“Lahiru” Pre-school gets a New Look

The red ribbon that was tied at the entrance to the Pre-school was cut by the Founder Kushil Gunasekera whilst the little ones waited anxiously with flowers to welcome the guests. Offering of flowers at the newly built Shrine Room and participating in religious activities was very touching as teachers guided kids. Raising of the National Flag whilst kids stood to attention to sing the National Anthem followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp: the perfect way to start the day. The dance item performed by the little ones was so pleasing that it made those watching them shake to the tune as well.

Kushil in his emotional speech said; “this day brings tears to my eyes. My late father would have been so pleased to see this progress, the premises and the villa being my ancestral home that was subsequently donated by me to the Foundation of Goodness. The Pre-school was its first ever building, opened in 1999, that has today turned out to be something so beautiful and most certainly the heartbeat of the Foundation of Goodness, which my family would have been happy to share with me”.

Previously, the “Lahiru” pre-school of the MCC Centre of Excellence in Seenigama, located by the side of the railway lines, was protected only by a strong wire mesh and the huge din caused by the passing train was a real distraction- though at times kids hung on to the mesh to wave to the passers-by. Construction of an “L” shaped wall and focusing on many other requirements was a much needed exercise even though the Foundation did not have the sufficient funds. However, the drawings, estimates and a Refurbishment plan was worked out but yet it seemed like a daunting task to source the funding to implement the project. 

“Reach for the stars, even if you have to stand on a cactus” ,is exactly what we believe in, never to be discouraged, but be positive and stay focused. Having heard of the scope of humanitarian endeavors undertaken by the Foundation of Goodness for the well being of the rural community, Harborne Cricket Club in the U.K. was very interested in visiting the Foundation to be play cricket whilst being involved in a fund raiser on behalf of the Foundation. This seemed just what the Pre-school needed and the Sector Manager, Helen Brohier did not hesitate in working her plan towards obtaining this donation towards the refurbishment plan, which was instantly approved and agreed upon by the Harborne Cricket Club (HCC). What a blessing!

1st April 2010 signified the much awaited visit of the HCC team to Sri Lanka and to the “Lahiru” Pre-school at the MCC Centre of Excellence in Seenigama. A dream came true for the Foundation of Goodness (FOG), with the magnanimous donation of Rupees One Million in realizing the intended work plan for which we can never thank them enough for being so kind and considerate.


Work got underway within three days, making fast progress under the close supervision of the committed staff of the Foundation. Within a month the “Lahiru” Pre-school shaped up in style, adding value, looking great with beautiful wall paintings on the newly built wall, new play park equipment, Shrine room for kids and teaching staff to be involved in their religious activities. The entire floor area carpeted with a good looking rubberized mat ensuring the safety of kids. For this we extend our sincere appreciation to Niranjan Vithanage, Kushil’s former cricket colleague and his committed team at Richard Pieris Exports Plc, for providing the outdoor playground mat at a very special discounted price. A whole new look to the “Lahiru” pre-school makes it one of the best in the southern region.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jamison family for their kind contribution towards the purchase of play park equipment that was made in memory of their precious daughter, late Kumari. May the highest merit be bestowed upon Kumari for this kind act of care and wholesomeness.


The canopy that covers a large open area of the premises to provide shade to kids was made thanks to the kind and caring act of a committed team of people headed by Ramya Tennakoon in Gold Coast, Queensland - Australia to organize a fundraiser on behalf of the Foundation and our heartfelt gratitude go out to them too.


The Foundation of Goodness gratefully acknowledges the kindness and generosity of our sponsors who cared to make a difference in the life of rural kids; Sri Lanka Disaster Relief Fund, Queensland, Australia and Oriflame Lanka (Pvt) Ltd for being the sustainability donors for 2010/2011 without whom it is not possible to continue our work in improving the quality of life of the 60 disadvantaged kids from seven villages establishing a solid platform with their future in mind. May you be blessed in abundance!


We also cannot forget at this stage our original sponsor for three years; Stafford International School, Colombo who created this facility initiated by Mrs. Kanthi Wettimuny – Director, that is now growing in stature and their wonderful collaboration is always embedded deeply in our heart.


And of course Harborne Cricket Club in the U.K., who will know, from meeting the children on their memorable visit to Seenigama, just how much their effort means to us all.

2010.05.10