“The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves.”

Sahodara Pawura was a project organized by the Community Service Avenue of RACSLIIT with our leading chairpersons Rtr. Sasindi Bandara and Rtr. Rana Rilwan.

This was an initiative aimed at providing valuable insights and improving the ability to support and communicate with the differently-abled community.

Phase I of Sahodara Pawura – ‘Illuminating Minds’ took place on the 21st of November at the SLIIT Malabe premises featuring our guest speaker, Professor Theekshana Suraweera.

This phase mainly focused on highlighting unique challenges and experiences faced by people with impairments and their families, learning to foster empathy and understanding towards the needs of the differently abled community and to inspire participants to unlock hidden potential and promote inclusivity.

Professor Suraweera is the founder Dean of SLIIT – Business School. He is a keen advocator of public education, personality development and confidence building, promoting leadership and other “Soft Skills” among youth. He has also been a volunteer resource person particularly in relation to disability supportive activities.

The programme started off with a group of volunteers consisting of club members and other participants each individually being either blind folded or having their arms or legs bound together. This brought to life a whole new perspective of being differently – abled.

Professor Suraweera went on to question what the volunteers felt whilst being physically challenged. He further explained to us the difference between “disability” and “impairment” and pointed out that impairments can vary widely from physical to visual to hearing etcetera. 

During the programme Professor Suraweera also showed us how the use of modern day technology can assist people with impairments and also showed us Vitoria Bueno’s audition on America’s Got Talent where she competes showcasing her talents as a dancer despite being physically impaired. This inspired a lot of us teaching us a valuable lesson on embracing one’s uniqueness and overcoming challenges with a strong optimistic mindset.

Finally concluding phase I, a token of appreciation was given to Professor Theekshana Suraweera appreciating his unwavering support to make phase I a success.

Phase II of Sahodara Pawura – ‘Symphony of Magic’ will take place during the month of December. This phase is a fun, inclusive, and educational adventure for the differently- abled as they embark on a journey to Viharamahadevi Park.

Penned by:

Rtr. Chanithi Korala

Editorial Committee Member 24.25