Annual National Leprosy Convention 2025 – A Historic Gathering in Jaffna
The Leprosy People Association (LPA) proudly hosted the Annual National Leprosy Convention 2025 at the prestigious Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall in Jaffna, marking a powerful moment of recognition, solidarity, and hope for communities affected by leprosy.
This year's convention saw the gracious presence of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, the Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. His visit to Sri Lanka and participation in the event signifies the deepening global support for the leprosy movement and the recognition of Sri Lanka’s grassroots efforts in fighting stigma and empowering affected individuals.
Celebrating Resilience and Achievement
The convention was attended by hundreds of LPA members, as well as officials from government institutions, health departments, and civil society organizations. A major highlight of the event was the Annual LPA Awards Ceremony, where outstanding members were recognized for their contributions in various categories:
- Best Case Detector
- Best Farmer (among leprosy-affected individuals)
- Best Counsellor
- Best Champion for Leprosy Awareness
Each award served as a testimony to the resilience, dedication, and transformation of individuals who were once marginalized due to the disease but now stand tall as leaders in their fields.
Honoring the Departed
A deeply emotional segment of the event was the Remembrance Ceremony, held in honor of LPA members who lost their lives due to leprosy and its complications. Attendees observed a moment of silence, reflecting on the importance of continuous medical and emotional support for those still affected.
Honoring Literary Excellence
The convention also honored Fr. Benny SJ for his exceptional literary contribution – a moving biography on Mr. Amarasinghe, the National LPA President. The book beautifully captures Mr. Amarasinghe’s journey from hardship to leadership, and the challenges and victories of those affected by leprosy in Sri Lanka.
Advocating for Policy Change
In a significant development, LPA leaders submitted an official letter to Hon. Mr. Ilankumaran, the Member of Parliament for Jaffna District, requesting policy-level changes in the national health system to strengthen leprosy detection, treatment, and community support. Mr. Ilankumaran committed to taking the letter forward to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, highlighting a strong step forward in advocacy and inclusive healthcare reforms.
A Message of Empowerment
The Annual National Leprosy Convention 2025 stands as a shining example of what collective courage, unity, and support can achieve. From recognizing grassroots champions to demanding systemic changes, the event embodied LPA’s mission: to empower, to educate, and to eliminate stigma.
This historic gathering will be remembered not just as a celebration, but as a moment of transformation—where the voices of the leprosy-affected community were heard loud and clear on national and international platforms.
https://sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates/initiative-news/5715
