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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 12 February 2009 08:01 |

| Sri Lanka Thilaka the late Mr. Tissa Kurukulanatha the founder and the first Secretary General of the Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (ESCO) introduced an innovative concept of utilizing Arts and Sports as a mode of rehabilitation of the disabled in Sri Lanka. Through his talents, expertise and far-sighted vision, he brought about a much awaited awakening in the country in the field of rehabilitation of the disabled. | As a mark of respect to him and to perpetuate his wonderful memory we list below some of his achievements. Organized ESCOLYMPICS, National festival of the disabled in 1981, 1985, 1988, 1993, 1997, a 3- day residential festival attended by over 1000 disabled persons and their escorts. Arranged to send more than 300 disabled persons and their helpers overseas for participation at international events. A remarkable achievement was recorded in the 1998 FESPIC Games in Thailand, when athletes from ESCO Rehab Sri Lanka created history in the annals of sports in Sri Lanka, when they won the highest number of medals (3 gold,3 silver & 4 bronze)to the country, at any international or regional sports events up to that time. Established Sri Lanka cultural troupe of the disabled. The first of its kind in the whole world. Led the historic cultural mission of the disabled to USA and UK in July, 1989. Won the 1st prize at the US Independence Day celebrations and Parade that followed at the Constitution Avenue, Washington .D.C.(1989) Organized the World Bank’s first cultural show at the auditorium in Washington D.C and another 21 cultural shows in USA and U.K. Accompanied Sri Lanka’s hearing-impaired magician to the International Deaf Magician’s festival in LEIPZIG Germany where he won the ‘Highest International Award’. Represented Sri Lanka at numerous world events for the first time in the field of Sports and Arts. Highlighted the historic occasion when a sapling of the world’s most ancient and venerated tree “Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi “ was planted in the Maha Mevuna Uyana, Anuradhapura and made arrangements to issue four commemorative stamps to mark this event.
We are proud to mention that ESCO Rehab Sri Lanka participated in the inaugural World Cup Deaf Cricket Tournament held in Melbourne, Australia in 1995.
Late Mr. Tissa Kurukulanatha won the presidential award ‘SRILANKA THILAKA’ Class 1 and Most Outstanding Citizen Award [Social Service]of the Lions Clubs International. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 22:02 |