Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital marks World Down Syndrome Day

By Harischandra GunaratnA 

The Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in collaboration with the National Institute of Education recently held a programme to mark the World Down Syndrome Day at the hospital.

It was a well-attended programme where a number of children participated and the programme included an Art exhibition, singing and dancing.

According to Dr. Roshini Karunanayke, it was an opportunity for such children to exhibit their innate talents.

Dr. Karunanayake (Paediatrician) made a presentation on Down Syndrome and on how to manage the condition.

The Director of the hospital Dr. Rathnasiri A. Hewage said “We should not consider this as an illness. It is a condition where such individuals need love and inclusion in the society. “

An important presentation was delivered by the NIE team about inclusive education.

Nadun Hettiarachchi and the team enthralled the audience singing the song  “Aaderayen mulu lokema pudume kerenewo” – love makes the world a wonder.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder and occurs in people of all races and economic level. It is a lifelong condition and occurs in about one in every 700 babies. People with this condition have three copies of chromosome-21. Therefore this event is celebrated on the 21st day of the third rd month. This condition is also called Trisomy-21. Usually people have only two copies of chromosome-21. Chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cells in our body and carry genes which decide our clinical features.