Sonduru Diriyawanthi Hair Care pack donations commence at healthcare institutions

Donation ceremony. From left: W.A.D. Surangi (wig recipient), Consultant Oncologist and Kotelawala Defence University Hospital Senior Lecturer Dr. Sachini Rasnayaka, Indira Cancer Trust Chairperson/Trustee Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor, University Hospital of the Kotelawala Defence University Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris, P.M. Chandima Dhananjani (Nurse), Department of Oncology Head Dr. Jayantha Balawarda, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Prof. Namal Wijesinghe, Director – Medical Services Dr. Jayan Mendis, Brig. Saman Thilakarathne, Hemas Consumer Brands Brand Manager – Kumarika Dasun Yatawara, and Lions Club of Galkissa Secretary Lion Felix Thomas

Approximately 80% of diagnosed cancer patients require chemotherapy and this results in the devastating side effect of ‘loss of hair’ leading to several issues – including social stigma. 

Realising the severe psychological trauma women face, Kumarika, a leading hair care brand in Sri Lanka, has embarked on a first of its kind purpose driven campaign called ‘Sonduru Diriyawanthi’ serving the need for natural hair wigs for women who are diagnosed with cancer. 

The campaign, launched on 5 October 2021, has been formulated with the belief that regardless of her appearance, every woman is beautiful, and plans to donate 6000 wigs annually to such diagnosed women. 

Kumarika is joined by Indira Cancer Trust, Lions Clubs of Aluthgama Bentota and Galkissa. The first ever donation of ‘Sonduru Diriyawanthi’ care packs – 50 in total – took place on 1 November 2021 at the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). 

The project will donate batches of 50 wig care packs to the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, and the General, National, Base and Teaching Hospitals in Kandy, Badulla, Karapitiya, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Thellippalai, Jaffna, Ratnapura, and Batticaloa.