Vice President, OPA
OPA Conducts Donation Programme to Child Unit of Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama
The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), through its Social Events & Outreach Programmes Committee, successfully implemented a community health support initiative on 25th April 2026 at the Child Unit of Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka.
OPA is consistently using the expertise of its diverse professional members to support national health priorities and strengthen social protection systems, especially for high-risk groups like children with cancer.
The programme was enabled through voluntary contributions mobilized from the membership of the OPA, supplemented by a direct institutional allocation of LKR 250,000 from the Organisation. Collectively, these resources facilitated the procurement and donation of oncology pharmaceuticals valued at approximately LKR 1 million.
In addition, the OPA extended humanitarian support through the distribution of 75 care packages containing fruits, biscuits, and Samaposha, thereby contributing to the nutritional supplementation and immediate welfare of the children receiving treatment in the ward. Beyond material assistance, the programme incorporated a structured psychosocial intervention in the form of a curated musical engagement session. This initiative was designed to foster emotional resilience, alleviate psychological distress, and cultivate a therapeutic ambience conducive to the well-being of both children and their caregivers within a high-stress clinical setting.
The medicines were formally handed over to Director Dr. Sampath Indika, Deputy Director and the team of the Pharmacy Department of Apeksha Hospital, symbolizing a collaborative institutional interface between the OPA and Sri Lanka’s premier pediatric oncology institution.
The programme was attended by senior representatives of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka, thereby underscoring its institutional gravitas and collective governance ethos. The delegation was led by Mr. Jayantha Gallehewa, President of OPA, and comprised Mr. Tisara De Silva, President-Elect; Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe, General Secretary; Mr. Priyantha Sahabandu, Vice President and Chairman of the Social Events & Outreach Programmes Committee; and Mr. D.M.D. Prasanna, Convener of the same Committee. They were accompanied by Dr. Lalith Wijetunge, Past President; Dr. Naresha Samarasekera, Vice President; Mr. K.S.L. Hewage, Member; and Archt. Dilummini De Mel, Member of OPA.
Representing the OPA, Mr. D.N. Seneviratne, Centre Director, together with two staff members, facilitated the smooth coordination and successful implementation of the programme.
