Chinthaka Kodikara was born on 28th of November 1982 at Matara in the Sothern province. When he was 5 years old, he lost his hearing ability & doctors decided that he was suffering from profound hearing loss & assigned him to a rehabilitation school.

However, Chinthaka’s speaking ability was excellent as he had hearing ability for 4 years since his birth. When he lost his hearing ability he practiced to identify & understand what other people speak using lip movements (Lip read) & tried to communicate with others through his self studies.

In 1988, Chinthaka began schooling from junior school at Ketiyape North in Matara, Which is categorized under remote area schools. From grade one; he continued his studies with lots of sacrifices & dedication as he is deaf. & also his school isn’t developed properly. Even the things were so hard he sat for the G.C.E. O/L in 1999. Even though he is deaf, he was a bright student in the school. By reflecting that, he passed G.C.E. O/L with 6 Distinctions & 2 Credits. That was the best result ever achieved by a student from his school.

After that he entered the Hakmana -Kongala Central College in 2000 for his higher studies in Art stream, including Economics, Geography & Sinhala. Because of his disability he was unable to attend the tuition classes, hence he had to continued his studies with the guidance of his school teachers. After 2 years of dedication & hard work, in April 2002 Chinthaka sat for G.C.E. A/L.

Finally he got the reward for his commitment. He was able to get “A” passes for all the subjects that he faced securing the 7th place in Matara district & 109th place among island ranks. By this result, he created a new Sri Lanka record as the highest ranker with hearing disability in A/L history. Not only that, it was the 1st time to get into the top-10 among his own district and the 1st A-3 pass achieved by an applicant with hearing disability in A/L history. Being a deaf student, the achievement of Chinthaka is some what similar to the effort made by certain great personalities like Helen Keller.

In 2003 he entered the professional education and started his studies at the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AATSL), in June 2003. Within 18 months he completed all the exams in AATSL institute and became a passed finalist in December 2004. That was the 1st time in history that a person with a hearing disability became a passed finalist. Another fact is that he had completed his professional studies before he enter the university.

In 2005, January Chinthaka began his university education in the University of Colombo and Economics, Social Science, International Relations were the subjects that he studied for the degree. During that period he was awarded the L.A. Weerasinghe memorial scholarship from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL).

Hearing loss wasn’t the only barrier to Chinthaka for his education. But also economic matters were arose as his father was retired with a pension below Rs. 10,000 and he is 75 years old. Another fact is that there are three siblings who are still schooling. Hence Chinthaka had to do a part time job not only to support his education but also to support his family with six members.

In March 2008, Chinthaka completed his degree with a 2nd Class (honours) for his final exam in Bachelor of Art. In July in the same year, intermediate exam held by ICASL was passed by Chinthaka excellently and now he is waiting for results of final stage (strategic I). That was the 1st time a deaf person sat the final stage examination in the ICASL history. Once he finished the next stage (strategic II), then Chinthaka will be the 1st Chartered Accountant with a hearing disability in Sri Lanka.

Chinthaka excelled not only in studies but also in extra-curricular activities too. At presently he is the one and only deaf lyricist in Sri Lanka. Even though he is unable to listen to music, the song composed by him is absolutely beautiful. Eminent (VISHARADA) Nelu Adikari sings a song of Chinthaka which the music was composed by famous musician Rohana Weerasinghe and that’s included in Nelu’s latest music album “KANDULU”.

Chinthaka is a modern day hero. He fights against his fate. He never execrates the god for taking back his hearing strength. After a long journey through many hurdles currently he is studying for his Master of Social Science (Economics) degree in the University of Kelaniya. The great hope in his life is to obtain a Doctorate (PhD) in Economics before he enter to 35 years of age. While doing so, even though he is deaf, he doesn’t forget to perform his social responsibilities for his motherland. Hence he renders his service to National Institute of Education Maharagama as a resource person. At present he is preparing a teachers’ guide text book for the teachers of children who are disable and have special educational requirements. Further, He renders his service as a consultant for special education and disability rehabilitation programs conducted by many leading NGOs in Sri Lanka.

Through incomparable dedication and courage Chinthaka has build up a huge image in the society. So that people who are close to him established the “HELP CHINTHAKA FOUNDATION” to support this unique personality. Their one and only goal is to collect
Rs. 3,300,000 worth money for Nuclear Cochlear Implant needed by Chinthaka.

So hereby we certify that the above information on Chinthaka Kodikara is true and correct. And also we invite you all to make a contribution as you can to give back the lost gift to Chinthaka.

Thanking You,
Yours sincerely,

Help Chinthaka Foundation

Signed by on behalf of the foundation,
Mrs. Nelu Adikari.