How it happened

The 18th DABAL AGM was held on 28th October 2023 in the Michael Room of St. Michael and All Angels Church, Bath Road, London W4 ITT.

The members and their friends were welcomed by Mr. Sarath Weerasinghe, founder member.

Then a very personal presentation by Dr Christina Crossette-Thambiah, the secretary of DABAL, of her first visit to Sri Lanka since she left at the age of one, was made. It was combined with the moving stories and images the committee members’ visit in 2022 to distribute the grant awards. It showed her the magic of what the children were able to appreciate and learn from the schools, giving all the more impetus to all to help resource these schools.

The distinguished guests and speakers were introduced being the Deputy Sri Lanka High Commissioner, Mrs Manorie Mallikarathchy, who promised to introduce DABAL to the Sri Lanka administrative departments which would help as well as give them more publicity to raise fund.

Chief Guest speaker was Dr Chris Nonis, who had been elected as a second Patron in addition to Lord Colin Low, to support the charity. Dr Nonis is a very distinguished person, medical doctor, chairman of a conglomerate in Sri Lanka and has vast experience of working with charities. He expressed his delight and being asked and has a long interaction with the charities founding members.

Before an interval for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch and refreshments the speakers were presented with gifts and the formal proceedings commenced.

After the minutes of the 17th Annual General Meeting held on the 22rd October 2022 were confirmed and accepted by the members, the Chair Mr. Lionel Bandara presented his report for the year October 2022-October 2023. Some of the highlights of the report were the record of visits to four schools in Sri Lanka undertaken by himself, Mrs. Nadani Welikala, and local representatives.

DABAL celebrates its 20th anniversary next year and will organise a grand musical concert at St. Michael and All Angels Church with Mr Alan Durham as musical director.

Ms. Teri Welkala, the Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s Report and the Accounts were adopted by the meeting. Next the election of the Office Bearers and the Committee took place and Mr Sithara Wickramarachchi was confirmed as DABAL’s Auditor and External Examiner for this year. A warm farewell was given to Mrs. Cynthia Fernandez who had held that post for many years and she was also presented with a thank you gift.

In AOB our other special guest Mr Walter de Krester of Riders for Charity spoke about giving us support for a fundraising cycle around Sri Lanka early next year.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Vice-chair Mr. Ranjith Chandrasena and the meeting concluded with the Grand Raffle Draw