming, Exceed Worldwide Trustee, thanked the Sri Lankan Government and Ministry of Health for hosting the event and acknowledged the vital and long-term support of The Nippon Foundation which makes these important collaboration conferences possible.