IDH Archives

July 22, 2021

In an effort to enhance facilities for COVID-19 patients at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC donated a state-of-the-art ultrasound scanning machine through its Oba Venuwen Api initiative to support the healthcare sector.

The scanner valued at Rs. 7.5million will be primarily used for diagnosis and intervention related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases at the hospital. HNB Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer- Dilshan Rodrigo and officials presented the ultrasound machine to IDH Director- Dr. Hasitha Attanayake and Consultant Radiologist – Dr. Kishani Abeywardena.

“Our ability to combat the spread of COVID-19 is a direct result of our healthcare professionals’ courageous and diligent efforts, especially those at the IDH. With this donation, we convey our gratitude to the frontline medical staff, working tirelessly each day to help our nation recover. These heroes have been on the frontlines of this battle from the very beginning, and we pledge to continue supporting the hospital and the healthcare sector in any way possible,” HNB Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo said.

Driven by HNB’s Sustainability Foundation, the Oba Venuwen Api initiative is funded by HNB employees contributing a day’s pay at the onset of the pandemic last year. The Bank matched the staff donation to establish the initiative, which has since been allocated for various projects aimed at uplifting healthcare service to combat the pandemic

Through this project, HNB delivered urgently required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to regional hospitals and MOH offices in the country during the height of the pandemic.

Notably, the Oba Venuwen Api initiative, together with the HNB Sustainability Foundation, also donated Rs. 20 million to revive micro-enterprises across the island earlier this year.

“HNB’s strategic focus on sustainability has withstood the test of time over the years. Sustainability is embedded into the Bank’s business model and CSR has evolved to a participatory volunteerism, be it in cash or kind by HNB staff,” Chief Transformation Officer/ Deputy General Manager L. Chiranthi Cooray said.

With 252 customer centres across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative banks, having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. The bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for five consecutive years. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd.

HNB was also declared Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020, in addition to winning the coveted Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka Award for the 11th time at the Asian Banker Awards 2020, in recognition of its sustainable growth and continuous improvements in processes, products and services amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.

January 14, 2021

Presenting-the-token-of-appreciation-to-the-medical-heroes-1.jpg

The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing in Sri Lanka and the world. In comparison to many developed countries, Sri Lanka has performed reasonably well in controlling the spread of the disease. The Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda has played a crucial role in controlling the pandemic in the country where the exceptional dedication and commitment as well as the many sacrifices made by the staff has certainly made a big difference against the pandemic.

The citizens of Sri Lanka need to understand the immense sacrifices made by these healthcare heroes in combating COVID-19. DIMO learnt that these heroes have made significant personal sacrifices, compromised their own safety, worked overtime, subjected themselves to tremendous stress and anxiety, and have had to make difficult decisions personally and professionally for the past several months. Their sacrifices were challenged even more during the Christmas and New Year season, while everybody else was going out and celebrating, – they remained within the IDH premises, steadfastly committed to battling to save lives and performing their duty to the country. Therefore, the physical and emotional burden experienced daily by healthcare staff for such a long period of time is incredible.

DIMO came forward to recognize these Healthcare Heroes at IDH by presenting them with tokens of appreciation on 1st January 2021 at the IDH premises during a simple event held according to strict health guidelines. As a responsible corporate citizen, DIMO wanted to appreciate these Healthcare Heroes and show them support in these uncertain times. A total of 530 staff members, from the attendant to the Director of IDH, were presented with BLACK + DECKER home appliances, essential items and PPE, while appreciating their continued commitment and acknowledging their heroic efforts for the Motherland.

Sending a special message to the IDH staff, DIMO Chairman & Managing Director Ranjith Pandithage stated, “Your untiring commitment, effort and courage has minimized the impact of the deadly virus and has brought it under controllable levels. This token of appreciation is to reassure that we, as a country, owe you, “Our Heroes”, a very big thank you.” DIMO was represented at the event by COO of Medical Engineering, Priyantha Dissanayake and Senior Accountant, Ishara Danansooriya.

December 27, 2020

St Theresa’s Church Thimbirigasyaya held their annual Christmas Carols service at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) on 18^th December, to share the joy and cheer of Christmas with the patients and staff alike.

This event was initiated as a gesture of goodwill with the intention of appreciating the Doctors, nurses, medical and support staff at the Hospital for prolonged months of their dedicated, selfless service rendered to the nation in the face of the pandemic as well as sharing the good news and joy of the Christ Child’s birth with the patients in the ‘little ways’ possible.

The evening was a joyous celebration of song and praise with the Carols being sung outdoors in the garden facing the children’s ward at IDH. The Church community had also organised Christmas cakes and other food items for the staff and patients as well as special Christmas gifts which were distributed by Santa among the children, making the event more delightful.

Parish Priest Rev Fr Chandana Sanjeewa Perera, C.Ss.R stated, “We thank God for inspiring us in organising this event at IDH as means of honouring and appreciating the doctors and medical staff for their relentless service. In our little way we hope we were able to bring joy to the patients, especially the little children who are affected by Covid 19.”

“We are very thankful to our wonderful choristers who courageously volunteered to participate despite their busy schedules and commitments. We also appreciate the generosity and support of our worshippers and other individuals who helped us in various ways to make this event a success,” concluded Fr Chandana.

The Christmas Carols service is a key annual event in St Theresa’s Church calendar which year on year brings a large number of worshippers together in anticipation of the joyous celebration of the Saviour’s birth. This year the carols were live streamed through the Church YouTube channel allowing all worshippers to be a part of this very meaningful service.

June 11, 2020

DTW International (Pvt) Ltd (DTW) in partnership with UPL Limited (UPL) donated a high tech ULV fogging equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the immediate need at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) of Sri Lanka, the main nerve centre of treating COVID-19 patients in Sri Lanka.

The companies responded to a request for high tech ULV equipment for the IDH by former Army Commander General Daya Ratnayake (Retd.), who is the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and a member of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. As the primary treatment centre for the Coronavirus pandemic in Sri Lanka, the medical personnel and staff of the IDH, and the members of the tri-force assisting them; have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that all patients are treated effectively. The hospital has also extended assistance and guidance to other medical facilities in the forefront of the country’s battle against the pandemic.

Therefore, DTW together with UPL stepped forward to perform their duty by the country, equipping the hospital with a high tech ULV equipment especially designed for indoor ultra-low volume applications through this donation. The companies intend to equip IDH Hospital with the best available ULV technology to further strengthen their heroic task of protecting Sri Lanka from this invisible enemy. These units are presently being used globally in the battle against COVID-19 enabling public health workers to undertake disinfection in hotels, hospitals, office spaces, malls, and public transport spaces in the most efficient way.

DTW International (Pvt) Ltd has been providing supply solutions to Agri and Public Health Sector industry verticals in strategic partnership with UPL for over two decades. DTW also provides strategic supply solutions to few more industry verticals. UPL Limited headquartered in India is the 5^th largest Crop Protection Input manufacturing company in the world with fast growing presence in innovative environmental protection inputs. This partnership has offered many innovative solutions in the agriculture and public health sector space. The introduction of the ‘Guarany’ high tech ULV equipment with state-of-the-art US technology, can be identified as one such instance. DTW has successfully been supplying these ULV units to public health sector professionals, and various government and private entities to well equip their battle against COVID-19.

The electrically operated Cold Fill Nebulizer with an integrated 4 litre tank make it an ideal solution for disinfection of indoor areas. Alternately, the high powered P2ULV back pack unit with a 6 litre capacity, boasts of a robust spraying technology enabling a maximum reach, making it an ideal option for small and confined outdoor areas. The P2ULV back pack is fully compliant with the requirements of the World Health Organisation’s ‘Equipment for vector control specification guidelines (WHO/HTM/NTD/WHOPES/2010.9) revised edition 2010’.

June 11, 2020

Engineering graduates of 92/93 Batch supported by Sri Lanka Navy constructed the facility within 50 days

Responding at a time of crisis, the Engineering Association of Group 92/93 of the University of Moratuwa (UoM) having identified the need of the hour, managed to raise sufficient funds to construct a new two storey building complex for the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Center, Angoda (IDH) to facilitate a CT Scanning machine which was allocated to them by the Ministry of Health.

The new facility was declared open by Honourable Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Pavithra Wanniarachchi on the 4^th June 2020. The machine which is used in the critical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, enables the doctors to make ideal decisions of great consequence in an effective manner for the betterment of the patients.

Honourable Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Pavithra Wanniarachchi unveiling the plaque inside the newly constructed building

Accepting the request and proposal submitted by IDH Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, the 92/93 Engineering batch of UOM readily agreed to construct the fully-furnished 3400 sqft building worth more than LKR 30 million.

Amidst the difficulties and hardships of the pandemic, the SL Navy team joined hands and provided an unwavering support to the project by working around the clock to complete the project in a mere 50 days. From all parts of the world, members of the Engineering Association 92/93, driven by their passion for the motherland worked tirelessly to create awareness on the noble project and were successful in raising the necessary funds within 40 days.

His Excellency Gotabhaya Rajapakse, the President of Sri Lanka expressing his gratitude at the ceremony, lauded the 92/93 Engineering Batch of UOM for identifying the social responsibility at this challenging time and delivering a fully functional building complex to further the COVID-19 diagnosis. He also commended the Sri Lanka Navy for rising to the occasion to accomplish the great task. He also took the opportunity to praise the great service rendered by the IDH staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director IDH, Dr Hasitha Attanayaka, Consultant Physician IDH, Dr Ananda Wijewickrama along with the office bearers and members of the Engineering Association of Group 92/93 of University of Moratuwa

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi mentioned that the University of Moratuwa is one of the best universities in Sri Lanka widely recognised all over the world and offered her gratitude to the UOM 92/93 batch for taking the responsibility to build the facility at this critical time. She also praised the tri forces along with SL Navy for their exceptional support throughout the pandemic and the IDH staff for delivering a great and exemplary service.

Addressing the gathering, the President of 92/93 Engineers mentioned that the membership is truly honoured and humbled to have fulfilled this timely need. Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa, Professor Kapila Perera, Secretary to the Health Minister, Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna were among the distinguished guests present at the Opening Ceremony.

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 is a group of engineers, who graduated from the University of Moratuwa in 1998 – (A/L 1991). As products of the Free Education System of Sri Lanka, they engage in many community service projects and the above project is deemed as the largest project undertaken by them thus far.

June 9, 2020

Beginning of May, Sri Lanka’s own high-quality hosiery company – MAZE, initiated the ‘MAZE of LOVE’ campaign which aimed to collectively show our gratitude towards the front-line medical teams, who are standing strong against the novel coronavirus for the betterment of our entire country. The campaign kicked off successfully and together with the joint support of generous donors from the public, MAZE was able to donate 600 pairs of socks to the medical staff at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH).

The donation was well received by Dr Hasitha Attanayake, the director at IDH and was then distributed among male and female nurses who’ve been working round the clock to fight the virus on behalf of the entire island. Nursing Officer, Mr Dushantha Thilekeratne, who was present at the presentation ceremony said, “Socks are a mandatory component of the nursing uniform, and as of late, our nurses have been working through up to two pairs of socks a day. Especially at a time like this, it has been difficult for them to go out and spare the time & cost of having to replace their socks, and therefore, this generous donation goes a long way”.

Prabath Seneviratne, the founding director of MAZE, said at the function, “We are happy to have made this contribution as a token of our gratitude towards our healthcare workers, together with our big-hearted donors. At the beginning of this pandemic, we were not geared to do nurse socks, technically or strategically. Nurses around Sri Lanka were being tested as never before within the last few weeks and if there was something we can do to help make the time they spend on their feet more comfortable, we must.”

The initiative was met with a strong response both from local and international customers, helping MAZE achieve a 600 pairs target in just a few weeks.

“The entire process has been a learning curve for us. We learnt that nurse socks, especially good quality white stockings, are a scarce product. So much so that halfway through our programme, it was brought to our attention that the medical staff based in the Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa also requires socks. We only hope to be able to keep contributing with the continued support from the general public, our customers and friends” added Prabath Seneviratne.

The donation platforms remain open to facilitate a new round of donations towards frontline healthcare workers at Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa. Interested parties may head on to http://www.socks.lk/donate where you can purchase donation packs priced at Rs. 550 which consists of 3 pairs to any quantity of your choosing. You can also get in touch with the MAZE team by messaging them on WhatsApp on 0770666293, Facebook, or Instagram where donations can then be made through direct bank transfers, mobile wallets, or credit/debit cards.

MAZE is a rising local brand of high-quality socks, bringing the best of comfort and design together to make fun and comfortable socks. Furthermore, each purchase of MAZE socks on their site or their retail store sees a donation, which in less than a year has raised over Rs.120,000, towards the upkeep of Prithipura Communities, a charity providing loving homes for people living with disabilities in Sri Lanka. For more information, visit www.getmazeted.com or contact them through their social media platforms.

April 23, 2020

Leading Sri Lankan e-commerce store Kapruka, recently donated a round of essentials to each of the over 600 dedicated, selfless healthcare workers employed at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH). The online store has also progressively delivered these essentials right to the homes of these staff members, to where their families and loved ones are currently confined during this Avurudu season.

Kapruka’s initiative was intended as a gesture of gratitude to the front-line staff who are deeply dedicated to fighting the Covid19′ pandemic in the country, by putting the public’s safety and health above their own. The project was headed by Kapruka CEO Dulith Herath, Head Sales Manager Lalith C. Perera, Operations Director Alexander Sivakumar, and Sales Manager Suresh Eranda. Also present were IDH director Dr. Hasitha Attanayake, Assistant Director Dr. Chintha Weerasooriya, and Physiological Disease Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama.

Kapruka is deeply committed to extend their fullest support during this time of crisis, in particular to those at the forefront of the battle against this unprecedented health crisis in Sri Lanka.

April 20, 2020

Engineering graduates of 92/93 Batch undertake construction of new facility with the support of Sri Lanka Navy —

The main Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Sri Lanka has been functioning without a CT scan machine and the needy patients have been taken to other hospitals when a CT scan is to be performed. Ministry of Health has allocated a CT scan machine to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) of IDH but there was a need to construct a building on urgent basis to house the CT scanner and perform the required tests.

Accepting a proposal submitted by Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Consultant Physician of IDH, ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 OF University Of Moratuwa (UoM) readily agreed to come forward and fulfill the need of construction of this special two storied building with an extent of 325m²which consist of CT Scan Machine Room, Control Room, UPS and Transformer rooms, Waiting rooms for patients, Consultation rooms for consultants and radiologists etc.

The President and General Secretary of ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 officially informed Dr. Hasitha Attanayake, the Director – IDH, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Consultant Physician of IDH and Dr. (Ms.) Kishani Abeywardena – Consultant Radiologist of IDH on the 6th April, the commitment of its membership to raise the required Rs. 30million to complete the building within first half of May 2020. The fund raising campaign commenced on 8th April 2020 and the construction commenced on 10th April 2020 by the Sri Lanka Navy team led by Commodore Sisira Weerakoon, Director Naval Civil Engineering of Sri Lanka Navy. The commitment and services offered by Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) as the consultant to the project is commendable. Sri Lanka Navy has pledged complete support to the project by providing manpower and site supervision until the completion of the project.

The officials of ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93, met the Hon. Health Minister Ms. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the Director General of Health Service Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva at Center for Covid-19 Task Force on the 17th April to handover the MOU for the project. The association has already raised funds amounting to Rs. 10million from the membership and well wishes.

The plan is to complete the installation of the CT scan machine in the new building and avail services to patients by 20th May 2020. While appreciating the unconditional commitment and efforts of the membership of ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 in raising required funds, still more work to be done to realize these objectives. Therefore any generous contribution from fellow Engineers and well wishes are welcome and funds can be remitted to the following bank account:

Bank account name : ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 OF UOM

Account No : 1114018250

Bank name : Commercial Bank of Ceylon Ltd

Branch : Narahenpita Branch

Swift code : CCEYLKLX

Note: Please WhatsApp the transfer slip to +94 773 547136 with your name after the transfer.

For any further details of the project the General Secretary of ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 OF UOM can be contacted via 0777-307117.

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 is a group of engineers, who graduated from the University of Moratuwa in 1998 – (A/L 1991). As products of Free Education System of Sri Lanka, they engage in many community service projects and above project deemed as the largest project undertaken by them.

April 6, 2020

06^th April 2020, Colombo: In aim to contribute towards the combat of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Maliban Biscuits recently donated special cold storage facilities and highly essential medical equipment to treat infected patients, at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH). The donation recently commenced on the 01^st of April at the IDH Dental Hospital and was graced by Mrs. Kumudika Fernando – Managing Director of Maliban, Mr. Ravi Jayawardena – Group CEO of Maliban, Dr. Hasitha Aththanayake – Director of IDH Hospital and Dr. (Mrs.) Chintha Sooriyarachchi – Deputy Director of IDH Hospital.

Renowned for its reputation as a brand which steps forward to provide its utmost support during times of need, Maliban Biscuits further supplied the hospital staff with snacks such as yahaposha, biscuits and tea, to help sustain their energy while being on the frontlines of the pandemic. Additional to the donation at IDH Dental Hospital, Maliban Biscuits recently aided the Manusath Derana program with its products as well.

Mr. Ravi Jayawardena – Group CEO of Maliban stated, “During this critical period, IDH provides an incredible service to all Sri Lankan citizens. On behalf of the Maliban Group, it is a great pleasure to be able to donate to IDH and its valued staff. We really appreciate the efforts made by all staff members and I humbly request all Sri Lankans to help them as much as possible during this period.”

HNB ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ initiative donates ultrasound scanner to IDH

Healthcare Heroes at IDH Recognized

St Theresa’s shares Christmas Joy with Staff and Patients at IDH

DTW International in partnership with UPL Limited donates high tech ULV fogging equipment to the Infectious Disease Hospital of Sri Lanka

Engineering Association of 92/93 of University of Moratuwa donates a building worth of 30Mn to IDH

MAZE donates 600 socks to IDH under ‘MAZE of LOVE’ campaign

Kapruka delivers a donation of essentials to the families of healthcare staff at IDH

IDH to receive a building worth of 30Mn for new CT scan machine from Engineering Association of 92/93 of University of Moratuwa

Maliban supports IDH Hospital during battle against COVID-19