In late 2025, Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. At just 13 years old (Grade 8), Nethum Apurva Dissanayake, now a photography student at our Centre of Excellence in Seenigama, felt a powerful urge to help those affected. “I wished that I could help in some way, but I couldn’t because of financial limitations,” he recalls.
Determined not to let this stop him, Apurva found another way to make a difference. Having joined the Centre of Excellence in Seenigama just three months ago to learn photography, he drew on his growing passion for wildlife photography and a collection of photographs he had taken. His interest in photography was inspired by his father, who pursues it as a hobby. He then decided to turn his creativity into action by designing and launching a 2026 desk calendar, “Wild 2026: Frames of Hope.”
With the encouragement and support of his parents, the project became a reality. He designed each page of the calendar and received help with printing from his father. Once launched, nearly 100 calendars were sold, raising around Rs. 200,000.
Using the funds, he purchased school stationery, school bags, books, and a small toy for each student at the Ellanda Primary School, spending approximately Rs. 6,500 per child. These items were donated to 333 students at the rural school in the Uva Paranagama area of Badulla.
Through this initiative, Apurva demonstrated that even at a young age, passion, creativity, and determination can come together to make a meaningful difference.
He extends heartfelt thanks to his parents, his school Sussex College, and everyone who supported the project by purchasing the calendars and helping turn this idea into reality.
