“Be the beacon of light in someone’s darkness”

Rotaract Club of SLIIT together with Surakimu Dumriya (සුරකිමු දුම්රිය) organization, initiated the project “Uthurata Adaren” to collect donations for those who were affected from the floods in the Northern areas of the country.

Collection points were set up at Maradana Railway Station, SLIIT Malabe Campus and SLIIT Metropolitan Campus. List of items which were required by the affected were informed to the members of the clubs, friends in Rotaract, friends of Rotaract and the general public by RACSLIIT through our official social media platforms and the requested items are as follows.

• Dry Rations
• Clean Drinking Water
• Stationary items
• Sanitary Items
• Clothes
• Medicine

Meanwhile, the organizers of the project reached out to the Railway Department to gain the required permission to set up the collection points and a special train was provided courtesy of Sri Lanka Railway Department to distribute these items to those who were affected by the flood in Mankulam and Kilinochchi areas. Furthermore, we reached out to the military forces, requesting for their assistance to distribute these items in the northern area.

With the help of our generous supporters, we were able to collect donations weighing 05 tons of dry rations, drinking water, water purifiers, stationery items, cloths, sanitary items, medicines to distribute among those who were affected.

The journey to North started early in the morning in the special train provided by the Railway Department, packed with all the donations received at all the collection points. Later in the day, all the items were donated in Mankulam and Kilinochchi areas under the guidance and patronage of Commander of the Army and Directorate of operations 57 Division commander, Major General Nugera. With the support of over 100 soldiers, members of Surakimu Dumriya, RACSLIIT and Sri Lankan Green Front, all the collected items were distributed among the victims in Mankulan and Kilinochchi areas.

Rotaract Club of SLIIT, extends our special appreciation and gratitude to Sri Lanka Army for the immense support rendered to us during the distribution of the items and throughout our time in organizing this project.

Laying the foundation, in any possible way to rebuild a community following a natural disaster is a difficult task. However, contributing towards the task of providing sense of relief to those victims and letting them know that, they are not alone is something we all can do. Thanking the project chair, our very own president, Rtr. Sethil Muhandiram and committee members Rtr. Gavindu Saranga, we also extend our special thanks to Mr. Ruwan Pathirana, chairperson of Surakium Dumriya for reaching out to us and inviting us to join hands on this special activity. Following our “Project Rail” this was the second project which we joined hands with Surakimu Dumriya organization to serve the community.

Last but not least, we humbly thank everyone who supported to collect donations weighing of 05 tons! You all helped to make this happen and thank you for being the beacon of light in the darkness of those who were affected in Mankulan and Kilinochchi areas!

Written By-

Rtr. Parami Paranavitana

Secretary 2018-19