We got a rare opportunity to participate in a Rabies vaccination programme at Kudumbimalai GN division (Thoppigala), a place that had been cut off from the rest of the country for the last thirty years due to war. Until Batticaloa Rabies Control Unit organized a Rabies vaccination programme on 22nd of April 2010 no veterinarian or any rabies vaccination programme had reached the area in three decades

There are 208 families living in the Kudumbimalai GN division in four villages namely Meeranakudavei (62 fam), Kudumbimalai(58 fam), Meeyagalkulam(54 fam) and Pediyameeyagalkulam(34 Fam). Associated with these families are about 150 dogs that have never been vaccinated against rabies.

Dogs seemed more innocent and calm than those of others did in the country. So were their helpless owners who have not yet recovered from the shock of the war. Their desperate eyes made us speechless. How on earth, could we talk to them about dog welfare when they are struggling with lives?

It is not doles or rations they need. All what they need is water and other facilities for cultivation so that they can live with dignity. Together with the whole world, we are waiting, till Eastern Revival (Nagenahira Navodaya) programme of Hon. President Mahinda Rajapakshe keeps its promises to these Tamil friends.