Business
‘SL way behind in making persons with Down Syndrome productive citizens’
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.’
Private taxi operators at Bandaranaike International Airport are calling for urgent rental relief, stating that they are struggling to sustain operations after paying nearly Rs. 19 million in monthly rental fees amid a sharp decline in tourist arrivals during the off-season.
The operators said tourist arrivals have dropped by nearly 80%, severely affecting their income and making it difficult to continue meeting high operational costs.
“Only a small number of tourists are now arriving at the airport, and a majority of them are being taken by metered taxi operators, who pay only around Rs. 700 per ride as fees to Airport and Aviation Services, an operator said.
According to the operators, the six long-standing private taxi service providers at the airport each pay monthly rentals ranging from approximately Rs. 2.9 million to Rs. 4 million. In addition, they are required to maintain a minimum a fleet of six vehicles along with dedicated airport staff.
“What we are requesting is a temporary reduction in monthly rental payments for around three to four months until tourist arrivals improve and the industry returns to normal, they said.
The operators noted that they have been operating at the airport for more than two decades, providing transport services to both local and international travelers, while metered taxi services entered the airport transport sector only about two years ago.
They also alleged that metered taxi operators have been granted more favourable operating conditions and questioned the process through which those operators were allowed to operate at the airport.
Operators argue that the present financial burden has become unsustainable, given the sharp drop in business volumes and what they describe as an uneven competitive environment within the airport transport system.
“What we are requesting is a 50% reduction in monthly rental fees for a period of at least three months, they said.
They also raised concerns about the quality and condition of some vehicles operated by metered taxi providers.
“Passengers are often unaware of the condition of some of these vehicles until they enter them, which can compromise safety standards, one operator claimed.
In contrast, the private airport taxi operators say they maintain newer vehicles and employ experienced, professionally trained drivers to ensure higher standards of passenger safety and service quality.
The operators warned that failure to address the issue could have wider economic and social consequences. The six service providers collectively employ around 250 staff, and continued financial pressure may lead to job losses and a reduction in organised airport transport services.
By Hiran H Senewiratne
The operation of Automobile Association of Ceylon(AAC) Call Boxes, in the past had provided yeoman service to many motorists including during the era of British planters. AAC services for members are a motoring security when they travel.
The Call Box in Nuwara Eliya was recently refurbished to provide a better and improved service to the Members in the area and the touring public. Now from this Call Box the motorists could get Road Side Assistance, Valuation Reports, Technical Advice and also issuance of International Driving Permits.
The refurbished Call Box at Nuwara Eliya was declared open by Dhammika Attygalle, President of the Association in the presence of S V Ganesh – Vice President, several Executive Committee members, Puthrasigamani, Life Member of the Association, Eng. C S Samarasekera of RDA- Nuwara Eliya, Devapriya Hettiarachchi, Secretary (AAC) and Eng. C L Liyanasuriya – Chief Engineer(AAC).
The services from the Nuwara Eliya Call Box are available from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
Call Technical Officer Sampath Madagama on 0767315696.
From Risk to Opportunity: Mainstreaming Climate Action into Sri Lanka’s Growth Story
As climate rules tighten globally and investor expectations shift from commitment to compliance, climate action is now directly tied to trade, competitiveness, and access to finance. Against this backdrop, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host the second edition of the Sri Lanka Climate Summit on 9 June 2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, convening policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and technical experts to focus on pathways for integrating climate action into Sri Lanka’s growth story.
Held as a biennial platform, the Summit returns this year under the theme “From Risk to Opportunity: Mainstreaming Climate Action into Sri Lanka’s Growth Story.” While the inaugural edition in 2024 focused on building awareness and advocacy, the 2026 Summit shifts the conversation toward implementation, technical readiness, and compliance as climate-related obligations begin to directly influence access to markets, finance, and investment.
Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone agenda, this year’s discussions will explore how climate considerations are becoming embedded across core areas of business and economic decision-making, from infrastructure and trade to finance, governance, digitalisation, agriculture, and supply chains.
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