Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower was illuminated in blue on Saturday (November 14) to mark World Diabetes Day, as Sri Lanka joined a global awareness campaign involving 163 countries.
The special event was organised by the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka (DASL), in partnership with Union Assurance, to raise public awareness about diabetes, encourage early detection and highlight the importance of preventing and managing the disease.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Muditha Hansaka Wijemuni, with the participation of medical professionals, representatives of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka and officials from Union Assurance.
The illumination was part of a global initiative coordinated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), under which prominent landmarks across 163 countries were scheduled to be illuminated in blue, the international symbol of diabetes awareness.
The initiative aims to draw attention to the growing impact of diabetes and encourage people to take preventive measures, undergo regular health screenings and seek early treatment.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Wijemuni said diabetes is a serious non-communicable disease that can affect almost every aspect of a person’s life.
He warned that diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms during its early stages, increasing the risk of serious complications among people who remain unaware of their condition.
The Deputy Minister said poorly controlled diabetes could lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, vision problems and nerve damage.
He stressed that early diagnosis, regular medical examinations and adherence to prescribed treatment are essential to preventing such complications.
Dr. Wijemuni also encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco use.
He said these measures could help reduce or delay the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Sri Lanka continues to face significant challenges associated with diabetes.
According to the International Diabetes Federation’s 2024 estimates, approximately 1.6 million Sri Lankan adults aged between 20 and 79 were living with diabetes, while hundreds of thousands remained undiagnosed.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of early detection, particularly among people with risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and a family history of diabetes.
Union Assurance, which partnered with the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka for the Lotus Tower illumination, said the initiative reflected the importance of collective action in addressing one of the country’s major public health challenges.
The company described the blue illumination as a symbolic reminder of the need to strengthen diabetes awareness and prevention efforts across Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by DASL President Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, Vice Presidents Dr. Mahen Ambani, Dr. Sarath Gamini de Silva and Dr. Dhanya Wijesuriya, Secretary Dr. Mahen Wijesuriya, Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Chairman Shirantha Peiris, and National Diabetes Centre Deputy Medical Director Dr. Thamara Wijeratne.
Representatives of Union Assurance, foreign delegates, specialist medical professionals and members of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka were also present.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to promote awareness of diabetes, its complications and the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment. (Newswire)
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