The Eka Se Salakamu movement is our effort to tackle stigma associated with Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome are one of the most stigmatized groups in society. As a corporate  that champions healthful living, Hemas look forward to creating a more inclusive world by establishing a platform for families to air their views and get much-needed support from the community. Hemas Group has always worked towards the betterment of the lives of children with disabilities for over a decade through the Piyawara initiative. In 2006, a special school for children with disabilities was established in Hambantota. This was the initial stepping-stone for Hemas to support establishment of the AYATI national center. We at Hemas also promote the employment of people who are intellectually impaired as we work towards providing them with a sense of renewed purpose through the prospect of employment.

Consistent awareness is necessary to make a difference and change the mind-set within a community. The movement will, therefore, also pave way for the building of partnerships with key stakeholders. The project seeks to invite international experts to Sri Lanka through AYATI to collaborate and work with professional bodies in Sri Lanka. By getting the ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ movement off the ground, Hemas Outreach Foundation and AYATI would be leveraging on the wealth of knowledge and data that these institutes have gathered over the years through their work on children with disabilities.