Life style
Towards a disability-friendly health system
Gaps in the health care system burden those with disabilities with an added cross. In the backdrop of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which fell on December 3, we spoke to many stakeholders to push for collective national interventions to enhance the quality of life of those with disability.
by Randima Attygalle
Nisha Shareef from Kandy was born with a rare spinal cord abnormality which left her wheelchair-bound for life. Introduced to rehabilitation at age 11, Nisha’s quality of life improved. Thanks to the vocational training she received through the Ragama Vocational Training School, she learned the art of watch-mending. Today at 50-years, she runs her own business in the Kandy town, her example empowering fellow wheelchair users.
Health challenges for those in Nisha’s shoes are many. Inability to control the passing of urine, catheter and diaper dependency, frequent urine infections and bed sores are among them. Management of all these issues is costly says Nisha who lobbies for a special concession for adult diapers and other medication required by those with disabilities. “Accessibility to public toilets including those at hospitals is a nightmare for us,” she says. Nisha urges the health authorities to have disability-friendly infrastructure at hospitals and to dedicate a help desk and a hotline at least at Teaching Hospitals to assist those with disabilities.
Many young girls and women with mental disabilities and those who are vision impaired left alone at homes are often sexually exploited, she points out proposing a state-supported day-care system to shelter them while their parents or other care givers are at work. This would help ensure their safety.
Having fallen off a rambutan tree at ten, Lasantha Chandimal from Dampe off Madapatha, became paralyzed. Having lost both his parents by 15, Lasantha’s life took a turn for the worse. The Samaritans at the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital not only uplifted him from a bedridden patient to a wheelchair user but also trained him to maneuver a special tricycle. Lasantha, 36-years old today, has lost his job with the closure of the plastic factory he worked at. His wife, a wheelchair user herself, also worked there.
A spinal cord injury makes Lasantha often susceptible to kidney dysfunction. “I’m a catheter-user and I developed a urine infection during the lockdown which left me helpless with no access to medical treatment. With my temperature running high due to the infection, I called for an ambulance several times to no avail. Finally I had no choice but to scrape my savings and get treatment at a private hospital.”
The absence of special assistance at OPDs, indifference of the support staff and exploitation of those with disability by some, makes matters worse. Improving disabled-health literacy at ground level, improving sanitation facilities for people with disability in hospitals, sensitizing support staff and creating awareness on available help devices are among Lasantha’s suggestions to ease the burden of this community.
Over a billion of people, about 15% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) have some form of disability. Half those with disability cannot afford healthcare, compared to a third of those without disability. People with disability are more than twice as likely to find healthcare providers’ skills inadequate and people with disability are four times more likely to report being treated badly; and they are nearly three times more likely to be denied healthcare, WHO affirms. The World Bank literature on ‘Disability Inclusion’ documents that ‘many persons with disabilities have additional underlying health needs that make them particularly vulnerable to severe symptoms of COVID-19, if they contract it. Persons with disabilities may also be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 because information about the disease, including the symptoms and prevention, are not provided in accessible formats such as print material in Braille, sign language interpretation, captions, audio provision, and graphics.’
Translating sensitization on ‘disability and rehabilitation’ into practical reality is urgent, points out Manique Gunaratne, Manager Specialized Training and Disability Resource Centre of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon. Manique who lost her vision in her 20s due to Retinitis pigmentosa had no proper local guidance to a rehabilitation system. The overseas doctors whom she consulted empowered her on ICT systems available for vision impaired people. “This has made me what I am today,” says the activist who lobbies for help desks which could offer guidance for people with disabilities and their families to make informed decisions. “Very often when a child with a disability is born, parents have no clue what to do with it. If the medical condition turns out to be disability, they are even more helpless,” notes Manique who also proposes a ‘Priority Card’ on health nee
ds and making disability representation stronger at policy-level within the health sector.
The role of collaboration between doctors, physiotherapists and the beneficiary in determining the best assistive device cannot be understated says H.D. Mala Nandani, Administrative Officer, Rehab Lanka which manufactures s
uch devices. “An assistive device has to be a customized and very often there is little awareness among the poorest of the poor who depend on a donated wheelchair which could very often compound the disability.” The National Secretariat for Persons with Disability provides a stipend for such devices, she adds. The local manufacturing volume of assistive devices should be increased for better availability, notes Mala who lost the use of one leg due to a vaccination mishap as a child. “At ground level, the knowledge of personal hygiene among those with disabilities is very poor; hence there should be a system similar to that of midwives to help the families of the disabled in terms of knowledge and guidance to proper health channels.”
The COVID emergency situation which put the local public health system under unprecedented strain has driven the health authorities to design new interventions including meeting the needs of people with disabilities, notes Dr. Shiromi Maduwage, Consultant Community Physician from the Youth, Elderly and Disability Unit of the Ministry of the Health. “We are now developing a system to reach out to those in need in future emergencies. We have already launched a programme to empower care givers during the pandemic. This is facilitated by the National Secretariat for Persons with Disability.
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A system to improve the COVID-related health messages through Braille and sign language is also underway she says. While the state provides a monthly disability allowance, certain gaps in the system including the need for disabled-friendly infrastructure have been identified; and these need to be bridged, says Maduwage. “The elderly population is growing and disability will be an added burden. Community based rehabilitation is already being strengthened by the health sector to mitigate the challenges and ground level officials sensitized though the MOH divisions.”
Upgrading the school curriculum to incorporate health issues of those with disabilities including their sexual an
d reproductive health and safety can help sensitize future health policy makers to
catering for their needs, remarks Dr. Harischandra Yakandawala, Medical Director of the Family Planning Association and Consultant to the project on sexual and reproductive health during emergencies. “People with disabilities often have barriers in accessing information and we are collaborating with several agencies in addressing this including making online counseling services accessible by victims of gender based violence.” Women and girls with disabilities are the most vulnerable to sexual violence which could result in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, he says citing the need for organized shelters to provide care for young girls and women enabling their caregivers to be productively employed during day time.
Encouraging all parents to “dream for their child” despite odds, Samanmali Sumanasena, Professor in Paedeatric Disability and Head of the Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, urges all partners in paediatric health services to support families with children with mental and physical disabilities. “Research shows that early intervention can make children more cognitively competent and they can be developed into very productive citizens”. In this process, access to correct information, proper referral systems, child intervention services, updated technology for optimum benefits, access to general health care and family support systems are imperative, she says. Training parents and caregivers to routinely intervene to improve their children’s quality of life is important, she points out. Lack of specialists who
can address the concerns of children with special needs in the country is a major bottleneck in enabling wider reach. The Special Needs Programme which was launched in Colombo District in July to meet this challenge is being expanded to the rest of the island as well, says Prof. Sumanasena.
Rehabilitation which is recognized as a human right by the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, improves the functioning status of people with disability to achieve the highest possible functional outcome, notes Dr. Sachithra Adhikari, Acting Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama.
“Lack of an established care pathway directed towards rehabilitation following initial treatment of disability, is a major drawback. Rehabilitation services are provided only by a few hospitals which hardly meet the need.” She goes on to note that the need to generate awareness on the importance of rehabilitation and its cost benefit both among the healthcare professionals and the public is urgent. Drawing attention to limitations in available rehabilitation personnel and infrastructure, she said the lack of coordinated service provision, leadership for financial and administrative support required for rehabilitation service are problems that need addressing. Also, social acceptance of those with disabilities rather than mere sympathy is important together with sensitivity to their plight.
Bernie Stefan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, overseeing Nestlé’s operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He assumed this role in March 2023. Under his leadership, Nestlé has strengthened its footprint in Sri Lanka, touching individuals and families, communities and spearheading sustainable development.
Since taking charge in 2023, Stefan has brought with him over two decades of international experiences, steering the company with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and long term growth.
Bernie describes the anniversary as a moment of pride and reflection on over a century of commitment to Sri Lanka and its people.
Under his leadership, Nestle has expanded its footprint while staying true to its mission: to improve lives by providing nutrition and wellness for all Sri Lankans. Beyond the commercial success, the company has focused on community impact – supporting local farmers. promoting sustainable practices and contributing to public health initiatives.
(Q) Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan homes for 120 years. How has the brand evolved alongside the changing lifestyles of Sri Lankan families?
(A) We at Nestlé are extremely proud of our 120 year journey of enriching Sri Lankan lives. It has been a journey guided by purpose and working together for good – touching individuals and families, the community, and the planet. As lifestyles and needs have evolved, so, too, have our products – offering convenient, tasty and nutritious solutions that meet everyday moments, whether it’s energy on the go or a quick and tasty meal. A true symbol of this legacy is our flagship brand, Nestomalt – synonymous with power, strength and energy – which today is enjoyed as the first cup of the day by a majority of Sri Lankan households.
(Q) Many Sri Lankans have grown up with Nestlé products at their breakfast table or during tea time. How does the company stay emotionally connected with generations of consumers?
(A) Our product range caters to the nutritional needs of consumers from birth to old age. We always ensure that the consumer is at the centre of everything we do. This deep understanding of consumer preferences, ensures not only that our products deliver taste and nutrition but also our communication is in tune to the local context. Our brands have been deeply rooted in the lives of the Sri Lankan community over many decades – be it through Milo school sports programmes or Nestomalt marathons. Being an organisation that has been present in Sri Lanka for such a long time, it also means that consumers hold many nostalgic memories from their childhood with our products.
(Q) From childhood treats to everyday beverages, Nestlé products often carry nostalgic memories. How important is this sense of nostalgia to the brand’s identity?
(A) Brands need to evolve with time and remain relevant. Nostalgia does bring a deep bond and connect with consumers. However, through product and packaging renovations, we have successfully ensured that our brands remain relevant to consumers. One of our oldest Nestlé brands in Sri Lanka, Milkmaid , today, has an online recipe platform with over 300 recipes. This is another example where we have ensured that our brands are able to connect with today’s consumers.
(Q) Has Nestlé adapted its products to suit modern lifestyles while still respecting local tastes?
(A) Our ability to cater to local taste preferences has been a crucial factor to the success of our brands. With the setting up of our local manufacturing operations in 1984, we now manufacture over 90% of Nestlé products sold locally. The deep consumer understanding our teams possess, combined with our global R&D expertise in the food and beverage sector, have given us the ability to tailor make our products to cater to the Sri Lankan taste palette while offering convenience. This is evident in the success of our Nescafe and Nestea 3-in-1 variants and the Ready-to-drink beverage range of Milo and Nescafe, that deliver convenience and great taste.
(Q) How is Nestlé aligning its practices to sustainability and mindful living?
(A) We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Promoting circularity is also a focus area in this journey. We have plans to be 100% plastic neutral this year. Our sustainability initiatives cover the entire value chain, from farm to fork. In Sri Lanka, we are focusing a lot on increasing yield and promoting regenerative agricultural practices across our dairy and coconut value chains. In our manufacturing operations, we have continuously striving towards reducing water and energy usage. We have also implemented numerous initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint in logistics, such as the adoption of rail transportation. We also focus on fostering behavioural change on responsible waste disposal amongst the youth through our School Waste Management Programme.
(Q) What moments or milestones best reflect its connection with everyday life in the country?
(A) Our ability to provide consumers with good food moments each and every day is something that I and the team are extremely passionate about. Also, the deep connect we have with the community, be it our dairy and coconut farmers, the numerous suppliers and trade partners, has been built on trust over the years. Today, we have farmers, suppliers and even employees from across generations and this speaks volumes about our business practices and the trust we have built in Sri Lanka for over a century.
(Q) Nestlé is known globally for innovation. How do you balance global expertise with the unique lifestyle and culinary culture of Sri Lanka?
(A) As I mentioned, understanding the taste palette, nutritional needs and the lifestyles of Sri Lankan consumers and ensuring our products fulfill these needs is key. Having access to one of the world’s leading R&D facilities gives us the unique ability to ensure our products deliver to these consumer needs and preferences. Further, it enhances our ability to ensure the freshness and bio-availability of certain nutrients contained in our products. We’ve also made significant strides in packaging innovation, where we use less plastic and materials that are better suited for recycling. The introduction of Coconut Milk Powder in 1986 was a first for Sri Lanka, and this is another great example of the deep understanding we have of local culinary culture.
(Q) How is the younger generation engaged with the brand today?
(A) Appealing to the discerning youth population will be key to ensuring the future success of our brands. Understanding the nuances of each generation is important. It is also evident that consumption patterns and lifestyles across generations are evolving rapidly. Staying abreast of these changes is something we are deeply committed to. In addition to delivering on taste and nutrition, being trendy and youthful – the purpose for which our brands stand for – is equally important. NESCAFÉ and MAGGI PAPARE BLAST are two brands that have developed a strong connect with Sri Lankan youth.
(Q) What vision do you have for the next chapter in Sri Lanka, especially in shaping lifestyle trends?
(A) Looking ahead, our vision is to continue enriching Sri Lankan lives by providing tasty and nutritious products and promoting healthier and active lifestyles. We will keep innovating to meet evolving consumer needs, while strengthening local sourcing and reducing our environmental impact. The next chapter is about deepening our positive impact – supporting communities, empowering youth and contributing to a resilient food system.
(Q) As the head of Nestlé Sri Lanka, what does celebrating 120 years personally mean to you?
(A) Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is deeply meaningful to us, as it reflects the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in Nestlé. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For me personally, it is both a moment of pride and a responsibility – to honour this legacy while continuing to work together for good, doing what is right for our consumers, our communities, and Sri Lanka.
By Zanita Careem
At a time when entertainment often overshadows education on television, K.C. Saranga has rewritten the script—securing a remarkable third consecutive win for Best Educational Programme at the Raigam Tele’es 2025.
His flagship programme, Jeevithayata Vidyawa (Science for Life), aired on Ada Derana, has not only dominated its category but also elevated the standards of educational broadcasting in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the milestone, Saranga described the win as more than a personal achievement. “Maintaining an award ceremony of this magnitude for 22 years is no small feat. Raigam Tele’es plays a pivotal role in uplifting the industry. By consistently recognising and rewarding Sri Lankan creators, it provides the necessary oxygen for television to evolve as a professional craft,” he said.
A veteran with over 25 years in the industry, Saranga—currently General Manager (News and Current Affairs) at TV Derana and Head of the Ada Derana News Channel—has seamlessly transitioned from hard news to impactful educational programming. His success underscores a broader vision: to harness television’s full potential as an audio-visual learning tool.
“There is a significant void in Sri Lankan television when it comes to high-quality educational productions,” he noted. “Television is an audio-visual medium; its true power lies in its ability to show, not just tell. We use multimedia elements—graphics, animation, and dynamic presentation—to grip the viewer’s attention.”
Saranga emphasised that his goal was to match global benchmarks. “If world-class science documentaries are available in English, our mission was to bring that same global standard to the Sinhala-speaking audience,” he said.
Through Jeevithayata Vidyawa, complex scientific concepts—from aerodynamics to cyclones—are presented in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, redefining the notion of “edutainment” in local television.
Expressing gratitude, Saranga credited his team and network for the continued success.
“This achievement is a result of a shared vision. My deepest gratitude goes to the management of Ada Derana. In an industry often driven by conventional ratings, they have consistently provided a sanctuary for creative freedom, allowing ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas to flourish,” he said.
He added: “To my incredible production team—this trophy belongs to you. Your technical skill and commitment have transformed simple ideas into a national standard. Finally, thank you to our viewers; your curiosity is our ultimate motivation. We will continue to prove that learning is an inspiring journey.”
Saranga’s hat-trick stands as a testament to the power of innovation in educational broadcasting—proving that knowledge, when presented with creativity and purpose, can captivate audiences just as effectively as mainstream entertainment.
By Ifham Nizam
The event “Style Surge,” organised by the Lions Club Elevate, was an evening filled with glamour, leadership and purpose collided in a spectacular fusion. The grand Ballroom at Galle Face Hotel became a canvas of fashion; every detail, from the floral centrepiece to the curated lighting, whispered elegance, while glamour set the stage, purpose was the back bone.
The show featured a curated selection of Sri Lankan designers, each bringing their signature styles to the stage.
The designers captivated the audience with bold, contemporary silhouettes that fused modern trends with traditional influence, creating pieces that were both sophisticated and wearable.
The batik ensembles by doyen of Batiks, Eric Suriyasena, were masterpieces, demonstrating the designer’s mastery in balancing artistry and practicality. Each piece told a story, highlighting the cultural nuances of Sri Lanka, while contributing to the glamour of the event.
The hair and make up for the models were curated by Salon Avra by Thushari de Silva and was nothing short of perfection,
From sleek, modern looks to elegant textured styles, Salon Avra ensured every model complemented the designer’s vision, highlighting the intricate details of each ensemble. The artistry on stage reflected a seamless collaboration between fashion beauty and presentation.
Style Surge unfolded an evening of elegance, creativity and purpose. It brought together Colombo style conscious crowd, social leaders and fashion enthusiasts and transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of couture and compassion.
As the lights dimmed,the runaway came alive with a striking showcase of designs, ranging from contemporary chic to timeless sophistication, by designers like Eric Suriyasena, Anushko, Azeena Sulaiman and Jaywanthi Panibharatha. Leading fashion brands showcased were Aluminium, Disala, Eriq and Elegant Closet, and they presented a blend of contemporary and traditional fashion. Jewellery for the show was designed and sponsored by Blue Majestara Ceylon, . The Chief Guest was District Governor Lion Mahesh Borolugoda and his wife Lion Lady Sunethra Borolugoda.
Beyond glamour, this event, Style Surge, carried a meaningful mission to help rennovate two schools and improve educational facilities for future students
Lions Club of Colombo Elevate district 306D6, the organisers of this event, have been long synonymous with community development .The event underscores the power of fashion as a force of good.
Proceeds and awareness generated though the evening will be directed towards the clubs ongoing humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities while engaging the public in an inspiring way.
In every sense, the event was more than a fashion show, it was a statement. This event reaffirms that glamour can also carry a purpose, creativity can spark compassion, and a runaway that can become a powerful platform for social change. This fashion show was graced by distinguished guests of honour , including designers Aseka Wijewardena, Michael Wijesuriya, Yolande Aluwihare, and Shyara Mendis
This event was organised by Lion Diana Nilanthi, Shen, Lion Thushari de Silva and Lion Shashika Hettiarachchi, whose commitment to creativity and attention to detail transformed the event into a truly memorable evening. They were the driving force that brought the vision of the show to life. Their meticulous planning, conceptualising the theme, coordinating the designers ensured the show ran seamlessly, from start to finish Pix by Thushara Attapathu
By Zanita Careem
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- Thushari de Silva
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- Kamal Addiarachchi
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- Azeena with a guest
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- Enjoying the Kamal Addiarachchi night of style
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