As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on an incredible year filled with remarkable achievements, new beginnings, and meaningful impact. Each milestone we reached and initiative we launched has brought us closer to our mission of empowering rural communities, bridging the urban-rural divide, and fostering sustainable change. Here’s a look back at some of the defining moments of 2024:
Empowering Communities Through Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres
This year, we expanded our reach by opening three new Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres (VHE), bringing the total to 20 Centres across Sri Lanka.
- Maskeliya: The 19th Centre, the Sinnasamy Muthiah Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, was inaugurated with the generous support of Sunrich Biscuits and the Muthiah family, honouring their father’s legacy.
- Kundasale: The 20th Centre opened in Kandy, offering educational opportunities, vocational training, and a supportive community space to uplift local families.
- Vavuniya: Marking a fresh chapter, the Vavuniya VHE relocated from Puthiyanagar to continue its mission of empowering rural communities with new resources and opportunities.
Additionally, the Trincomalee VHE expanded in October with a Phase 2 opening. Sponsored by the Tokyo Cement Group, this upgraded facility now includes six classrooms, an auditorium, and new courses such as general cookery, mobile repairing, CCTV, traditional dance, and more.
Water for Life: Reverse Osmosis Plants
Access to clean water has been a cornerstone of our initiatives this year. In 2024, we opened three Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants:
- Medawachchiya (Anuradhapura District): The 19th Reverse Osmosis Plant was inaugurated in July, benefitting over 200 individuals, including 38 students and 10 teachers, at Ihala Thammennawa School.
- Wannihelabewa (Elayapaththuwa): The 20th Reverse Osmosis Plant, sponsored by Ratnatunga Charity Projects, now provides clean drinking water to 300+ families across four villages.
- Watawana Village (Mahiyanganaya): The 21st Reverse Osmosis Plant serves over 8,000 people in seven villages, alleviating the burden of chronic kidney disease, which has affected 147 individuals in the area.
These facilities are more than just water plants; they represent hope, health, and a brighter future for communities in need.
Sporting Excellence
Sports have continued to be a powerful avenue for empowerment this year:
- Girls Represent: Four young cricketers from our Academy—Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shashini Gimhani—made history by representing Sri Lanka’s U19 cricket team on tours to Bangladesh and Australia.
- MCC Scholarships: Through our partnership with MCC (Lord’s), we provided scholarships to 16 talented young cricketers, equipping them with resources and opportunities to excel.
- Hoops for Hope: Partnering with the US Embassy, we facilitated basketball training sessions led by NBA veteran Stephen Howard and WNBA player Astou Ndiaye, inspiring the next generation of athletes across Sri Lanka.
Major Events That Made an Impact
- Doing Good Ball 2024: Hosted by OYOB Property Group, this annual gala raised funds to support the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts, showcasing the transformative power of collective goodwill.
- Mid-Winter Charity Ball: Held in Australia, this event raised significant funds for empowering women and girls through education, work-readiness programmes, and sports training.
- 25th Anniversary Celebrations: We marked a quarter-century of goodness with gratitude to all who have supported our journey of uplifting rural communities since 1999.
A New Look for the Centre of Excellence
January 2024 saw the unveiling of the newly renovated wing at the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama. This upgrade, generously sponsored by Yahava KoffeeWorks, Arul Bala, Dr. Kushwin Rajamani, and others, now houses essential facilities like the Finding Dreams Special Needs Unit, psycho-social unit, and dental clinic. These improvements enhance our ability to provide holistic care and support to our community.
Educational and Vocational Empowerment
Education remained at the forefront of our efforts this year:
- New Courses: From mobile repairing to traditional dance, our Centres now offer diverse opportunities to equip individuals with life-changing skills.
- Cricket for Girls: Our Seenigama Ladies Cricket Academy continues to empower girls, with many players representing Sri Lanka at the national level.
Commemorating Lives Lost
On December 26, we held the 20th Tsunami Commemoration at the Seenigama Kusumarama Temple. This solemn occasion honoured the memories of those lost in the 2004 tragedy, with Rev. Akurala Manjulathissa leading the ceremonies.
Looking Ahead
2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration, determination, and shared vision. As we step into 2025, we carry forward the lessons and achievements of this year, committed to creating lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s continue to do good, spread kindness, and transform lives.
