1. Ayati, National Center of Excellence for Children with Developmental Disabilities, is one of the leading centers in providing state-of-the-art services and training opportunities for all types of multidisciplinary professionals under one roof in South Asia.
   • It serves children with a multitude of neuro-developmental conditions including high-risk infants, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum, learning disorders, genetic syndromes, etc.
2. This architecturally designed purpose-built beautiful center is located in a landscaped five-acre area adjoining the main campus to welcome children and families.
   • This unique facility is run through collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Health, and a Board of Trustees.
   • This busy center showcases many aspects of this specialty which may range from clinical services to research opportunities.
3. Working in this multi-disciplinary environment will give you the opportunity to
   • Observe the specific sub-specialists conducting clinical practice from assessments to interventions for many clinical conditions such as early intervention for at-risk infants.
   • Take part in interdisciplinary discussions.
   • Observation and participation in small group discussions, journal clubs, and continuous professional development activities.
   • Small group discussions and teaching sessions.
4. Supervised clinical exposure with experts in child development, pediatric neurology, clinical genetics, child and adolescent psychiatry, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and swallowing difficulties, early intervention, pediatric physiotherapy, special education, pediatric occupational therapy, audiology, cerebral visual impairment and child and development psychology.
5. Work in combination with clinical facilities with Colombo North Teaching Hospital and University Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.
6. This world-class clinical research facility may have a rare opportunity for you to participate as an early career researcher.

1. Local and overseas professionals

• This short-term program is designed to give the optimum exposure to observe and practice in this setting as a medical, allied health or educational student/ professional.

2. Local and overseas students

• You can apply as an undergraduate or a postgraduate student who needs an elective experience or a professional seeking experience in this specific setting.

Specialties considered for the program:

• Undergraduate or Graduates in Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Audiology, Psychology, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Education or Special Education, Social work.
• Postgraduates in Pediatrics, Community Pediatrics, Child Development, Neuro-Disabilities, Clinical genetics, Public Health, General Practice, Family Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology or any other relevant field

• To provide medical, allied health, and education students/ professionals the opportunity to observe and experience evidence-based interdisciplinary care for childhood developmental disabilities in a low-resourced setting.
• To showcase how advanced methods and techniques for diagnosis and management of children with developmental disabilities can be used through locally available resources.
• To introduce the concept of family-centered practices for children with developmental disorders practiced in an LMIC setting.
• To share experiences among local and overseas students.

The overarching aim of the programme is to provide maximum exposure to all activities taking place in this centre.

Elective appointment is not equivalent to work experience.

• Minimum - One week
• Maximum – Six months

• English
• Language at work
  • Sinhala/ Tamil/ English

1. It is only a 20-minute ride by train to the city of Colombo, where all the exciting things happen.
2. Visit one of the largest Roman catholic churches in Sri Lanka in a quiet environment within walking distance to the centre: Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka.
3. Ragama is one of the busiest train stations.
   • You can do a day/weekend visit to Kandy, the last kingdom in the central province, Jaffna the northern city of Sri Lanka, and Anuradhapura the ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
   • An evening visit to the beautiful beach city of Negombo
4. Negombo, a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka is just 1 hour drive from the faculty.
5. You can travel to the Southern beaches and the Dutch Fort at Galle either by train or by comfortable bus rides in the tollway.

1. All interested candidates should fill in the application form provided on the website.
2. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a letter of recommendation from the academic head/ programme lead of your institution.
3. If a student requires multiple sessions in multiple specialties, they need to mention this in their application and the fees will be calculated accordingly.
4. The University will not provide any lodging or other facilities to any students.

Has the closing date passed?

• If you have passed the closing date, please email we will let you know whether we have places available or your application will be considered for the next intake.
• Please indicate if you need any special accommodations.
• All applications should include a letter of certification from your University, study programme, professional organization or the Institution which you are presently attached to confirming your student/ employment status.
• Medical and Allied Health students from the local government Medical Faculties are provided opportunities to do electives free of charge. Applications should be forwarded through the Registrar of respective institutions.

International students:

• 1 week: 75 USD
• 2 weeks: 150 USD
• 3 weeks: 175 USD
• 4 weeks: 200 USD
• 3 months: 500 USD
• 6 months: 900USD

For local students from government Universities, there will be no charge.

If the student is following a course in Sri Lanka but not within the public sector the fee structure will be as follows

• 1 week: 5,000 LKR
• 2 weeks: 10,000 LKR
• 4 weeks: 20,000 LKR
• 3 months: 50,000 LKR
• 6 months: 100,000 LKR