The Foundation of Goodness’ Village Heartbeat Empowerment (VHE) Centres are transforming lives across Sri Lanka by equipping community members with essential skills and guidance to unlock their potential. This year, dozens of success stories have emerged, with beneficiaries excelling in academics, technology, international sports and entrepreneurship. The achievements highlighted here are just a few examples of how these skills can lead to income generation, family support and brighter futures.
One such inspiring example comes from the Maskeliya VHE, where three bright young students recently made headlines for their outstanding achievement in a national essay competition organised in celebration of World Environment Day (June 5) under the theme “Act Together to Beat Plastic Pollution,” which was held in partnership with Wijeya Newspapers, TSHE and IEPSL.
V. Navadheesh, C. Sharvin and P. Sharukshini secured first, second and third places, respectively, in the junior category. This impressive collaboration drew thousands of young participants from across Sri Lanka, making the achievements of these three students even more remarkable. At the award ceremony, the young achievers proudly received certificates, cash prizes and gift packs, bringing immense pride to their families, instructors and the entire VHE community.
We also take great pride in two talented athletes from our region who represented Sri Lanka at the South Asian Athletics Championship 2025, where the country emerged as runner-up in the overall standings. At the championships in Ranchi, India, Ayomal Akalanka won a silver medal in the 400m hurdles with a time of 50.29 seconds and contributed to the national team’s gold medal in the 4 × 400m relay. Meanwhile, Vicknaraj Vakshan secured a silver medal in the 5000m event with an impressive time of 14:23.21 minutes. Their hard work, discipline and commitment reflect the determination seen across our youth programmes every day.
Showing remarkable curiosity and innovation, Grade 9 ICT student H. M. Miyuru Sathsara from Mahiyanganaya developed an Arduino-based obstacle avoidance car. Designed using sensors and a microcontroller, his autonomous robotic vehicle demonstrates not only technical skill but also dedication and eagerness to explore new challenges. Miyuru’s creativity and potential promise a bright future in engineering and technology, nurtured through our ICT programmes.
Demonstrating talent and dedication, seventeen-year-old H. M. Dananjani Nayoma from Maskeliya is currently enrolled in the six-month Dressmaking course. She has already shown remarkable skill and her enthusiasm for learning new techniques highlights her curiosity, determination and potential. With her commitment, Dananjani is on a promising path to becoming a skilled dressmaker, capable of supporting her family and inspiring others in her community.
With determination and talent, Sarvishan Jathusha, a graduate of the Beauty Culture programme from Pallai, now provides professional makeup services from home, earning around Rs. 20,000 each month, a vital contribution to her family’s livelihood.
Similarly, K. Anjali, a graduate in Beauty Culture from Trincomalee, has successfully established a home-based beauty service offering facials, hair colouring, saree draping and other treatments, thereby building both financial stability and confidence.
In a remarkable display of initiative and determination, Kirushanthan Rishanthini from Vavuniya has taken an inspiring leap forward. After completing the Beauty Culture course in January 2025 and gaining hands-on experience as an assistant in a local salon, she courageously opened her own small parlour in May, using only basic equipment. This achievement, driven entirely by her hard work and dedication, reflects both her entrepreneurial spirit and the transformative impact of the VHE Centre programmes.
With admirable initiative and drive, K. R. Sandani Chathurika Madushani from Ahangama has already started a small handicraft business just two months into her six-month training. She creates bags, pencil cases and other handmade items, turning her skills into a source of income while laying the foundation for future growth.
Turning passion into opportunity, J. M. Buddhika Priyadarshani, a graduate of the cooking course from Monaragala, has launched a thriving cake and bakery business. Her creativity and dedication have earned her a loyal customer base and growing recognition through online platforms.
Meanwhile, Rashmi Poornima, a participant in our six-month cake-making course, recently opened her own cake shop in Dambulla, bringing her vision to life and inspiring others in her community to pursue their dreams.
These stories represent just a glimpse of the remarkable achievements taking place across our VHE Centre programmes this year. They remind us that every skill acquired, every challenge overcome and every dream pursued strengthens families, uplifts communities and lights the path for the next generation. Through their dedication, creativity and courage, the beneficiaries of our courses across 21 centres are not only transforming their own lives, they are shaping a brighter, more empowered Sri Lanka for everyone.
