Shali Runs with Hope

Miss N.H. Samanmali or 'Shali' as she is known is a 10 year old Seenigama girl who suffered enormous losses in the tsunami last year. Not only did she tragically lose three sisters, but the family also lost a small baby in the tsunami tragedy, their home and all possessions were entirely destroyed. For most of us, it is absolutely impossible to imagine this kind of misfortune and heartbreak.

What is phenomenal however is the spirit of this small, 10 year old girl. During this year's Sinhala and Tamil New Year "Avurudu" Festival the Foundation of Goodness held dozens of sporting events, one of which was a 12km mini-marathon, open to women and girls of all ages. Shali, at just ten years of age won this event, showing amazing spirit and determination to keep running to the end despite all of the trgedy just three months before.

She is an incredible example of the triumph of the human spirit. Shali is often found playing in the playground, attending Foundation of Goodness English classes, dancing and running. She also enjoys studying and is performing well at her school, the Seenigama Sri Wimala Buddhi Maha Vidyalaya.

Shali is pictured above on the left and on the right with her two remaining older sisters and her Mother. The family previously lived on Galle Road in Seenigama, where they also had a small shop. The shop is now in business again, where all the family help out. Shali lives with her Mother and sisters with relatives in Seenigama while they eagerly await provision of a new home which we hope to deliver very soon.