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‘SL way behind in making persons with Down Syndrome productive citizens’

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(L-R) Prof. Samanmali Sumanasena –  Professor in Paediatric Disabilities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya  , Shiromi Masakorala Executive Director Hemas Outreach Foundation / AYATI Trust Sri Lanka, Kosala Dullewa, Kosala Perera, Roshan Mahanama - Trustee AYATI Trust Sri Lanka, Neli de Silva, Bindai Yuhansa, Prof. Nilanthi de Silva– Vice Chancellor Kelaniya University / Chairperson AYATI Trust Sri Lanka, Ajey Amalean Trustee AYATI Trust Sri Lanka, Shamel Andrio, and Prof. Asvini Fernando - – Hon. Director Ayati national Center for Children with Disabilities.

While children and adults with Down Syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations across the world, Sri Lanka still has some catching up to do, for no other reason than the social stigma attached to same. All such children need an inclusive learning environment to get them integrated into society as productive citizens.

The above are some of the views that were expressed by specialists at a forum to mark World Syndrome Day recently. A press release issued to mark the latter occasion by the Hemas Outreach Foundation said:

‘Hemas Outreach Foundation celebrated World Down Syndrome Day under the theme ‘Thanak Demu’ (a place in society) at the AYATI Centre in Ragama, through the ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ social movement, which empowers children and families with Down Syndrome to live a dignified life.

‘Efforts such as this represent the Hemas Group’s focus to create an inclusive world where no child is left behind. In Sri Lanka, most children and families with Down Syndrome face societal isolation due to stigma, resulting in the public being unaware of the capabilities of this community. Hemas Outreach Foundation is confident that with the right approach, children with Down Syndrome can integrate well into society, making them productive citizens of the nation.

‘Celebrations included creating awareness and casting the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of individuals with Down Syndrome.

‘Speaking at the event, Shiromi Masakorala, Executive Director, Hemas Outreach Foundation/Ayati Trust said, “Though every child in Sri Lanka has the right to free education, children with special needs are often treated differently and are rejected by some schools. While such children may not be the best at academics, all they need is an inclusive learning environment to get them integrated into society as productive citizens. Our mission is to ensure that when it comes to learning, no differentiation should exist among children with Down Syndrome or children with any other disability.

‘Meanwhile, Prof. Samanmali Sumanasena, Professor in Paediatric Disabilities – Disability Studies Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Hon. Consultant Paediatrician – North Colombo Teaching Hospital and Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, added, “While children and adults with Down Syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organisations across the world, Sri Lanka still has some catching up to do, for no other reason than the societal stigma attached to the same. Many fail to understand that such children are gifted in their own ways, from excelling in creativity and the performing arts, to reading into the emotions of those around them. It is also extremely important to understand that these children also can achieve academic strengths and sit for public examinations with reasonable accommodations, hence health and education providers should guide the families to get the best educational outcomes in these children. Together with Hemas Group, we are confident that we can break through these negative stereotypes for good.”

‘Since its launch in 2021 the social movement ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ by Hemas Outreach Foundation has become one of the most proactive groups in terms of creating a platform to recognise the rights of those with Down Syndrome, while promoting inclusivity in today’s society.’



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Sri Lanka Tourism makes a strong impression at CMT 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany

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Sri Lanka Tourism marked its presence at CMT 2026, held in Stuttgart, Germany, one of the largest consumer travel fairs in Europe. The Sri Lanka Stand accommodated representatives from the local tourism industry, providing a valuable platform to connect directly with the German travel community, particularly travellers with long-haul travel intentions.

Sri Lanka’s participation at CMT 2026 enabled direct engagement with consumers and helped stimulate interest in exploring the country’s diverse and year-round travel experiences. This presence addressed a long-standing need for Sri Lanka Tourism to participate in major consumer-focused travel platforms, effectively taking destination promotion directly to the travellers’ doorstep.

A wide range of travel packages, customised itineraries, accommodation options, and experiential offerings were presented to interested German consumers by Sri Lankan DMCs, under the umbrella of Sri Lanka Tourism. The platform also allowed potential travellers to clarify concerns and queries related to planning travel to Sri Lanka through direct, face-to-face interactions with industry professionals.

These direct engagements enabled Sri Lankan industry participants to gain valuable insights into emerging travel interests, changing consumer behaviour, and evolving customer expectations in the German market. The face-to-face discussions with end consumers strengthened the industry’s understanding of demand trends and product requirements.

Strategically, Sri Lanka Tourism’s focus on B2C promotions serves as a catalyst for strengthening B2B platforms, ensuring that final decision-makers—the travellers—are actively engaged alongside trade partners. This alignment enhances the overall effectiveness of trade collaborations. Well-designed consumer promotion activities, including giveaways, contests, experiential engagements, and cultural performances, created emotional connections with visitors, improved destination recall, and reinforced Sri Lanka’s positioning as a compelling long-haul destination. (Sri Lanka Tourism)

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Adora raises the bar for hospital-backed aesthetic care in Wattala

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Dr. Piyumini Gunasekara on advanced non surgical treatments

Hemas Hospitals has strengthened its regional healthcare positioning with the launch of Adora Cosmetic Centre at Hemas Hospital Wattala, introducing a hospital-backed, clinically governed model of aesthetic medicine at a time when South Asia’s cosmetic sector is expanding faster than regulation.

Unlike standalone cosmetic clinics, Adora is fully integrated into the Hemas Hospital ecosystem, embedding aesthetic services within hospital-grade infrastructure, multidisciplinary medical support and internationally aligned clinical governance.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals & Labs, said the centre represents a deliberate shift in strategy.

“Adora is not about cosmetic enhancement alone. It is built on protocols, trained clinicians and governance. As healthcare providers scale across the region, safety and medical credibility must remain non-negotiable,” he told The Island Financial Review.

The centre is positioned as a health-class facility, combining advanced aesthetic technologies with evidence-based medical pathways. This approach addresses growing regional concerns over unregulated cosmetic practices, offering patients reassurance through professional oversight and ethical medical standards.

Prabhan Gunawardena, Director General Manager of Hemas Hospital Wattala, said the initiative reflects both clinical responsibility and business foresight.

“The cosmetic industry is evolving rapidly across South Asia. Adora demonstrates how innovation can be scaled responsibly when anchored in medical expertise and hospital governance,” he said.

Detailing the centre’s scope, Dr. Piyumini Gunasekara, Medical Officer – Adora Cosmetic Centre, said treatments are designed to address medical and aesthetic concerns through personalised, evidence-based care.

She told The Island Financial Review:”We offer advanced non-surgical treatments for concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen loss, enlarged pores, rosacea, UV damage, excessive sweating, warts and moles. Every procedure is clinically assessed and delivered within a hospital-backed framework to ensure safe and sustainable outcomes.”

Clinical governance remains central to operations, reinforced by Dr. Malith Atapattu, Director – Medical Services and Quality, who highlighted the importance of protocol-driven care in a sector often challenged by inconsistent standards.

As Sri Lanka positions itself as a regional healthcare and medical tourism destination, hospital-led aesthetic centres such as Adora signal a broader industry shift—where growth is aligned with governance, trust and long-term sustainability.

For Hemas Hospitals, Adora represents a calculated entry into a high-growth segment without compromising medical integrity. For the region, it underscores a clear message: the future of aesthetic care lies in hospital-backed, clinically governed models—not cosmetic shortcuts.

By Ifham Nizam

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John Keells Consumer Foods Sector dominates SLIM National Sales Awards 2025 with landmark wins

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The John Keells Consumer Foods Sector (JKCF) has reinforced its standing as a powerhouse in Sri Lanka’s FMCG industry with an exceptional performance at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2025, securing an impressive total of 27 awards. This remarkable achievement reflects the sector’s unwavering commitment to building high-performing teams, nurturing sales excellence, and driving sustained growth across its diverse business verticals.

Representing the iconic brands of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS), Keells Food Products PLC (KFP), and Colombo Ice Company (CICL), JKCF has long been recognized for its rich legacy of innovation and leadership in beverages, frozen confectionery, and processed foods. Its long-standing focus on people capability and performance culture continues to fuel industry-leading achievements, with the latest recognition at SLIM NSA 2025 marking one of the largest collective wins by a single organization in the event’s history.

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