Business

Journey of a Medical Consultant who walked an arduous path to serve the common man

Published

23 hours ago

2025/03/21

Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere

In celebration of Dr. Anula Wijesundere’s 75th birthday, falling today, I, as a family friend, find it fitting to reflect on her remarkable life. She is a devoted, compassionate, and approachable medical consultant who has dedicated over five decades to her profession. Her unwavering commitment to the health of her patients, especially those from ordinary backgrounds, is truly admirable. We extend our warmest wishes for her continued well-being and hope she remains a source of inspiration for many. Dr. Anula Wijesundere possesses extensive medical expertise and is not only an inspiring lifesaver but also a distinguished individual, serving as a role model and mentor to countless aspiring physicians. She is married to Dr. Ajita Wijesundere MBBS(Ceylon), MS(Ceylon), FRCOG(UK), FCOG(SL) Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and together they are blessed with three children and four grandchildren.

Dr. Anula Wijesundere is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. H. Samaranayke. She is an alumna of Visakha Vidyalaya in Colombo, where she was appointed the Head Prefect in 1968. After achieving the highest results among female candidates and securing the third position in the GCE A/L examination in 1969, she enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. During her time in medical school, she earned six distinctions, one gold medal, and graduated with second class upper division honors in her receiving the MBBS (Ceylon) degree in 1974. She later obtained the MD (Ceylon), MRCP (UK), DCH (UK), and DGM (UK), and was subsequently awarded the FCCP, FRCP, and honorary FRACP.

In 1985, following the appointment of her husband, Dr. Ajita Wijesundere, as the consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Polonnaruwa Base Hospital, Dr. Anula Wijesundere submitted her application for the vacant position of Consultant Physician at the same hospital. Dr Anula Wijesundere was the sole candidate to submit an application for that position during a time characterized by severe ethnic strife, which intensified into a civil war, resulting in multiple assaults on civilians in the border areas of the Polonnaruwa District. The appointment has been made with the stipulation that she will also assume the role of paediatrician. In addition to her responsibilities as the consultant physician and her temporary position as the consultant paediatrician, she has also been delivering care to the patients requiring the expertise of a dermatologist and a psychiatrist, as those positions remained unfilled.

Out of eight doctors at the hospital six had been trained in Russia, and thereby each afternoon Dr. Anula Wijesundere had to teach the Russian qualified doctors Tropical Medicine focussing on diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, encompassing both infectious and non-infectious conditions, often linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and environmental factors and also on managing medical emergencies in a Sri Lankan context.

Simultaneously, the nation experienced political turmoil marked by extensive violence and population displacements. Amidst these difficulties, she played a crucial role in addressing severe outbreaks of malaria and Japanese Encephalitis. She mentioned that the shortage of doctors necessitated she and her husband, Dr Ajita Wijesundere as VOG, consultant surgeon Dr Gamini Goonetilleke, and other doctors had to work around the clock. She said by that time the Polonnaruwa hospital had served as a central hospital treating injured soldiers during the civil war which was more focussed in liberation of the East at that time.

She stated that Dr. Gamini Goonetilleke, the consultant surgeon at the Polonnaruwa Base Hospital during that period, demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to treating severely injured soldiers defending our motherland, as well as hundreds of civilians. She noted that, during that period, consultants were required to make independent decisions in managing circumstances that are not encountered today. She noted that during this period, when consultants bravely worked in peripheral hospitals with limited logistical resources, ministry officials provided her with the necessary support to fulfil her responsibilities. She specifically acknowledged Dr. Joe Fernando as one of the exemplary medical administrators who assisted her in delivering care to patients in Polonnaruwa.

To be continued…

By Dharshan Silva
CEO, Abans Finance PLC

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Business

Businesses urged to address environmental challenges

Published

23 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

Dignitaries at an environment-linked awareness-raising event.

Central Environmental Authority (CEA) chairman Dr. Tilak Hewawasam urged businesses to take greater responsibility in addressing environmental challenges, warning that failure to act could have severe long-term economic consequences.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Hewawasam emphasized that sustainability is no longer just a compliance issue but a core business strategy.

“Environmental responsibility is not just a regulatory obligation—it is a business imperative. Companies that integrate sustainable practices will lead the way in economic resilience and innovation, he said.

Hewawasam’s remarks come as Sri Lanka faces mounting environmental concerns, including waste mismanagement, deforestation and rising carbon emissions. The CEA has been advocating for stronger corporate participation in tackling these issues, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies, efficient waste disposal systems and renewable energy sources.

Hewawasam stressed that the government alone cannot drive sustainable change. “The private sector must step up, adopt green technologies and rethink supply chains to minimize environmental impact, he told journalists.

He also noted that businesses investing in sustainability are more likely to attract investor confidence and long-term profitability.

“With global markets increasingly rewarding eco-friendly brands, Sri Lankan companies risk being left behind if they fail to align with international environmental standards, he added.

“The CEA continues to push for stronger collaboration between businesses and policymakers to accelerate the country’s transition to a green economy.”Hewawasam stressed that businesses must view sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to drive innovation and long-term success.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Sri Lankans Vote Dialog as the Telecommunication Brand and Service Brand of the Year

Published

23 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has been honoured as the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 14th consecutive year and the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the 4th time at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2025, held on March 18, 2025. This recognition, awarded based on the voice of the people, reflects the strong relationship Dialog has built with Sri Lankans over the years and the trust they continue to place in the brand.

Since 2007, the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards have been a unique symbol of consumer-driven recognition in Sri Lanka. Unlike industry-judged awards, they are based on a comprehensive nationwide survey, providing a transparent reflection of public sentiment. These accolades honour brands and individuals who have earned the trust and admiration of Sri Lankans, forging strong emotional connections. For Dialog, this recognition underscores its deep-rooted relationship with the people and its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and exceptional service.

“We are truly humbled and grateful to the people of Sri Lanka for this recognition,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC. “To be chosen as the Telecommunication Brand of the Year for 14 years and the Service Brand of the Year for 4 years is an honour we deeply appreciate. It reflects the trust and confidence placed in us by millions across the country, and we remain committed to strengthening this bond by delivering innovative, accessible, and reliable connectivity that enhances lives and enterprises.”

Dialog’s continued recognition at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards is a testament to its dedication to serving Sri Lankans. As the nation’s #1 connectivity provider, Dialog will continue evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers, ensuring that every solution and service contributes to a more connected and empowered Sri Lanka.

Business

Sierra Cables’ share sale bolsters bourse; indices wax positive

Published

23 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

The CSE yesterday was somewhat active because Sierra Cables contributed more than half of the turnover. The company sold its shares at a price 24 percent lower than the previous price level. Market sources revealed that an LOLC Group company purchased 146 million Sierra Cables shares at a market price of Rs 12.30 per share, amounting to Rs 1.8 billion.

This gave some impetus to the market and the All Share Price Index also became positive. Sierra Cable’s previous price was Rs 15.50. Consequently, the All Share Price Index went up by 256.7 points, while S and P SL20 rose by 98.3 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.67 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Citizens Developments Business Finance, where two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 464 million; its shares traded at Rs 232, HNB 295,000 shares crossed for Rs 90 million; its shares traded at Rs 305, JKH, 4 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 80.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 20.20 and TJ Lanka 900,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 49.50.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sierra Cables Rs 1.8 billion (146 million shares traded), CCS Rs 168 million (2.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 79.5 million (3.9 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 67.8 million (562,000 shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 60 million (1.2 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs 58.4 million (one million shares traded). During the day 197 million share volumes changed hands in 11468 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector entities were the main contributors to the turnover, especially with Sierra Cables and JKH, while banking sector counters were the second highest contributor to the market turnover.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 296.45/65 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from 296.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were slightly down.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent, down from 9.84/90 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.08/15 percent, down from 10.14/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 10.25/34 percent, down from 10.25/38 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.75/85 percent, down from 10.85/97 percent.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne