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Hemas Hospitals makes national-level contribution through ‘Upakara’ initiative for deprived CKD patients

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g over of the UPKARA offer: Standing Left to Right, L Ruwan Nishantha (beneficiary of the program), Prabhan Gunawardena (Director General Manager), Dr Pradeep Edward (Director General Manager), Dr Lakith Peiris (Managing Director)

In a concerted effort to ensure healthcare equity for all Sri Lankans, the country’s foremost trusted private healthcare provider Hemas Hospitals introduced ‘Upakara’, an unmatched timely initiative which offers free monthly dialysis cycles to a selected number of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients from low-income backgrounds, through Hemas Hospitals.

Hemas Hospitals’ Upakara is a one-of-a-kind initiative, contributing to the health and wellbeing of individuals from underprivileged and less fortunate communities, who are suffering from CKD. While most individuals face difficulties with affording basic healthcare during the country’s perilous economic situation, this facility will be considered a life-saving, monumental effort from a private healthcare provider, contributing on a national level.

“Chronic Kidney Disease is one among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Statistically, 20-25 percent of diabetic patients and 18-20 percent of patients with hypertension are prone to CKD. Holistically, one in 10 Sri Lankans is estimated to have CKD, while the vast majority is unaware of the fact that they have it, resulting in most patients seeking healthcare support at its late-stages. This forces CKD patients to either opt for kidney transplants or regular dialysis treatments, both bearing an intense level of financial burden on patients and their loved ones. Given the volatile macro-economic environment in the country today, this financial burden is heavier than ever before,” stated Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director Hemas Hospitals.

“A statistically higher number of CKD patients from the underprivileged communities who are affected by fewer resources prompted us to address this issue by extending our support to these communities with essential infrastructure and services through Hemas Hospitals’ Upakara initiative,” he added.

CKD is fast becoming a major public health concern, attracting increased global attention due to rapid spread of the disease, and its grave impact on patients and their quality of life. With a larger number of CKD patients reported from Sri Lanka each year, the national healthcare system often finds it difficult to cater to the full requirement of all patients requiring dialysis, affecting their health and wellbeing on a large scale.

With the aim of ensuring good governance and community participation, Upakara will be overseen and operated by a governance committee inclusive of key opinion leaders within the hospital and communities.

With a vision of ‘Making Healthful Living Happen’, Hemas Hospitals intends to support CKD patients in a manner that eases the great financial burden that falls on them every month and enhances their access to life-saving dialysis treatment. At a time in the country when macro-economic volatility has destabilized personal economies, Upakara will lend greatly to easing the financial pressure of healthcare on these chronic patients and enable them to re-establish a sense of wellbeing.

“Therefore, in such a dire context, we believe Upakara is an important step forward in assuring health and healthcare equity in Sri Lanka, and consider it our duty as a responsible healthcare provider to ensure that all Sri Lankans have access to the life-saving treatment they require regardless of their financial background. Upakara was therefore borne with this vision, and we consider ourselves privileged to launch this vital CSR programme as we continue to work to eliminate disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases in Sri Lanka,” stated Dr. Peiris.



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Amal Niroshan Attanayake appointed Chairman Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited

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Amal Niroshan Attanayake, a highly experienced business professional with both local and international experience, has been appointed the new Chairman of Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

The official letter of appointment was presented to Mr Attanayake on Friday (13) by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at the Ministry premises.

Mr. Attanayake, an alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, brings over 25 years of high-level experience in local and international business fields. During his school years, he served as a President’s Scout and later graduated with honours from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He has also served as the Secretary of the University Sports Association and represented Sri Lanka in international tennis tournaments.

In addition to creating a number of local and international brands, Attanayake has organised and managed several international exhibitions in South Asia and Sri Lanka. He also has extensive expertise in modern technology and digitalisation.

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‘Landmark moment for Islamic Finance in Sri Lanka’

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Dignitaries at the ‘Sukuk’ launch

When Vidullanka PLC announced it was launching Sri Lanka’s first listed Sukuk—a Shariah-compliant, asset-backed debt instrument—it wasn’t just another financial product hitting the market. It was a landmark moment for Islamic Finance in the country. At the helm of this groundbreaking initiative was Riyaz Sangani, Chief Executive Officer of Vidullanka PLC, who, along with a visionary team of arrangers and advisors, ushered in a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s capital market history.

“We believe renewable energy and Islamic finance are natural partners,” Sangani remarked in the press briefing in Colombo recently underscoring how Vidullanka’s asset-rich, sustainability-driven operations make it an ideal candidate for structuring Shariah-compliant financing. This alignment not only enhanced Vidullanka’s funding options but opened the door for a new class of investors seeking ethical and interest-free investment vehicles.

With Sri Lanka’s financial sector still emerging from a turbulent period marked by instability and credit tightness, Vidullanka’s Rs. 500 million Sukuk issue signals a calculated pivot toward financial innovation. For Sangani, the move is more than strategic—it’s symbolic. “This issuance is a stepping stone, he said, expressing hope it would inspire further diversification in Sri Lanka’s Islamic finance ecosystem.

The two-tranche Sukuk—offered in both fixed and floating rate structures—has been rated A+ (lka) by Fitch Ratings and secured by tangible assets and designated cash reserves. It also adheres strictly to Shariah principles, certified by a panel of reputed scholars, including Prof. Aishath Muneeza and Moulavi Mohammed Siraj Najubudeen.

Behind the scenes, the Sukuk’s success was driven by the unwavering dedication of partners like Eshani Thenuwara, Senior Vice President at NDB Investment Bank. Her team had begun work on the product long before formal regulatory frameworks were in place.

“It has been a fulfilling journey of learning and overcoming many obstacles,” Thenuwara noted. “Vidullanka was the perfect partner—dedicated to Shariah-compliant finance as a matter of policy, not just convenience.” NDB Investment Bank served both as Manager and Joint Arranger for the issue, alongside Adl Capital.

Ishrat Rauff, Managing Director of Adl Capital, offered a broader view of the accomplishment. “This is a product that has been on the industry’s wishlist for decades, he said, pointing to the perseverance it took to get regulatory buy-in from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He described the structuring exercise as “the most complex” in his nearly 30-year career.

Adl Capital’s involvement went beyond technical advisory—it helped bridge gaps between regulatory expectations, investor confidence, and religious compliance. “We sincerely hope this sets a precedent for more ethically aligned financial products in the market, Rauff added

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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ICC unveils sustainable, cost-effective housing solution with innovative Durra Kit Houses

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In a bold move to revolutionise the construction industry, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Limited (ICC), one of Sri Lanka’s leading engineering and construction companies, has introduced an innovative, eco-friendly housing solution aimed at shaping a more sustainable future.

Celebrating 40 years of construction excellence, ICC remains true to its vision of being the most innovative and responsible developer, contractor, and engineering solutions provider on a global stage. Its latest venture—Durra Kit Houses—embodies this vision, offering a modern alternative to conventional building methods through cutting-edge design and environmental responsibility.

Durra panels, a remarkable construction material made from compressed straw bound with a zero-emission adhesive, form the foundation of the prefabricated Durra Kit Houses. They deliver superior thermal insulation that maintains stable indoor temperatures while dramatically reducing energy consumption. Homeowners can expect significantly lower heating and cooling costs, alongside a reduced carbon footprint.

Beyond energy efficiency, Durra panels offer excellent soundproofing, creating a peaceful and comfortable indoor environment. Their fire resistance, pest-proofing, and mould resistance ensure safety and durability, making these homes as practical as they are sustainable.

A standout feature of the Durra Kit Houses is their cost-effectiveness. The prefabrication process enables rapid assembly, reducing construction times and labour expenses. Additionally, the energy-efficient design offers long-term savings on utility bills.

The design is highly customisable, allowing for a variety of aesthetic and functional preferences—from sleek modern styles to more traditional layouts. Its flexible structure also simplifies future expansions or modifications.

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