Singer walks the path towards preventing diabetes in Sri Lanka

Standing from left: Singer Sri Lanka Credit Director Janaka Mendis, Singer Sri Lanka Director Operations Chandana Samarasinghe, Singer Mega and Singer Homes Business Development Manager Indika Gunathilake, Singer Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Asoka Pieris, Diabetes Walk 2015 Chairman Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation President Dr. Noel Somadundaram and Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists President Dr. Uditha Bulugahapitiya

Singer Sri Lanka demonstrated its commitment to healthy lifestyles by coming forward as the Principal Sponsor of ‘A Sugar-free Sri Lanka: Taking Steps to Prevent Diabetes in 

Sri Lanka’. The walk, organised by the doctors of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation, will mark World Diabetes Day and is scheduled to take place on 14 November.  

Dr. Prasad Katulanda – Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Chairman – Diabetes Walk 2015 said, “This is an annual event which is the national event to commemorate World Diabetes Day. According to Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation President Dr. Noel Somasundaram and Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists President Dr. Uditha Bulugahapitiya, Sri Lanka is facing a rise in diabetes-related illness, which has the potential to slow down our economic development. 

Among the causes of concern include a dramatic rise of the disease from 16% in 2009 to 20% in 2014, an estimation that between 10-15% of school children suffering from diabetes, and a recent Health Ministry circular that estimates up to 50% of the Sri Lankan population will suffer from diabetes by 2050 if preventive action isn’t taken.”

Singer Sri Lanka CEO Asoka Pieris spoke on the reasons Singer stepped forward to support this initiative: “At Singer we believe that healthy lifestyles are an important part of leading a balanced and fulfilling life. We are also a corporate citizen with a long history of recognising and bringing awareness to social issues that need addressing. Diabetes is one such issue. We’ve come to understand its effects on patients and empirical studies show that the disease is now starting to affect the larger population including children. 2015 is therefore an apt time to bring this issue to public awareness.” 

The public is invited to join the events of the day. The walk will begin at Independence Square on 14 November at The Independence Square at 7 a.m. and proceed up to the BMICH where there will also be an exhibition as well. Further, educational programs have been setup to create awareness about healthy living and diabetes prevention methods.

In addition, Singer Mega outlets island-wide will also host a drive to create awareness about the issue of diabetes in Sri Lanka on 15 November from 10 a.m. onwards. A full program has been organised for all participants including capillary sugar checks, cookery demonstrations on healthy cooking and fitness demonstrations for healthy living and consultations. All of the above will be carried out in collaboration with the doctors of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation. 

Recognised as one of the Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka, Singer is continually seeking ways of making a positive impact on Sri Lankan society.