FoG Founder Kushil Gunasekera initially met Glucka (Wiji) Wijesuriya and his wife Kathleen, long before the 2004 Tsunami disaster which became a turning point in the organisation’s humanitarian journey.
‘When we first commenced the Foundation of Goodness in 1999, Wiji was also a close friend of Murali (FoG Trustee and cricketing legend Muthiah Muralidaran) who made the connection which blossomed into many activities and fundraising opportunities for FoG prior to the Tsunami in 2004 following which I cannot forget how funds were raised at his Shenley Cricket Ground to rebuild Sri Lankan communities, with many celebrity cricketers joining Murali in the campaign to do good for people in desperate circumstances in rural disadvantaged communities,’ says Kushil, looking back on the decades long association.
‘Since then, there has been no looking back,’ Kushil Continues, ‘and they extend their generosity in numerous ways and to that end, I am extremely grateful for their time which can never be replaced and many a times, Wiji, seeing the need, would offer help unasked. Their belief in us was established long before the tsunami and was a constant strength to keep going and be who we are today.’
In 2018 the Foundation of Goodness had the privilege to open a Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre in Bandarawela because of the very special gifting by the Wijesuriya Family, led by Wiji, who wanted to hand over their family home to the Foundation of Goodness to set up a facility that would help educate and empower struggling communities in the Bindunuwewa area in Bandarawela.
To add even more value to this magnanimous act, Glucka’s wife Kathleen, who was an English teacher, made the incredible contribution of stepping up to volunteer her time and expertise to conduct English classes via zoom every week. Over the years, Kathleen has consistently and steadfastly these classes every week, additionally supporting the Bandarawela VHE Centre’s English Teacher and students through donating books and other supporting materials that further enhanced their learning and language capabilities and we are proud of the high standard of English at the Bandarawela VHE Centre which is a direct reflection for the time, effort and passion Kathleen has consistently poured in to this programme.
Wiji’s support has continued well beyond this remarkable gift. He has been a dedicated sponsor of the Foundation of Goodness Sports Academy Table Tennis Coaching Programme, creating valuable opportunities for young players to develop their talent. Together, Wiji and Kathleen have also consistently sent sporting equipment, educational resources, books, and thoughtful gifts for the table tennis players and English students, ensuring they have the materials and encouragement needed to continue learning and progressing.
Furthermore, Kathleen has also conducted training and mentorship programmes for the English Teachers and Trainers at the Seenigama Centre of Excellence which is the Foundation of Goodness’ flagship venue.
For close to a decade, Kathleen’s steadfast dedication to teaching English to these rural youth across the island has improved the standard in the use of the language among these talented and keen students who would never have had such an opportunity to not just learn English but practice using the language on a regular basis, which is the key to their fluency and familiarity in the subject.
