How it All Began

On December 26, 2004, a devastating tsunami caused by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean ravaged the shores of Sri Lanka.  Waking up to the images of the devastation, Sanjay Daluvoy, Deep Gulasekaram, and Kanishka Ratnayaka were moved to take action.  Best friends from their time at Brown University, the trio planned a trip to go to Sri Lanka in 2005.  As a fourth year medical student and a pediatrician fellow, Daluvoy knew that he and Ratnayaka’s skills would be useful in the region.  In addition, Gulasekaram’s experience living and working in Sri Lanka would be valuable as they navigated how they can be of service. 

The three traveled to the affected areas where they helped with the clean up as well as set-up an ad hoc medical clinic.  Many people came to seek their services.  However, it became evident the medical infrastructure was decimated creating a healthcare crisis.  Children who survived the tsunami were no longer able to access medication, shelter, clothes and other basic needs.

Frustrated that their efforts were not truly impactful, Daluvoy, Gulasekaram and Ratnayaka returned to the U.S. knowing that they had to do more. 

World Children’s Initiative was born and Project PEDS: Sri Lanka was off and running.  With seed-funding from former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, Project PEDS was the initial implementation of WCI’s sustainable medical development strategy. 

The team met with hospital design experts to gather cutting-edge design elements and worked with local doctors and administrators to determine which of these elements were sustainable and appropriate for their local budgetary constraints and cultural practices.  In addition, meetings were held with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health to ensure long term support for Matara Children’s Hospital. 

In August 2010, WCI successfully transferred the new pediatric facility to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health. 

WCI would continue to their next project to help children, live longer and play harder.