Colombo, Tuesday 30th May 2017: The pioneers of Cochlear implants in Sri Lankan J.M Wickramarachchi & Company proudly celebrated 40 years of selfless service to the nation recently. Today the company which has branched out into being the market leader for vision and hearing care services in Sri Lanka, continue to assist those with hearing and vision impairment. The company hosted a grand celebration to introduce new possibilities in terms of technological advances available in the field of audio sciences.
The event held at the Wickramarachchi Institute of Speech and Hearing auditorium was graced by His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, as the chief guest. Honorable Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and the Honourable Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Mahinda Samarasinghe were also present. A special tribute to commemorate the services rendered to the nation by the founder of J M Wickramarachchi and Company, Mihira Wickramarachchi also took place. Mihira Wickramarachchi as a single person has contributed immensely towards making a difference in the lives of all those with a handicap in either their visual or hearing capabilities.
WISH along with the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate a training programme on auditory science during the celebrations. The signatories of this agreement were Mihira Wickramarachchi and Major General (Retd.) Gamini Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA). This partnership will pave way for the introduction and training of professionals in the field of auditory sciences.
The organisation has also established yet another training program for the public and private sector healthcare professionals on how to help people with hearing impairment and speech problems through speech therapy. It is also in the process of opening a training center for audiology and speech therapy in Galle.
The company has continuously been involved in research and development, through which, it has been instrumental in introducing new hearing and visionary technology to this country. They were the first to import microscopes and other advanced equipment from Germany, intended for technological use and were also the first company in Sri Lanka to introduce long-vision optics and the revolutionary German contact lenses.
The WISH Foundation was founded in 2006 by the company to provide funding for people with hearing and speech impairments and a percentage of the organization’s profits are allocated towards this foundation. The spectacle frame arm of the company annually donates two percent of its turnover towards protecting the wildlife of Sri Lanka. It has also employed several disabled individuals as a part of its social obligation towards the betterment of the nation.
Since its inception in 1976, the company has journeyed on, successfully overcoming numerous challenges. It is driven by the vision of helping people regain their hearing and vision to a great extent – and thereby enriching their lives.