The launch of the Ragama Early Assessment of Children (REACh) Developmental Screening Tool
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kelaniya proudly announces the launch of the Ragama Early Assessment of Children (REACh) Developmental Screening Tool. The official launch event took place on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the auditorium of the Ayati National Centre for Children with Disabilities.
This pioneering project was initiated with funding from PLAN International and was led by Senior Professor Rajitha Wickramasinghe and Professor Samanmali Sumanasena, coordinated by Miss Amandhi Caldera. The research represented a collaborative effort between the Departments of Public Health, Disability Studies, and Medical Education. Key contributors to the research team included Dr. Nimisha Muttiah, Dr. Pavithra Godamunne, Dr. Manuja Perera, Dr. Thilanka Wijeisinghe, Ms. Eranthi Chathurika, and Ms. Bandini Jayasinghe from the Faculty of Medicine and Dr Kalana Peiris from Plan International. Research assistants including Ms. Maneka Mendis, Ms. Ramesha Madushani, Ms. Elilnangai Thamilchelvan and others, played an essential role in this nationwide study spanning several years, in collecting data as well as training pre-school teachers to administer the tool.
The REACh tool is designed to assess developmental skills in preschool children aged 3-5 years and is available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. This tool will be a valuable resource for training preschool teachers to administer developmental screening. Through this initiative, the Faculty aims to facilitate early detection and intervention for children who need services at an early stage.
Dr. Dilini Vipulaguna and Dr. Thilini Lokubalasuriya will continue to lead this project, ensuring its sustainability and further development.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, Family Health Bureau, Child Fund and other relevant government and non-government organizations were present at this launch.
Links to the articles from the research : 
