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Our Story

The Journey of Osilmo

Inspiration & Founding Vision
From early childhood, I felt a deep calling to help others whenever possible. This passion led me to study Early Childhood Education and explore child development through media and research. While working as a preschool teacher, I was blessed with the guidance of Dr. Sudath Damsinghe, who introduced me to the world of autism. Under his mentorship, I realized that regardless of race, religion, or social background, helping children with autism live fulfilling lives is one of the most meaningful missions one can undertake.


My personal life also shaped this path. After marrying Dr. Sinnaiya Thevananthan, whose nephew was diagnosed with autism, I gained a deeper, more personal understanding of the challenges and possibilities in supporting these children. His unwavering encouragement became one of my greatest strengths.


The name “Osilmo” was born from the genuine guidance of Dr. Damsinghe, with blessings from the late Arisen Ahubudu, and wise advice from the Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thero, Athtudawe Piyaratana Thero, and Kirulapana Sobitha Thero. My academic mentors, parents, Dhamma school and school teachers, and friends all played a role in shaping the vision.

Recognizing the Gap

Even today, many parents, educators, and even some healthcare workers have limited understanding of autism. This lack of awareness often isolates children and their families, leading to stress, social stigma, and missed opportunities for development. Some parents struggle to accept a diagnosis, while siblings and extended families also feel the emotional strain.

Without proper early intervention — ideally between ages 1½ and 5 — a child’s challenges can worsen, and they may be denied their rightful place in schools and public life. Autism is not a disease, but a condition that can be significantly improved — even reversed — with proper, drug-free therapeutic methods.

The Beginning

On 17 December 2009, Osilmo opened its doors at 182/5, Boralesgamuwa. We started in a small rented space with just six children, three teachers, and the most basic facilities — three rooms, a few learning materials, and a big dream.

In the early days, we relied on the goodwill of parents, friends, and relatives. Our mission was simple but bold: to show the world that, without medication, children with autism could reach the same developmental level as their peers through proper, structured training.

Our Mission & Objectives

From day one, Osilmo’s work has been guided by a set of clear objectives:

  1. To offer tailored educational programs designed to meet the unique learning needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  2. To implement evidence-based teaching methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration.
  3. To nurture the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children with autism, fostering their independence and self-reliance.
  4. To provide early diagnosis and intervention programs aimed at improving developmental outcomes for children with ASD.
  5. To educate and empower families of children with autism by offering training programs, workshops, and counseling sessions to enhance understanding and care strategies.
  6. To assess each child’s strengths, challenges, and needs and create customized educational and developmental plans.
  7. To promote social inclusion by facilitating interactions with peers, community participation, and collaborative activities with mainstream schools and organizations.
  8. To conduct research and contribute to the development of innovative teaching methods and therapeutic practices for children with autism.
  9. To increase public awareness about autism spectrum disorders and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with autism.
  10. To offer training programs and certifications for educators, therapists, and caregivers to enhance their skills and knowledge in autism care and education.
  11. To collaborate with local, national, and international organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to improve the quality and accessibility of autism care and training services.
  12. To establish a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children with autism can thrive and reach their full potential.
  13. To make educational and training programs accessible and affordable to children with autism, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Growth & Community Trust

As children improved and successfully integrated into schools and society, word of mouth became our strongest outreach tool. Parents shared their children’s progress with others, and our reputation began to grow.

A major milestone came in 2011 when I received the United Nations “V Award” for volunteer service — the first time it was presented in Sri Lanka. With media support from the Sirasa Media Network, this recognition brought national attention to our work. It also validated our belief that with compassion, dedication, and skill, transformation is possible.

Challenges Along the Way

Despite success stories, we have faced misunderstandings and even resistance. Some parents, teachers, and doctors — unaware of the potential for improvement — have abandoned children or dismissed our approach. There have also been voices of criticism instead of encouragement. Yet, these challenges only strengthened our resolve.

Achievements & Turning Points

Over the years, we have collected videos, documents, TV programs, newspaper articles, and parent testimonials showcasing the remarkable progress of our children. The stories of children who now attend mainstream schools — once thought impossible — remind us daily that change is real.

Today & Tomorrow

Today, Osilmo supports numerous children and families through structured, compassionate, and personalized programs. Our team has grown in both size and expertise, and our facilities now provide a nurturing environment where learning and therapy go hand in hand.

What makes Osilmo unique is our drug-free, individualized approach that focuses not just on the child, but on supporting the entire family.

Looking ahead, our dream for the next five years is to:

  • Expand our services to reach more families
  • Train educators and therapists to replicate our methods
  • Establish an “Autism Village” — a holistic community where children with autism can learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers