About EASL
Epilepsy Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) is a not-for-profit charity established in 1989 with the aim of striving to improve public awareness on epilepsy and to facilitate medical and social support for patients and families with epilepsy in Sri Lanka. Education, employment, marriage and social functioning are often adversely affected in individuals afflicted with epilepsy due to the social stigma that is prevalent in Sri Lankan society. EASL works to quell the misconceptions and stigma associated with this disorder. Read more >
Our Vision
Patients with epilepsy to be free of social stigma, to live, to feel and be accepted the same as all others.
Our Mission
Facilitate health education on epilepsy to both health care providers and the society; empower patients and their families; campaign for provision of better healthcare and social services for patients with epilepsy; and raise funds for welfare of those suffering from epilepsy.
Message from the President
Sri Lankans are living in unprecedented times. Since 2020, the last 3 years have been tumultuous, with extreme stressors borne by the public and the healthcare system. First came the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by a downward spiral of Sri Lanka’s economy. This has resulted in restrictions in the provision of and access to healthcare services. People are struggling to buy food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials which has brought political unrest and violence.
Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. What it means is that it's an opportunity to do things you think “you could not do before." In today’s challenging context, it is with this positive mindset that the new Council and I take the reins of the Epilepsy Association of Sri Lanka. Read more >
Patient resources
EASL provides supportive services and material to empower epilepsy patients to live their life to the fullest potential. Explore the online resources here >
Our Projects
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EASL together with the Health promotion bureau- Sri Lanka, conducted an awareness program
on Epilepsy for school teachers in the Southern Province on 8 th September 2022.
EASL in collaboration with the Association of Neurologists conducted a Continuous medical education program for the medical officers in neurology to update their knowledge in Epilepsy. This was held successfully at the National Hospital for two groups with the participation of medical officers from Neurology Units all over the country.
A virtual lecture on Visual Art therapy and its application to epilepsy was carried out on the 18th September 2022.
The concepts of drama therapy were discussed in a virtual talk by Anoja Weerasinghe on 15th October 2022.
An Art therapy workshop for children with epilepsy was held on the 13th of February 2023 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital – Colombo.
Several television interviews were conducted to raise epilepsy awareness.
11th February 2023 on Siyatha TV by Dr. Saamir Mohideen, Consultant Neurologist- National Hospital, Colombo.
13th February 2023 – Nugasevana in Rupavahini by Dr. Pyara Ratnayake- Consultant Paediatric Neurologist.
14th February 2023- Morning show in Rupavahini, by Dr. Kishara Gooneratne, Consultant Neurologist.
A press conference about ‘’Stigma in patients with Epilepsy’’ took place at the Family Health Bureau with the participation of Consultant Neurologists and Consultant Psychiatrists on 16th February 2023.
Upcoming Events
News Articles
Timely treatment, key to coping with Epilepsy effectively - EASL President
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition globally and in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, despite effective treatment available to them many Sri Lankans delay seeking treatment early due to myths surrounding this condition. The Sunday Observer asked the President of the Epilepsy Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) Dr. Kishara Gooneratne to spell out some of the main causes for Epilepsy and emerging risk factors that currently put vulnerable persons including schoolchildren at risk to the development of this common neurological condition.
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