Committee Meeting – Victoria

by Lionel Bandara | Jun 8, 2024 | Committee Meetings

DABAL Committee Meeting – 08.06.24

Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka trustees had a face to face meeting at the Victoria Place. Discussed future events including below subjects.

Donations for Just Giving
South London Tamil Church
CAF Cheques
20^th Anniversary Concert
Other regular Donations
Grants to schools

Trustees visited to five schools in Sri Lanka April – May 2024 with grants.

1.Sri Sudarshi Special School for The Deaf & Blind, Ella, Bandarawela
2. Moratuwa – Sri Chandrasekara School for the Deaf.
3. School for the Deaf and Blind, Kumbukkana, Saubagya Vidyalaya, Monaragala.
4. Islamic Centre for the Physically Handicapped
5. Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special (Deaf Blind) School, Anuradhapura

DABAL 20th Anniversary – 11- 05 – 2024

by Lionel Bandara | May 11, 2024 | Events

DABAL-20th anniversary

DABAL 20th Anniversary Musical Event had on Saturday 11th May 2024 at 6.30pm, at St Michael & All Angels Church, Bedford Park, Bath Road, London W4 1TT. The concert started at 7pm. Our Patron, Lord Low of Dalston and newly appointed patron Dr. Chris Nonis presented. The event is organised by Mr Alan Durham who has put together many successful musical events for us and is an experienced musician himself. We have the pleasure of performances by very talented musicians – soprano Gayathrie Peiris Patrick,pianists Chaturika Rajapakse and Elizabeth Jones. Last but not least the stunning Emma Callister Quintet plays jazz.

DABAL Chairman addressing audience at Maharagama Youth Centre

by Lionel Bandara | May 7, 2024 | Events

Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka

Sri Lanka

“The Chairman of Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka attended a graduation ceremony in Sri Lanka and took this opportunity to speak about the UK-registered charity, which supports rural deaf and blind schools in Sri Lanka.”

Dr. Besley Welisarage

Lionel Bandara

Lionel with Dr. Besley Welisarage

From Chairman

On behalf of the UK-registered charity Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka, it was a great honor to participate in the Saranganavi Graduation Festival in Sri Lanka. This event provided a unique platform to showcase the charity’s efforts and achievements in supporting schools across the country.
Chairman Lionel Bandara delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the charity’s mission and the significant impact it has had on Sri Lankan schools. He detailed the various projects completed so far, emphasizing the tangible benefits these initiatives have brought to the educational landscape.

£1500 – 2024 – Anuradhapura – Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special school visit

by Lionel Bandara | May 3, 2024 | Schools-Visits

Report on Visit to Anuradhapura Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special (Deaf Blind) School

Introduction

While I was in Sri Lanka on holiday in April 2024, I managed to communicate with the former principal of the Anuradhapura Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special (Deaf Blind) School, Mrs. Sagarika Chandrani Wimaratne. I made arrangements for my visit because this school was selected to receive funds from DABAL’s AGM held in October 2023. Although Mrs. Sagarika retired a few weeks ago, she kindly volunteered to organize our visit and introduced me to the new principal, Mr. Sudath Priyadarshna.

The Visit

I spoke to Mr. Priyadarshna beforehand and visited the school on the 4th of May. The management board, all principals, teachers, and students welcomed us warmly, and they were delighted with our visit. One of my sister’s friends, Sujeewa, kindly offered his car for the trip. I drove with my brother-in-law, Manjula Indrajith, and his daughter Jayani. The journey from Kurunegala to Anuradhapura, about 100 km, took approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Event Highlights

The visit was remarkable. The welcoming dance by deaf children created an incredibly warm and inclusive atmosphere. Their creativity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. Additionally, there were many more performances by individual and groups of students, skillfully coordinated by the dancing teachers behind the scenes.

Purpose of Donation

The funds we donated will be used to install a ceiling in the boys’ hall to protect from the sun and to prevent flooding during the rainy season. The ceiling will also help during hot periods, providing much-needed comfort.

Speeches and Appreciation

Several speeches were given by board members, the Principal, the Vice Principal, and the former Principal, expressing their admiration for our support and wishing us continued strength in the future. The gratitude and warmth from the school community were deeply felt.

The visit to Anuradhapura Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special (Deaf Blind) School was a fulfilling experience, showcasing the impact of our efforts and the appreciation from the community. We look forward to continuing our support for these deserving schools.

Thank you, Lionel Bandara 03.05.2024 (DABAL – Chairman)

Capturing Moments of Joy and Learning

School Visit Photo Gallery

£1500 – 2024 – Gampaha Thihariya School for the Physically Handicaped school visit

by Lionel Bandara | Apr 19, 2024 | Schools-Visits

A Journey of Hope and Support

Visit to Thihariya, Gampaha Islamic Centre for Visually Handicapped

Join us as we explore the inspiring work being done at the Thihariya, Gampaha School for Visually Handicapped, where education and empowerment meet.

Warm Welcome and School Tour

Upon arrival, the principal, teachers, and students greeted us with open arms, setting a welcoming tone for our visit. We were taken on a detailed tour of the school’s facilities, witnessing firsthand the dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment.

Exploring the School's Facilities

The tour highlighted the various classrooms and specialized areas designed to support the unique needs of the students. It was inspiring to see the commitment to providing quality education and resources for visually impaired children.
Manager said ‘Your generous donation will help us enhance the auditory experience for students at the Thihariya, Gampaha School for the Visually Handicapped. With your support, we aim to replace the outdated sound system in the auditorium, ensuring all students can fully participate in school events.’

A Memorable Lunch Experience

During our visit, we had the pleasure of sharing a meal with the students and staff. This gathering was more than just a lunch; it was a heartwarming opportunity to connect with the community. The students’ enthusiasm and the staff’s dedication were palpable, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy.

As we interacted with the children, their stories and aspirations inspired us deeply. The sense of camaraderie among them was infectious, and it was clear that the school is not just an educational institution but a nurturing home for these young minds. Our time there reinforced the importance of our mission and the impact of our support.

Addressing Critical Needs

Urgent Call for a New Braille Printer

Reflecting on a Meaningful Visit

Our visit to the Thihariya, Gampaha School for the Visually Handicapped was a profoundly moving experience. Witnessing the dedication of the staff and the vibrant spirit of the students was truly inspiring. The school’s commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for children with visual and hearing impairments is commendable.

We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and the opportunity to contribute to the school’s mission. The generosity and resilience of everyone involved left a lasting impression, reinforcing our commitment to supporting their invaluable work. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of our donation and continuing our partnership in the future.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support can transform lives at the Thihariya, Gampaha School for the Deaf and Blind. By contributing to our initiatives, you help provide essential resources and create a more inclusive learning environment for these remarkable students. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed.

We invite you to join us in this meaningful journey. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your involvement is invaluable. Let’s work together to empower these students and make a lasting impact on their education and future.