Children’s Centre for Disabilities at Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine opens in Dec 2019
View(s):The AYATI Centre – Sri Lanka’s first National Centre for Children with Disabilities- was ceremonially handed over by the Sri Lanka Army upon construction to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya on July 18.
Aerial view of the complex.
The centre will be opened to the public by end 2019, providing its services free of charge to help children with disabilities in Sri Lanka.
The building of AYATI Centre at a total cost of Rs. 550 million was funded by AYATI Trust Sri Lanka — a public private partnership incorporated by the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings PLC and MAS Holdings. The project’s key donors comprised Hemas Holdings PLC and MAS Holdings, along with the University of Kelaniya, and the Sri Lanka Army. Rotary partnered the project by sponsoring facilities needed for audiology. Alongside donations were also made by People’s Bank, People’s Leasing, John Keells Holdings, Brandix, Foundation of Goodness and other well-wishers, according to a media release issued by Hemas.
The construction of the National Centre was completed within a short span of 13 months by the 10 ESR unit of the Sri Lanka Army accompanied by 200 soldiers who worked at the site. The Sri Lankan Army contributed their resources pro-bono, supporting a much needed, national initiative.
Along with the generous contribution by the Army, MICD Architects, Wickremesinghe Associates and Triad provided their services free of charge as well.
The ‘AYATI’ project is a long-term, sustainable national initiative aimed at helping children with disabilities to reach their full potential through early intervention and guidance. The ultimate objective being to create an opportunity for them to be integrated into society effectively. AYATI hopes to improve the children’s quality of life and independence, making them reach a life as full as possible.
According to statistics, demographics show that approximately 20 per cent of Sri Lankan child population could be effected with some form of disability. Most parents are unable to identify this limitations early and even when they do are not willing to accept it due to social and personal pressures.
Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Chairperson of AYATI Trust Sri Lanka stated, “We are humbled and grateful for the support extended by our donors to make this dream into a reality. The AYATI Centre will soon be equipping itself to help the Sri Lankan community, and open its doors to the general public by the end of this year. This rehabilitation centre will offer many required services that aren’t widely available within the country in relation to disabilities.” She further commented, “With the success of this project, we hope to expand across the country and help families and children that require these services and are unable to afford them.”
The AYATI Center will offer a range of free services, medical intervention in diagnosis and support in Speech and Language therapy, Audiology, Physiotherapy, Family therapy and more.