Sri Lanka, 2026 – Part 8 – Drama!!

17th to 27th February, 2026

OK, before we get to the drama, I think I missed a couple of minor events in our ‘busy’ lives.

One was a visit to the kitchen! I think the pictures they’ll the story…

We have continued to make some new friends including a lovely Polish family of two grandparents and their granddaughter and grandson. Luckily Michalina, the 17 year old granddaughter spoke very good English and had a virtually full-time job of translating. Apparently everyone in Poland loves dancing. We were decidedly outclassed by the grandparents who launched themselves into some incredibly energetic and very well coordinated moves.

OK, so you have waited long enough, what was the drama all about?

Well, Thursday of last week we went shopping in Negombo again. All went well and we (especially Val) had a good time. Back to the hotel with our purchases, a few of which Val thought she would try on after dinner. Unfortunately, she was just heading for the mirror with a new blouse, slipped on the floor and fell head first on the floor with a terrifying smack.

I rushed over (I had actually seen her head floorwards – boy do you feel helpless at those moments), and gently turned her over and much to my consternation, there was not only a large gash on her forehead, but a pool of blood on the floor under her head. Honestly, it looked a bit like a murder scene!! I rushed to the phone and told Reception that we needed urgent help, then back to Val, who had not, surprisingly passed out. No one came running so I rang again and was decidedly forthright!

The hotel staff then came – and were superb. Towels, pillows and an ambulance in quick succession. I wondered if we would need evidence of what occurred for the insurance, so took the following photos…

The ambulance arrived and there was much flurry of attention and activity, not least from two of the girls from the restaurant, who were brilliant especially in insisting that Val stay awake.

We first went to the local government Marawila Hospital, where Val had her wound cleaned and dressed, but it is a very basic set up there and Val could only be placed in the Women’s Ward, which was catering for about 40 beds, all full – and men were not meant to be in attendance, so it was quickly decided to move to a private hospital in Negombo. I was busy trying to contact the insurance company, not helped by the fact that there was, not unreasonably, no WiFi and the credit limit on my phone ran out mid-call! All while being assaulted by a flight of mosquitoes at about 2am in the morning.

Next up was another ambulance journey to Negombo.

Nawaloka Hospital proved to be a bit below par for private hospitals, mostly because they simply would not advise what they were doing or planning on doing, which left us both exasperated (the shock and early hour did not help). Very little empathy. First up it was the emergency room where eventually Val had 3 stitches put into her forehead. Then it was off to X-Ray to ensure there was no other damage. Val was wheeled in alone (radiation exposure etc), but eventually called for me because once again, no one was explaining what they were doing. I was fitted with a sort of lead-lined gilet and her skull was duly scanned. They then ask if she would get onto a very high-up bed to take an x-ray of her knee. This would have involved climbing 3 steps , which, in Val’s state and with her Parkinson’s was just not going to happen. I suggested they put her on a trolley (they can be raised and lowered) instead, which was agreed was workable and another x-ray duly taken.

Well, long story short, the x-rays were ok and there was no sign of concussion, but we had to spent the night and most of the next day in the hospital. We eventually had to demand that Val was discharged, which was just as well we did as it took an age. Paying the bill was a particularly drawn-out event!

Anyway, we got back and since then Val has been recovering well. We visited a more local, smaller private hospital, St Anne’s to have the would looked at and redressed (all for the princely sum of £1,25). It was a bit like stepping back in time as you can tell from the photos…

We went back today and Val had her stitches removed and all is well. We have also secured a Fitness to Fly Certificate, which may come in handy!!

The good news is that Val is doing fine. She is even more the talk of the hotel than ever, especially with a plaster on her forehead!

So, that has rather dominated our lives for the last week. We did have a nice afternoon out with Uyesha, Val’s Ayurvedic doctor, who has been helping her with many of her ailments. She picked us up from the hotel and we went to her home, which is a work in progress – and has been for some time.

She and her husband, Sampath and their 10-year-old son, Binni (spelling) then took us to their local Buddhist temple in a town called Chilaw, which was very nice and serene (the temple, not Chilaw).

We also visited a Hindu temple, though it was a little bit underwhelming, to be honest. We have been spoiled in India. Then back to their home for a delicious meal and lots of interesting chat. It was really nice to be invited to the home of someone local and we feel we have made a good friend.

Talking of friends, as our days here are ending, we have been saying goodbye to some of the staff who will be on leave when our final day dawns tomorrow….

Well, we need to get packing in every sense as we have only tomorrow before we leave – and we still have another visit to Siviraja School to go through to see the renovated desks and chairs. We also have to go round the hotel and thank everyone. And tonight there is more dancing to do!! Luckily I had my annual pedicure yesterday!!

There should be one final blog before this very pleasant holiday is complete, but for now, see you soon!!