Looking back at our journey of charity, it simply fills me with happiness.
Being generous is not an art or a skill we learn. It is an ingrained quality
that could be inspired with the opportunity to do good. It’s a feeling of
being happy and to see similar happiness around you.
Can you munch that meat burger, oblivion to the world around? Its juicy
sauces dripping down, and your taste buds explode with just one bite.
The creamy sundae that you longed for weeks! You’re engrossed with its
heavenly taste! Myriads of taste buds get intoxicated by the rich
creaminess, and you are floating on a soft cloud feeling how divine that
moment is.
You open your eyes! Someone is looking at you with hunger plainly
written in their eyes. Now, could you still munch on the burger or lick the
last bit of the sundae?
We have choices! If you just had money for that one burger or that one
sundae, it’s ok. But if you know you won’t be impoverished by spending
another $10 for a hungry soul?
Dulip and I did small acts of kindness to the known and the unknown.
But, after my Mum passed away, we multiplied it and started small scale
donations to hospitals and temples in her memory. During a period of
four years, we donated several wheelchairs, refrigerators and washing
machines to Ratnapura Hospital.
Then COVID came. With the increasing deaths in Sri Lanka, we had
many requests for medical supplies. One day, unable to bear the
sadness of unnecessary deaths, I spoke to my good friend, Thejani.
Based in Sri Lanka, she was our rock. We initiated. From then onwards,
financial support came from Srie and Ruwanmali, both domiciled in the
USA, and we formed a small charity group. Many supportive family and
friends contributed, and we raised a few thousand dollars. All went to
purchase the much-needed equipment. NRB masks (450), oxygen
generators, nasal cannulas, BP monitors, KN 95 masks for midwives,
PHIs and health officers etc. We received many letters of appreciation
and photos. It’s truly heartwarming.
Then came the Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka. That was another
milestone in raising funds. Our funds went to Cancer Hospital to buy
medicine to the patients fighting life and death; schools, school children
without supplies, and many people who had no means of sustenance.
During that time, a request came from Dharmaraja Vidyalaya in
Ratnapura. In keeping with their needs, we had another round to raise
funds. With the funds, both junior school and senior school, went on their
educational trips. My friend, Srie, funded the milk feed for nearly one
year. Upgrading the reading section of the school, became a possibility
when Harsha and Shamalie Sugathapala sent new story books to the
school. That time, I realised that the library was a makeshift place,
adjoining the school office. It was so neglected. We gave it a face lift.
Every child of the school was given a school bag in July 2023. On 03rd
July this year, we gave the children a nice lunch.
When Arya’s Dream was published, we started a website in May 2024.
One part is secured for our charities. To me, those generous souls who
helped us during such hard times aren’t to be forgotten. They did what is
possible not for fame or glory, but in sheer generosity. Together, we’ve
reached some amazing landmarks. Some people may be enjoying life
because of such kind acts of our donors. They should be mentioned.
Those photos should not be kept in archives. They should be displayed.
Blessings to all of them!
A Journy of a Thousand Miles Begins with One Small Step!
