Text: Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne / Pix: Kushan Pathiraja

The Air Force grounds were a hive of activity on Sunday, 8th September, with participants from across the island showcasing their skills in a variety of sports, from cricket to archery, athletics, and more.

Amidst the fanfare, there was also an art competition and bouncy castles. At first glance, it may have seemed like a typical sporting event, but a closer look revealed its uniqueness. The AIDEX Sports Festival is highly regarded as one of the most prominent sporting events for the beneficiaries of Jaipur Limbs.

The event, organised by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS)—the oldest charitable organisation in Sri Lanka—has been providing artificial limbs and rehabilitation services to amputees across the island for four decades. As part of its rehabilitation programme, the event aims to encourage, motivate, and celebrate the special abilities of limb users, fostering social inclusion and challenging stigmas.

Each participant receives a travel allowance, complimentary meals throughout the day, and a gift pack. With around 500 participants competing in over 60 events—including track and field, cycling, archery, and special activities for children—the day is a true celebration of resilience and strength. All of this is made possible by the generous donations received.

Professor Sheriffdeen, Emeritus Professor of Surgery and Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon, who initiated this event 32 years ago, continues to provide his unwavering support for such projects within CFINS.

“There is only joy and no judgement,” emphasised Asha De Vos, renowned marine biologist and the first and only Sri Lankan to earn a PhD in marine mammal research. She and her parents have been closely linked to CFINS and AIDEX, having witnessed its evolution over three decades. She views it as a significant step towards greater progress in the inclusion of differently-abled individuals in society.

Speaking to a cross-section of participants, from 88-year-old Premaratne Saram, who competes with younger athletes, to 13-year-old Senuth, who dreams of becoming a doctor and swims twice a week at Julian Bolling’s school with hopes of competing in the Paralympics, each story was inspiring. Senuth proudly displayed his limb, gifted by CFINS after he was amputated at age nine due to cancer.

Additionally, six-year-old Lahiru and enthusiastic cricketer Thushara both expressed immense resilience and gratitude to CFINS for giving them a new lease on life through the Jaipur Limbs and these activities, which provide them with recognition and a sense of belonging.