The history of OT in Sri Lanka is one of perseverance, dedication, and progress. What began with a single trained professional has blossomed into a well-established and respected field that continues to grow. With each passing year, Occupational Therapy plays an increasingly vital role in improving lives across Sri Lanka, from hospitals to rehabilitation centers, and the future promises even greater advancements. As Occupational Therapists, we stand on the shoulders of giants, continuing their work to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals across the country.

Peek in to ages back,

Occupational Therapy (OT) holds a profound legacy in Sri Lanka, with its roots dating back to the post-World War II era. Introduced in the 1940s, OT has since transformed into a thriving profession that touches countless lives, aiding individuals in enhancing their quality of life and regaining independence. The journey of OT in Sri Lanka began with one pioneer Mr. D. J. Athukorala, the country’s first Sri Lankan Occupational Therapist, who was trained in the United Kingdom. He was appointed to the Mental Hospital Angoda in 1952, setting the foundation for this crucial field. Over the years, several therapists trained overseas followed suit, working in diverse healthcare sectors, including campaigns for tuberculosis, leprosy, and orthopedic care at the General Hospital Colombo, now recognized as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.

Laying the Foundation: Establishing Local Training

As the demand for occupational therapists grew, it became apparent that Sri Lanka needed its own training programs. To meet this growing need, the Department of Health Services appointed a special committee in 1954 to establish OT training locally. The World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Consultant Miss Fern from the UK, was instrumental in helping develop a training curriculum. The initial plan envisioned a three-year diploma course affiliated with the University of Colombo’s medical faculty. However, by 1973, a committee led by Dr. L. P. D. Gunawardhana decided to shorten the training to a two-year course, followed by a one-year internship in government hospitals.

Thus, in 1976, Occupational Therapy training commenced at the School of Physiotherapy, located at the General Hospital Colombo. This significant step led to the institution being renamed the School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, marking the first official establishment for OT education in Sri Lanka. The management of this pioneering school fell under the Deputy Director General (Education, Teaching, and Research) and the Director of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Since then, the National Hospital has become a premier teaching facility for OT students.

The Pioneers of OT Education

The evolution of OT education in Sri Lanka owes much to several trailblazing professionals. The first principal of the School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy was Mrs. Thera Fernando, who had a background in physiotherapy. Two OT pioneers, Miss O. Senarathne and Mr. P. W. Vidanagamage, were sent to the UK to undergo teacher training. Upon their return, they were appointed as tutors at the school, and later, Mr. Vidanagamage became the first Occupational Therapist to serve as the school’s principal. His successor, Mrs. S. C. A. N. Samaranayake, continued the efforts to expand OT education and practice.

The hard work of these individuals and their colleagues laid the groundwork for the flourishing OT field in Sri Lanka today. By 1979, the first batch of six Occupational Therapists had graduated, and since then, the profession has grown steadily. Today, over 100 Occupational Therapists work across the country in government hospitals, with others serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, private sector, and abroad.

Military History

The military history of occupational therapy in Sri Lanka began in 1989 when W1 Wimaladasa became the first military soldier to join the School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. Upon completing his studies, he was assigned to the physiotherapy unit at the Army Hospital in Colombo, where he served as an occupational therapist. In 1993, W1 Wimalasena also joined the field, marking another milestone in the growth of military occupational therapy. By 1995, the second occupational therapy unit was established at the Panagoda Army Hospital, followed by a third unit at Ranaviru Sevana in Ragama, a center dedicated to the rehabilitation of disabled soldiers. The development of specialized care continued, and in 2010, a plastic surgery unit was introduced at the Army Hospital in Colombo, further expanding the scope of rehabilitative care. In 2015, under the leadership of Mrs. Anoma Fonseka, the Senehasa Education Resource Research and Information Center (SERRIC) was founded, providing essential services and research opportunities for children with special needs. Treatments in military occupational therapy include hydrotherapy, sand therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, and various forms of art and craft, offering holistic and creative approaches to rehabilitation.

The Present and Future of OT Training

The School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy remains the only institution in Sri Lanka that trains Occupational Therapists. The course, conducted in English, awards a diploma after two years of academic training and one year of practical experience in a hospital setting. The school’s curriculum has been internationally recognized, with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) granting full membership to the Society of Sri Lankan Occupational Therapists in 2002, further solidifying the country’s place in the global OT community.