What’s the history behind Wickramarachi?
From the single clinic which started in the beautiful village of Nugegoda in 1976 to the network of clinics in Sri Lanka at present, they are all part of the passionate work in placing the world in focus through hearing and sight.
What’s new in business today?
Can you imagine the feeling of dizziness where the world beneath your feet is moving faster than you can take a step forward? Well, it is surprising, but your body balance is maintained by your ears. Commenced early this year, Wickramarachchi is the only ‘balance clinic’ in Sri Lanka that assesses and diagnoses problems related to balance.
You have gone international with your clinics - how is that treating your business?
Going global is a constant reminder to keep hearing care in Sri Lanka in par with international standards (Plus, I may be thinking of changing my status.)
Tell me about your project with hearing care and your work with kids on this?
A few decades ago, if you couldn’t hear, you couldn’t do much, but hearing technology today makes it possible for those with even the most profound degree of hearing loss to be able to hear the softest rain, the human speech the loudest thunder. Hearing aids and the invention of the cochlear implant in the mid 1980s have made this possible – the profoundly deaf can now hear. Our work at Wickramarachchi is to identify and treat hearing loss as early as possible by providing the best hearing care possible, to ensure that hearing impaired individuals are no different from normal hearing individuals.
What is a cochlear implant?
The cochlear implant is an implanted electronic hearing device that restores hearing in people who cannot hear the loudest of sounds. Performing the cochlear implant surgery in children with such profound hearing loss at the youngest age possible (between 6 months to three years) allows the best opportunity for them to learn language and communicate like normal hearing children.
What inspires you every day?
A child’s smile when he/she hears for the first time and a mother’s joy at hearing her child speak his first words.
How was school life for you?
I can’t remember a computer lab anywhere in school. Must have missed it, what with all the pranks to play and tricks to fool.
What are your thoughts on Sri Lankan politics?
It wouldn’t be long before Sri Lankan political standards develop to be in par with international political standards and elect exemplary governors for the country.
In the Spot
Rugby Player Wasim Thajudeen - your thoughts?
A tragic loss for rugby and rugby fans.
Actors and actress in politics?
They all transform into actors once they enter politics. It is just as interesting to watch them as watching
For Fun
Do you have a place where you would like to go and think? If so, where?
The Tangalle waters from my beach hotel.
What profession have you always admired?
The ability to help someone hear. Audiology will always be my most admired profession.
What is one thing you refuse to share?
My crazy thoughts and the last slice of dessert after a long day.
What is your most impressive car repair skill?
They are all most impressive. I am yet to find out.
If you were to become the Media Minister, what would you change in Sri Lankan media?
I wouldn’t have anything other than 24/7 comedy.
If you could have had the starring role in one film already made, which movie would you pick?
It wouldn’t harm for James Bond to have to report to me, I guess.
If Mahatma Gandhi was living, what frame would suit his face?
He did well with what he was using. Why change it now? If he was living, I would have designed my own brand of ‘Gandhi’ frames.
If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
I would, if I didn’t love what I did more than a million dollars. But I do! I, in fact, have a Dubai lottery for a million dollars in hand. I’ll let you know.
If fat, calories, cholesterol, etc. were not an issue, what two foods would you feast on?
Jaffna crabs with extra fat, extra calories and extra cholesterol.
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