Teen invents modern wheelchair targeting disabled Forces, police personnel

Lankinda Nanayakkara Imaduwa Group Corr.

IMADUWA: A student of Heenatigala Maha Vidyalaya has invented a modern sophisticated wheelchair targeting disabled Security Forces and police personnel.

Lahiru Niranjaya Pandigama, 16, a Grade 11 student claims that his model wheelchair has over 10 novel features which provided more manoeuvrability than the standard wheelchair available in the market. Explaining the features of the invention in detail Lahiru said: “It is more like a mobile room, vehicle or a bed and adjustable to suit the type of disability of the user.”

The wheelchair which can operate on electricity or fuel can be used to sit up, sleep travel on road or negotiate staircases without the help and assistance of a third party.

It also has an adjustable table for use during meal time, a separate holder for a pair of crutches and a mosquito net. It has also been fitted with lighting to suit night travel.

Lahiru who has many inventions to his credit is the only child in the family and the apple of the eye his father Ranjith Pandigama, 43, and B. Ramya Badullawasuge, 43.

Lahiru earlier invented a grinder machine and a manoeuvrable mini-plane using a regifoam body. Lahiru who is now busy inventing a crop drying machine said he is prepared to undertake commercial production of his wheel chair if a State or private sector institution comes forward as an investor to assist him.