Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) and the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development (SLACD) have officially inaugurated the ‘Pragathi’ Southern Provincial Autism and Neuro Developmental Intervention Centre, marking a significant milestone in their joint project ‘Act Early for Autism’.
The facility, located at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, embodies their commitment to providing comprehensive support and hope to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, with a substantial investment exceeding Rs. 45 million.
The Pragathi Intervention Centre is designed to cater to a diverse range of needs for children with ASD. The Therapy Room offers a distraction-free environment where highly trained therapists provide personalised care.
The Sensory Gym plays a pivotal role in sensory integration and motor skills development.
To further empower both the children and their parents, the centre is equipped with special toilet training facilities. Here, children are guided in learning the necessary procedures for appropriate bathroom etiquette. Parents are also provided with the knowledge and resources needed to support their child’s development in this crucial aspect of daily life.
The dedicated team at the Pragathi Centre comprises highly trained therapists with several years of experience, ensuring the delivery of the highest level of care and support for the children.
Marking its 20th anniversary, CDB together with SLACD launched the ‘Act Early for Autism’ project in 2015 with the focus of raising awareness about ASD, facilitating early detection, and ensuring timely intervention. Accordingly, the Autism Trust Fund was mooted as a result of this collaboration. All CDB’s efforts towards raising awareness through mass media campaigns, outreach programs and establishing intervention centres are facilitated via this trust fund.
“We believe that true success is not measured solely by financial gains but by the positive impact we create in our society. The ‘Pragathi’ Southern Provincial Autism and Neurodevelopmental Intervention Centre is more than just a project; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of the children. For CDB, ‘Social Conscious’ is a key pillar of our Sustainability Agenda and promoting child health and well-being is considered as a main vertical under the same,” said Mahesh Nanayakkara – MD/CEO of CDB.
SLACD President Prof. Hemamali Perera said; “Today, we stand at the threshold of a transformation that will change countless lives. CDB’s dedication and substantial investment in the ‘Pragathi’ Southern Provincial Autism and Neurodevelopmental Intervention Centre are nothing short of a miracle for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.”
The Pragathi Southern Provincial Autism and Neurodevelopmental Intervention Centre is more than just a facility; it symbolises progress, hope, and unwavering support for children with ASD and their families in the Southern Province.
