(L – R) Ransley Burrows, Dushan Peiris, Mario De Soyza

Colombo, August 08, 2024 – Seeni Colombo launched Steps Against Diabetes, an initiative supporting Paa Saviya, a not-for-profit diabetic wound and foot care unit established by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo. This innovative campaign aims to address the critical issue of diabetes in Sri Lanka, where 1 in 4 individuals, including children, suffer from this chronic condition. Diabetes has become a silent killer, as per research done by the World Health Organisation in 2019, diabetes is the second highest cause of death in Sri Lanka, accounting for 12,460 deaths.

Steps Against Diabetes supports Paa Saviya’s essential work, including limb salvage, prosthetics, insole development, design and production of diabetic footwear, and the up-skilling of nurses in treating diabetic wounds. The impact of this disease is profound and far-reaching. The current economic situation, both locally and globally, has made accessing necessary medical treatments more difficult for many, making initiatives like Steps Against Diabetes crucial in providing affordable and specialised care. Dr. Thushan Gooneratne, Vascular Surgeon and Co-Director Paa Saviya, speaking about diabetes said, “Every hour a limb is lost in Sri Lanka due to diabetes. 80% of the time it is preventable. I hope that initiatives like Steps Against Diabetes would motivate more people to prevent this silent killer diabetes”.

The founders of Seeni Colombo are walking all 300 km of the Pekoe Trail over 25 consecutive days. The Pekoe Trail is an internationally awarded, curated long-distance walking trail through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The walk began on July 22nd from Pedro Estate in Nuwara Eliya and will conclude on August 15th in Hanthane. The Pekoe Trail’s management provided invaluable guidance and helped the team prepare for the journey. This journey aims to raise awareness about diabetes to follow their journey log on to Stepslk, on Instagram where daily updates and progress are shared.

“We wanted to create something impactful both professionally and personally,” explained Mario De Soysa co-founder of Seeni Colombo. “The idea of walking the Pekoe Trail as a fundraiser resonated deeply with us, especially since diabetes has affected our own families. Paa Saviya’s work in limb salvage and wound care is vital, and we felt compelled to support them by putting our feet to the task.”

“The first week has been both challenging and rewarding,” shared Dushan Pieris Co-founder Seeni Colombo. “We’ve faced early starts and intense heat in the Uva Province, but the stunning landscapes and warm encounters with locals have kept us motivated. The transition to cooler climates in the Central Province will bring new challenges, but we are committed to completing this journey.”

“This initiative Steps Against Diabetes in the name of healing and amputation prevention is testimony of our capacity to come together and make this country a better place.” Added Prof. Mandika Wijeyaratne, Chair Professor Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Colombo and Director of Paa Saviya. After the walk concludes, all funds will be directed to Paa Saviya for the development of diabetic footwear and insoles, capacity building of diabetic wound care practitioners, and the procurement of diagnostic devices. The transparency of the fund utilisation will be maintained, with updates provided through the Stepslk Instagram page. Contributions can be made to the following bank account:

Account Name: The Pekoe Trail Company (Gte) Ltd.

Account No: 104010136653

Bank: Hatton National Bank

Branch: Narahenpita

Bank Code: 7083

Ransley Burrows, Co-Founder Seeni Colombo added “Steps Against Diabetes is a long-term project, given the high prevalence of diabetes in Sri Lanka. The future of the initiative will be evaluated post-completion, with the possibility of making it an annual event. We owe a great deal to our friends, families, and partners, including our title sponsor Asia Asset Finance, delivery partner Domestic Express (DOMEX), and Nations Trust Bank. Their support has been instrumental in bringing Steps Against Diabetes to life”

“Steps Against Diabetes is partnered by Asian Asset Finance, Domestic Express (DOMEX) and Nations Trust Bank (NTB). All contributions are transparently managed. The funds will be audited and transferred to Paa Saviya, with donors able to follow the project’s progress and the utilisation of funds through Instagram. For more information about Steps Against Diabetes and how to contribute call 0777824077 or email ransley@seenicolombo.com