Five-day Suwa Diviya programme encourages early action against diabetes
Sunshine Holdings PLC, through its community health arm, Sunshine Foundation for Good, will conduct a five-day diabetes screening and awareness programme across nine Healthguard outlets from 9 to 13 November 2026, ahead of World Diabetes Day. Conducted under the Foundation’s Suwa Diviya initiative, the programme will focus on encouraging early detection, improving awareness of diabetes risks and helping communities make informed decisions about their health.
The initiative comes as diabetes continues to place a significant burden on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 1.6 million Sri Lankan adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, with approximately 37.7% of cases remaining undiagnosed. These figures point to the importance of accessible screening, greater public awareness and timely medical advice.
This year’s programme aligns with the World Diabetes Day 2026 theme, “Early action on diabetes,” which focuses on early diagnosis, reducing risk and improving access to appropriate care. Through Suwa Diviya, Sunshine Holdings aims to bring these priorities closer to communities by creating opportunities for people to better understand diabetes and the importance of preventive healthcare.
The upcoming programme builds on the Foundation’s “Unmask Diabetes 2025” campaign, which reached nearly 600 individuals across 10 Healthguard outlets in Colombo. The initiative provided free health screenings and professional guidance, helping participants better understand diabetes prevention and management. Building on that experience, this year’s programme will extend activities across five days, with a greater focus on connecting diabetes awareness with broader health and lifestyle considerations.
Sunshine Holdings Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam said, “Last year’s response showed us that people value having a convenient place to ask questions and understand their health risks. This year, we want to build on that by giving communities more opportunities to take action early. Diabetes awareness should not be limited to a single day. Through Suwa Diviya, our focus is on helping people make informed choices about their health and encouraging habits that can make a difference over time.”
The programme is scheduled to take place at Healthguard outlets in Nugegoda and Kohuwala on 9 November, Hill Street and Pitakotte on 10 November, Malabe and Thalawathugoda on 11 November, Ethulkotte and Dharmapala Mawatha on 12 November, and Kirula on 13 November. Activities will run from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the first eight locations, with an extended session at Kirula from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The 2026 initiative also aims to bring together organisations from the healthcare, nutrition, lifestyle, corporate wellness and fitness sectors to support a more comprehensive approach to diabetes awareness and prevention.
Established in 2017, Sunshine Foundation for Good leads Sunshine Holdings’ community-focused initiatives in education and healthcare. Its Suwa Diviya programme promotes diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, adequate control and the prevention of complications through awareness sessions at workplaces, factories and community settings, alongside ongoing public education activities.
