Mr Daya Abeywickrema was appointed as the Executive Director at FPA Sri Lanka in 1975 and served in this capacity until his retirement in 2003.  His 28 yearlong service is the longest served by any Executive Director and FPA Sri Lanka has many notable achievements under his leadership.

In 1983, in Nainamadama , Wennapuwa a 10 acre land was purchased and the “Chinthana Training Centre’ was established.

In 1978, he initiated the Contraceptive Retail Sales Division which was the start of self-sustainability at the Organisation. In 2015, the Sales and Marketing Unit contributed 90.15% to our income which is a testament to his vision almost forty years ago.

In 1980, he launched the “Community Managed Integrated Rural Family Health Project” where grass root level volunteers took the message of Family Planning to the villages.

In 1983, a teacher training programme on Reproductive Health education was introduced in schools in the East, West and South provinces.

In 1986, first training in AIDS prevention for doctors was conducted at FPA Sri Lanka and in 1988 HIV/AIDS awareness and education programmes commence. 

In 1990, the Alokaya Counselling Centre was launched which was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Still functioning today, it provides guidance and counselling services on SRH to adolescents and youth.

In 1992 he pioneered a Reproductive Health Programme for students within the ages of 10-19 in selected Colombo Schools.

In 1994, FPA Sri Lanka released its first full length feature film “Yuwathipathi’ to take the message of family and planning and reproductive health to a wider audience. It received great reception and accolades at the 1995 Sarasavi Film Awards.

FPA Sri Lanka pays tribute to all his initiatives and services and will remember him with great fondness and gratitude.

May his soul rest in peace.