Spalding sends help to Sri Lankan schoolchildren
Although it hardly made the news in the UK, in November Sri Lanka faced catastrophic destruction caused by Cyclone Dittwa, which resulted in widespread flooding and landslips across multiple regions of the country. The disaster caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services, severely affecting vulnerable communities.
As a direct consequence of the cyclone numerous families lost household belongings and essential assets. A significant number of school children lost their school uniforms and educational materials.Parents in affected areas were currently experiencing financial hardship and were unable to replace these essential items.
Without timely assistance, many children risk delayed school attendance, loss of self-esteem, and long-term disruption to their education.
Urgent intervention was required to ensure the children could resume their education without further disadvantage.
Spalding Rotarian Shamal Warnakasuluriya is originally from Sri Lanka.
When he told fellow Rotarians about the plight, the club reached out to the Rotary Club of Kandy Heritage, to see how the Spalding club could help in an immediate and practical way.
As a result, £1000 has been sent to Kandy Heritage, for the immediate replacement of school uniforms and equipment, in time for the new term.
Spalding Rotary Club President Graham Dawson said ‘Much of our charitable work goes toward helping local young people thrive, so we are delighted to be able to extend this and help children in another community, in a tangible way. Our charitable donations are made possible because of the generosity of the people of Spalding & South Holland when we have fund-raising events’.
Prasanna Sellaiah, Treasurer of the Kandy Heritage club said ‘I extend our sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Spalding for their generous contribution. This will directly assist children who have lost their school uniforms and essential learning materials, enabling them to recommence their education with dignity’.
