There are businesses that trade in products, and there are institutions that quietly transform lives. In the story of Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care, one encounters not merely an enterprise, but a lifelong service to humanity — restoring sight, renewing sound, and in doing so, reconnecting individuals with the fullness of life itself.
Since its humble beginnings in 1976, at a modest yet determined establishment in Delkanda, Colombo, Wickramarachchi has grown into a name that resonates far beyond commerce. It has become, in essence, a bridge — between silence and sound, between blur and clarity, between isolation and belonging. For nearly half a century, its purpose has remained unwavering: to help Sri Lankans see better, hear better, and ultimately, live better.

In a world increasingly driven by speed and scale, there is something profoundly human in the work they do. To restore a child’s hearing is to give them the gift of language. To correct a person’s vision is to return to them the colours of the world. These are not transactions; they are transformations. And it is this philosophy that elevates Wickramarachchi beyond the ordinary confines of business.

At the heart of this journey lies a relentless pursuit of innovation. From introducing advanced hearing technologies in an era when such access was limited, to pioneering cochlear implant solutions in Sri Lanka, the organisation has consistently stood at the frontier of medical and technological progress. The introduction of the country’s first cochlear implant programme marked not just a milestone for the company, but a turning point for healthcare in Sri Lanka — opening doors for thousands who once lived in silence.
Their commitment to excellence has been recognised not only by the community they serve, but also by global voices. The late Sir Arthur C. Clarke, one of the world’s most celebrated scientific minds and a long-standing resident of Colombo, was himself a client of Wickramarachchi from 1995, and in 2001 issued a personal Certificate of Excellence of Service commending the company as a company of distinction in their field. The endorsement stands as a testament to the trust and credibility they have built over decades.

Yet, what defines Wickramarachchi is not only innovation, but integrity. In every consultation, every diagnosis, and every recommendation lies a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and transparency. Their service is marked by empathy as much as expertise, by attentiveness as much as accuracy. It is this rare combination that has fostered enduring relationships with generations of Sri Lankan families.

Even in moments of global uncertainty, their spirit has remained undeterred. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when much of the world paused, Wickramarachchi moved forward — establishing an international-standard ZEISS Vision Centre in Colombo. It was a bold affirmation of their belief that progress must not wait, and that service to people must continue, regardless of circumstance.

Today, with an expanding network of branches and a growing portfolio of advanced optical, audiology, and speech care services, the organisation continues to redefine standards in healthcare delivery. Their milestone of over 1,100 cochlear implants, and the successful execution of complex procedures such as simultaneous bilateral implants, reflect not only technical capability but also a deep commitment to improving human lives.
As this cover story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care is not merely celebrating an anniversary. It is celebrating a legacy — a legacy of vision in its truest sense. A vision that saw possibilities where others saw limitations. A vision that improves people’s lives through personalised care.

For in giving sight and sound, they are not just serving customers — they are restoring the very essence of being human.

50 Years of Vision and Sound
Building a Legacy of Innovation, Resilience, and Human Impact

An Exclusive Interview by Sabrina Zavahir for Global CEO Magazine
As Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care marks its 50th anniversary, its journey stands as a powerful testament to vision, courage, and relentless innovation. In this special cover story, Sabrina Zavahir speaks with Dr. Mihira Wickramarachchi and Ms. Liza Wickramarachchi about five decades of overcoming challenges, pioneering healthcare advancements, and building a legacy that continues to shape lives.

Dr. Wickramarachchi, you are widely regarded as the pioneer of audiology in Sri Lanka. Could you take us back to the early days? What inspired you to introduce this field at a time when even basic equipment was unavailable?

In the early years, this part of the world was not advanced in terms of medical innovation, largely due to strict import restrictions. When we began in 1976, even accessing basic equipment was a challenge. Yet, we saw an opportunity. By 1977, we introduced a Danish hearing aid brand called Danavox to Sri Lanka, making us the first authorised distributor of a European hearing aid brand in Asia Pacific.

At that time, hearing aids were seen purely as assistive devices. Today, their role has evolved significantly. They are not only for those with hearing impairments but also serve educational and developmental purposes. We have now reached a stage where advanced solutions such as cochlear implants are available in Sri Lanka.

We were also among the first to introduce leading global technologies from Germany, including brands like Siemens. From the beginning, our focus was clear — we would only work with the best global partners and maintain uncompromising quality standards. That commitment has defined us.

From a single pioneering effort to a leading healthcare brand today, how has the organisation evolved? What have been the defining milestones?

Our journey has been marked by several milestones. The introduction of Siemens hearing aids was a major step forward. More importantly, we have successfully carried out over 1,100 cochlear implant procedures with devices from Australian company Cochlear Ltd, having a reliability rate of over 99%.

These programmes have delivered life-changing outcomes and earned us continuous international recognition. Today, our audiologists and medical professionals are not only respected locally but are also recognised globally. What is particularly significant is that some of the programmes we offer are not even available in certain developed countries.
In 2019, I was honoured to receive the Sri Lanka Sikhamani, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, conferred personally by President Maithripala Sirisena in recognition of my contributions to healthcare in Sri Lanka.

Can you tell us about the moment Sri Lanka’s cochlear implant journey began?

That moment came in 2004, and it is one I will never forget. We facilitated the first ever cochlear implant surgery in Sri Lanka, performed at Apollo Hospital in Colombo. I brought in Professor Mohan Kameswaran, one of India’s most eminent cochlear implant surgeons, to lead the procedure. He was assisted by Sri Lankan ENT surgeon Dr. Devanand Jha. I supplied the device. It was a landmark moment — not just for our company, but for Sri Lanka’s entire healthcare landscape. From that single surgery, we have now grown to over 1,100 procedures, and the programme continues to transform lives across the country.
Our contribution to establishing the programme was also formally recognised by Cochlear Ltd itself. In 2006, Mark Salmon, President of Cochlear’s Asia Pacific Region, presented me with a plaque in recognition of outstanding contribution in establishing the Cochlear Implant Program in Sri Lanka. To receive that recognition from the company whose technology we had championed from the very beginning meant a great deal.

Ms. Wickramarachchi, what moments stand out to you as defining this journey?
One moment that deeply inspired me was during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world came to a standstill, we chose to move forward. We opened the first ZEISS Vision Centre in Colombo during that period.

Even ZEISS was impressed by this decision. It demonstrated our willingness to innovate and take bold steps, even in uncertain times. That mindset continues to define how we operate as a business.

As CEO representing the next generation, how are you building upon your father’s legacy while introducing your own vision?

For me, it is not only about growing the business but also uplifting the community. Education is a top priority. Supporting those who are differently abled or economically disadvantaged is equally important.

I am proud to say that around 7 per cent of our workforce consists of differently abled individuals who are highly productive and successful. We believe in creating opportunities and empowering people to achieve their potential.

Wickramarachchi has successfully combined healthcare expertise with premium global brands such as ZEISS, Ray-Ban, and Prada. How do you balance clinical excellence with lifestyle positioning?

Our approach goes beyond aesthetics. For example, we are addressing the growing issue of myopia in children through specialised lenses that help control vision deterioration. Similarly, with the increased use of digital devices, blue-light protection has become essential for both children and adults.

These are not just products — they are healthcare solutions driven by technology.
In hearing care, we take a similar approach. People have different lifestyles, and we offer solutions tailored to each individual. Some prefer completely invisible hearing aids, while others opt for devices that resemble modern wearable technology, similar to AirPods.
These devices are rechargeable, compact, and can connect seamlessly to smart devices, making them highly relevant in today’s digital world.

Dr. Wickramarachchi, you have contributed significantly to building Sri Lanka’s audiology ecosystem. How do you see the future of hearing care evolving?
We have created a comprehensive model that integrates assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation under one platform. This is quite unique, even globally.

We also focus on specialised areas such as vestibular and balance assessments. Our premium service environment, which is different from a traditional hospital setting, has attracted global attention. In fact, other countries have shown interest in adopting our model.

I should also mention that one of our most treasured relationships was with the late Sir Arthur C. Clarke. He was a personal client of ours from 1995, using both our optometric and audiology services. In 2001, he was kind enough to issue us a Certificate of Excellence of Service — a document I hold with great pride. His trust in us meant everything.

Accurate hearing is critical. Even missing a single word in an important meeting can have significant consequences. That is why precision and quality are at the heart of everything we do.

Ms. Wickramarachchi, the organisation has introduced international collaborations, including a German-standard optometry training programme. How important is education in sustaining long-term growth?

Education is absolutely vital — not just for business growth, but for national development. Sri Lanka is currently facing a significant brain drain, and I have personally experienced that journey.

However, to create real impact, we must invest in our own people. That is why we have introduced structured training programmes, including vocational pathways for differently abled individuals and professional development opportunities in audiology and optometry.
By building a skilled workforce, we can better serve our community while also creating meaningful career opportunities that encourage people to stay and grow within the country.

As a family-led business transitioning across generations, what leadership lessons would you share with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs?

Challenging times often present the best opportunities. When we started, the country faced significant restrictions. Today, we see similar economic challenges.

My advice is simple — this is the right time to start. With modern technology, building a business is more accessible than ever. Never give up. Take that first step.

It is important to respect the past and learn from those who came before you. At the same time, you must be willing to innovate and take risks. Opportunities are everywhere — you just need the courage to seize them.

Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for the next phase of growth?

We have already made a significant impact by enabling even the profoundly deaf to integrate into mainstream education and employment. Moving forward, education will remain a key focus.

We are planning to establish a larger professional institute with international collaboration, including discussions with the German government. There is strong demand from neighbouring countries for our trained professionals. We have already placed over 15 specialists in the Maldives, where they are highly valued.

The future lies beyond Sri Lanka. We aim to expand regionally and explore new healthcare domains. Manufacturing will also be a priority, as it enables the country to move up the value chain and generate foreign income.

We are already receiving requests from across South East Asia to share our clinical expertise. This is an exciting phase of growth, and we are ready to embrace it.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

From navigating import restrictions in the 1970s to pioneering advanced hearing and vision care solutions, Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care has built more than a business — it has built a legacy.

As it celebrates 50 years of excellence, the organisation stands not only as a leader in healthcare, but also as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of vision — both literal and visionary.