Courageous helping hands behind Rehab Lanka
Amidst the humdrum surroundings of Maligawatta a name board proclaims ‘Rehab Lanka’. Entering this ordinary-looking building a visitor is transported to a bustling world of extraordinary skill and courage. A group of young persons with diverse disabilities proclaims loud and clear that they are as able as any of their peers, turning out wheelchairs of different kinds, crutches, walking aids, hospital screens, tricycles and many more assistive devices for those with disabilities.
Rehab Lanka set up in the early ’90s, is the industrial arm of the Sri Lanka Foundation of the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (SLFRD), set up in 1985 by renowned orthopaedic surgeon the late Dr. Rienzie Peiris. Originally a facility which manufactured uniforms for various government and private institutions employing those with disabilities, Rehab Lanka expanded to a fully-fledged industrial centre manufacturing assistive devices. Today it also produces other equipment such as hospital beds and screens, cloth racks and bunk beds for hostels.
When it was time for Dr. Peiris to hand over the responsibilities of the place an enterprising young man Premadasa Dissanayake was introduced to him by Gangarama Temple’s Chief Incumbent, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera. Today Dissanayake’s beloved wife, H.D. Mala Nandani keeps her late husband’s vision for the place alive as the Administrative Officer. “Rehab Lanka is our child,” says Mala who is a mother to countless persons who pass through her hands at the place. Having lost the use of one leg as a result of a vaccination mishap when she was a child, Mala finds her ‘lifeless leg’ no impediment. Having joined Rehab Lanka as a clerk in 1993, Mala never looked back. Her marriage to Dissanayake, then the President of Rehab Lanka and a Para Olympic star, further fuelled her spirit to revamp the organisation. Several new schemes were added to its industrial portfolio under her able guidance. Her love for the place and her passion to empower those with special needs propel Mala to take the train daily from Batuwatta early in the morning.
Although several collaborations with overseas partners helped to have wheels in motion, today Rehab Lanka is a fully independent body.
The salaries for the craftsmen and women, their lodging expenses, cost of production and all other utility bills are borne by the income derived from the sale of their products. Certified by all relevant government authorities including the Department of Social Services, Rehab Lanka is supported by a committee comprising professionals with diverse disabilities. It is also the only non-profit organisation which produces assistive devices for those with disabilities, says Mala who cites the necessity to upgrade their technological know-how as the most pressing challenge. Their line includes folding wheelchairs, baby walkers (for babies with special needs), posterior walkers, commode chairs with wheel, easy go tricycles, mega sports wheelchairs and tilt tables.
Rehab Lanka which employs a very Spartan workforce of less than 15 at the moment, needs to expand, says Mala who laments that limited resources do not permit them to do so. “We have very skilled individuals with us who can adhere to careful details of production,” she says. A permanent showroom and an outlet for their products is also a pressing need.
A. Thusitha Chamara, a victim of a vaccine gone wrong who is attached to the ‘Finishing Division’ urges the public to promote their products. Chamara with 13 years of experience at Rehab Lanka, lauds his mentors for enabling him ‘dignity of life’. However he laments that the place is struggling to mould a new generation of craftsmen owing to a lack of resources.
D.G. Dilakshi, a wheelchair user from Polonnaruwa who sews cushions for the wheelchairs is one of the most senior hands at Rehab Lanka. “If we had remained at our homes, we would not have got this life,” says Dilakshi who supports her aged father today. Skilled welders Sarath Kumara and Anil both hearing impaired communicate with sign language that they are happy to be productively employed.
A cancer cost Anuranga Dilshan from Warakapola one of his legs at 18. Today he supports his family thanks to Rehab Lanka. Prasanna Lal’s slow growth and disability had rendered him a special wheelchair user. A computer whiz kid, Prasanna renders his IT expertise to Rehab Lanka. “Rehab Lanka has brought us quality of life and we urge public spir- ited professionals to come forward to share their knowhow in terms of technology and otherwise,” says Prasanna.
Those who wish to engage with Rehab Lanka to support its worthy cause, may contact its office on 0112689287. Emailslfrd@sltnet.lk