Sybil to encourage less sugar, more life

Dulen Dissanayake

Veteran writer and illustrator Sybil Wettasinghe ceremoniously launched her latest children’s educational book titled ‘Punchi Apata Suwen Inna Seeni Kaama Adu Karanna’ at National Diabetes Centre, Rajagiriya, on 26th of June. The book is aimed at to raise awareness in children of diabetes and prevent it through encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes is a pandemic which has affected 366 million people worldwide and 2.1 million in Sri Lanka. It is predicted to increase to 552million by 2030. 100 persons die in Sri Lanka daily from diabetes and related complications.

After the ceremonious lighting of the oil lamp and the introduction to the event by Dr. Mahen Ambani, President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka (DASL), Dr. Mahen Wijesuriya, Honorary Secretary of the DASL, briefly explained what Diabetes is. “Diabetes is a state of increased blood sugar due to impaired insulin action.” He said. “The causes of Diabetes are genetics, foetal origins and lifestyle—obesity, stress etc. There is no cure to Diabetes but prevention.” He emphasised. “This can be done by stress control, lifestyle modification, proper nutrition and regular exercise. Research done at National Diabetes Centre show that approximately 8.2% of urban youth over 20 years have abnormal glucose levels which can lead to Diabetes if left uncorrected.” Sybil Wettasinghe in her speech revealed that the secrets of her healthy lifestyle and stressed on importance of passing that legacy to the younger generation. “This book is my gift to our children of Sri Lanka to encourage them to change their lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise.”

Educational Publications Department Deputy Commissioner Padmini Nalika and Educational Publication Department Additional Director Jayantha Wickramanayake also shared their views.

Dr. Mahen Wijesuriya delivered the Vote of Thanks.