This is indeed a success story, just like the phoenix which rose from ashes this model rural holistic village rose up, stronger, after the tsunami waves in 2004.

The MCC Centre of Excellence, which houses the
FoG office – the nerve centre of the Foundation

Started in 1999, this is the 10 year success story of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG)seen through the eyes of volunteer from the UK, Quendreda Guetter, who is on a year long stint here lending her expertise as Development Manager.

FoG’s Origins
It started as one man's decision to go back home and find opportunity for those he left behind. Kushil Gunasekera started the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) ten years ago in March 1999, with the desire to build a rural community model to give villagers the chance to thrive and excel, which he saw was achievable given the right facilities and support.

Founder/trustee Kushil Gunasekera
addressing a recent event

Kushil was once just another boy, with roots in the village of Seenigama - a Southerner by stock but with the advantage of a Colombo education.  Unlike many of us who are quick to forget our origins, Kushil made his way back. His great dreams began with little steps, converting the grounds of his ancestral home into a community centre including English and IT classes, a Maternity Clinic, Play Park and sponsorship programme for the benefit of many in the village.

But the full potential of his ambition was only realised in the days, months and years after the Tsunami. The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) blossomed in the wake of the waves and began to take on project after project, not only within the parameters of Seenigama but extending its reach to other villages in the region.

Destruction after tsunami waves hit
On 26 Dec. 2004

Kushil Gunasekera says “after the tsunami it was complete chaos. There was debris everywhere and the living conditions were absolutely impossible. But spirits were not broken, and villagers joined the Foundation of Goodness to rebuild lives.”

The Foundation of Goodness (FoG)is not the achievement of one man. Behind Kushil stand a team of villagers, family, Colombo and local staff, volunteers, friends and donors that have made it all possible. From the early days Kushil was supported by village staff including Sampath Viraj, Seenigama Manager and the current Trustee of the famous Seenigama Devale Temple, not forgetting the Trustees prior to the tsunami that included the legendry cricketer Muthiah Muralidaran, Rohan Iriyagolle, Ashan Malalasekera and the other famous cricket celebrity Chaminda Vaas.   After the tsunami, villagers joined the Foundation of Goodness to rebuild the village house by house, and all along the way have been volunteers, friends and supporters from all over the world.

The Mcc Centre of Excellence opens
after the tsunami destruction

The profile of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is enhanced by the star studded team of Trustees with the latest addition of yet another extraordinary cricketing icon and an Ambassador of Goodwill Kumar Sangakkara three months ago. 

MCC officials visit other facilities
at the Centre of Excellence

Kushil is a spontaneous man who makes use of every opportunity that comes his way.  Kushil picks up when there is a need and then hopes for the best.  His plans most often defy gravity.  He says it’s something that comes from the heart and not from the head. Buddhism is his philosophy and he believes in living by it.  For Kushil Gunasekera, to give is meritorious and “the more you give the more will be yours to give” is his way of life.  If that is a business plan then Kushil Gunasekera is the next corporate guru - and if you have any doubt about it you should come to Seenigama to see it for yourself.  His work is based on purity of intention and compassion to alleviate the miseries of those in desperate need enabling to elevate their standards.

FoG’s holistic approach covers many areas

In this day and age of economic meltdown and global philanthropy taking a shot in the heart what is the business plan of the Foundation of Goodness? Are their projects sustainable? Kushil says “we are ready to launch the next stage and the key to the success of being sustainable comes from our accountability, attention to detail and belief that it can be done.  We know how every rupee is spent and waste is not our way of life. It costs only $20 per person for a whole year to use all the facilities provided by the Foundation.”

Ten years ago this was one man’s dream. Now it is a reality brought to fruition with the dedication and support from thousands of people seeking a solution to poverty and disaster, which they have found in Seenigama. Thanks to the compassion of donors from all over the world who acted from the heart to help and the many staff, villagers and volunteers who put their effort into rebuilding, embracing the challenges with a smile and a steady conviction of purpose, the Foundation is now the strong organisation it is, helping more than 20,000 people.

Today the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is not just one man's dream but the vision of a community, which is being realised step by step.  Its spirit is contagious and spreading fast, hopefully not only to the surrounding villages, but to communities all over Sri Lanka and beyond for greater empowerment of rural life.

Looking to the Future
10 years is an achievement. However, as always is the case, achieving success is relatively easy, as against maintaining success. So this is now the uphill task which confronts the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) as sustainability is of core essence. Explaining his vision for the future, the founder/trustee of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) Kushil Gunasekera said “the dream to establish a rural community model unfolded in the most devastating manner yet we were able to turn this setback into a blessing with the waves of compassion to overpower the waves of destruction.  As for the future the priority is to sustain the 30 sectors to survive the test of time addressing the needs of 25 villages in the region serving 20,000 beneficiaries which is foremost.  However we already have a template of a rural community empowerment model titled the ‘Village Heartbeat’ which is the unit that can be replicated in villages to bring the best out of talented, skilful and bright children giving them much hope for a future with greater prosperity.

“We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give”
- Sir Winston Churchill

FoG Management Sectors
FoG Summary
FoG Progress Chart

2009.03.09