About Us
CFH offers free prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services to physically disabled individuals across the island, fostering their ability to lead full, productive lives. We welcome all, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, caste, class, or gender. Our programs include awareness, business education for beneficiaries and their families, health camps, and water and sanitation initiatives for local communities. Additionally, we provide scholarships to about twenty underprivileged children, complementing the state’s free education by covering transportation and equipment costs.
32
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
5,000+
DEDICATED
DONORS
100+
IMPACTFUL
PROJECTS
65,000+
LIVES
TRANSFORMED
HISTORY
Beacons of Accomplishment
The Centre for Handicapped, originally established in 1971 as the “Kandy Orthopedic Workshop,” was initially supported by the U.S.-based National Institute of Handicapped Research (NIHR) and the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka. When NIHR’s support ceased, production of prosthetics and orthotics waned. The Colombo Friend In Need Society intervened to preserve the Centre’s operations in the Hill Country, but financial challenges led to multiple relocations, hindering its full potential. Revitalization efforts in 1992, led by Canon Ratnayake and Mr. T. R. R. Rajan, resulted in a new permanent location at No. 228, Digana Road, Kundasale, on state land granted by then-President Hon. R. Premadasa. The Norwegian Development Agency (NORAD), the Rotary Club of Kandy, the International Rotary Movement, Rotary Clubs in Sweden, and USAID provided crucial support. The Centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Hon. D. B. Wijetunge on September 26, 1992. In 2001, it gained independence from the Colombo Friend In Need Society and began operating autonomously.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Guardians of Governance
Steering the helm with wisdom and integrity, our Board of Directors comprises visionary leaders committed to guiding our organization towards a brighter future.
Gerard Shamil Niranjan Peiris
Chairman
Gerard S. N. Peiris, a distinguished member of several accounting and management institutes in Sri Lanka and the UK, has over four decades of executive experience. As the former Group Finance Director of Central Finance Group, he now chairs four of its companies. His dedication to social work is evident as the Senior Vice President and a prominent member of the Rotary Club of Kandy, actively engaged in humanitarian efforts.
Jeeva Rajan
Secretary
A University of Madras alumna with a BSc in Mathematics, directs Sun Match Company and serves on Greenhill School’s board. She’s actively involved in non-profits, holding leadership roles in the Rotary Club of Kandy, Sri Lanka India Cultural Association, and more. Her 20 years of service have earned her significant recognition.
Boniface Srilal Mendis
Treasurer
With a 40-year tenure in hospitality, Boniface Srilal Mendis transitioned from the German/Ceylon Hotel School to managerial roles in prestigious hotels, including a stint as General Manager at Al Jazira. Post-migration to Australia and return, he led John Keells Hotels’ Habarana complex. Now retired, he contributes as treasurer to CHF, advises SACK, and serves on the board of the Lions Club of Kandy Senkadagala.
Ayesha Imbuldeniya WIijerathne
Ayesha, a Mahamaya Girls’ College alumna and former debater, led the Rotary Club of Kandy as its 2nd female President to 37 awards. She’s served as Assistant Governor of Rotary District 3220 and is active in Zonta Club and Alliance Francaise. Her diverse career spans HR to design, culminating in her retirement from Sinhaputhra Finance PLC.
I.R.M. Rajapaksha
I.R.M Rajapaksa worked as a trainee teacher at St. Agnes Convent in Matale from 1970 to 1977. She has been a volunteer member of the Sumithrayo Kandy branch since 1992 and served as president from 2019 to 2021.
Duncan Nugawela
An alumnus of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, he started at the Insurance Corporation of Sri Lanka in 1971. Post-diploma, he joined Ceylinco Insurance in 1981, rising to Director by 2001. After retiring in 2017 following 37 years of service, he remains a board member at Ceylinco Insurance PLC.
R.E.V. Greve
RoseMarie Greve, with a 33-year career at the ILO and IILS in Geneva, has been pivotal in labor research and education. As the first Director of the ILO Office in Hanoi, she was honored with Vietnam’s Friendship Medal. A social sciences scholar and published expert, she led the Rotary Club of Kandy as President.
B.D.R. Rajan
Deshamanya B.D.R. Rajan, with over 40 years in leadership, heads Sun Match Company and Greenhill School. A former Rotary Governor, he’s steered over $1M in aid projects. Recognized for his service, he’s a justice of peace and a key figure in commerce and cultural associations in Sri Lanka.
I.D. Dallas
Deshamanya B.D.R. Rajan, with over 40 years in leadership, heads Sun Match Company and Greenhill School. A former Rotary Governor, he’s steered over $1M in aid projects. Recognized for his service, he’s a justice of peace and a key figure in commerce and cultural associations in Sri Lanka.
Sarath Thennakoon
RoseMarie Greve, with a 33-year career at the ILO and IILS in Geneva, has been pivotal in labor research and education. As the first Director of the ILO Office in Hanoi, she was honored with Vietnam’s Friendship Medal. A social sciences scholar and published expert, she led the Rotary Club of Kandy as President.
MILESTONES
Pinnacles of Achievement
Celebrating key moments that have defined our path, the Milestones section highlights the breakthroughs and significant events that continue to inspire our mission.
Established as Kandy Orthopedic Workshop
Opened the Kandy branch of the Colombo Friend In Need Society
State land was provided by then Prime Minister, Hon. R. Premadasa, and construction commenced
Opened by Prime Minister Hon. D. B. Wijetunga and began operating independently
Upgraded manufacturing method from Traditional Aluminum System to High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) system
Official registration as the Centre for Handicapped, Kundasale.
Adopted ICRC developed Polypropylene manufacturing system
Became an independent charitable organization and was registered as a guarantee limited company
Established a fully equipped Physiotherapy unit
Set up a production unit to manufacture cost-effective prosthetic feet for internal use and sale
ISO 9001: 2008 certification
Established “CFH Mobility Solution” Showroom to offer affordable mobility aids.
Established “Ath Wela” Showroom to support differently abled individuals by selling their products
Established a fully equipped Eye Unit
Became an approved charitable organization under the section 1 (a) (ii) of the Fifth Schedule of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017
Established a fully equipped Audiometry Screening Unit
Introduced advanced Gait Analyzing Technology to enhance mobility assessments and rehabilitation services
Established a specialized Diabetic Shoe Unit to offer dedicated footwear for diabetic patients, promoting improved foot care and prevention of complications
OUR TEAM
Champions of Care
Our dedicated CFH Team works tirelessly to provide compassionate care and support, ensuring every individual receives the attention and services they need to thrive.
Mohan Rajendram
General Manager
Mohan Rajendram has been with the organization for 12 years. He plays a crucial role in the overall success and impact of the organization leading his team with a vision. He is very compassionate towards the work he does at the Centre for Handicapped.
He has a fulfilling 32 year career in the Tea Plantation Industry, starting as a trainee and advancing to become the Director of the Plantation Human Development Trust and District Chairman of the Ceylon Planter’s Association. Mohan is an All-Island Justice of Peace and Samasri Deshamanaya. He is an active Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Katugastota and finds fulfillment through service above self.
Kosala Piyasinghe
Manager – Finance
With over 15 years of dedicated service. He holds a Qualified Higher National Diploma in Accountancy (HNDA) and is a proud Sri Lanka Accounting Associates (MAAT) member. Kosala also pursued an Advanced Diploma in Business Management at NIBM and completed the Full Qualified AAT Examination.
Saranga Gunasekara
Manager – Operations
Saranga brings innovation and compassion to his role, with a strong background in Rubber Technology. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing Management, a Rubber Technology Diploma, a Chemistry Laboratory Technology Diploma, and a Quality Management Diploma. Saranga obtained his MBA from the Mahatma Gandhi University in India.
Sunil Santha Attanayake
Head of Department – Prosthesis and Orthosis
Sunil has been with the Organization for 25 years. He completed specialized training programs in Prosthetics & Orthotics, including prestigious programs in Vietnam under the ISPO category 2. Sunil’s academic foundation is from D.S. Senanayake College, Kandy.
Damith Sampath Rathnayake
Head of Department – Physiotherapy
Damith obtained his B.Sc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, he is a registered Physiotherapist with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (S.L.M.C). He has participated in workshops on the International Advanced Course on Taping, THICHI for Arthritis, Geriatric Physiotherapy, and Stroke Management.