
13th July 2025 – DABAL presents a Musical Evening

Mike Arnold, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, made a generous donation of $200 and £140, amounting to 111,640 Sri Lankan Rupees. This contribution was made on behalf of Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka, with the support of some players from the Forty Club.
These funds are being utilized to take the children of Kalutara—Horetuduwa, Sri Chandrasekara School for the Deaf on a special day trip. This wonderful initiative will provide the children with an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
As the committee and members of Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mike Arnold for his thoughtful donation and his continued support of our mission. The funds were formally handed over to Mrs. Shirani Dissanayake, Managing Director of the school.
We look forward to sharing photos from this heart-warming trip on our site as soon as we receive them from the principal. Stay tuned to witness the joy this trip has brought to the children!
Chairman Lionel Bandara, Vice Chairman Ranjith Chandrasena, Treasurer Ruvini Ranatunga, and other friends from Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka charity organisation attended the Batticaloa Underprivileged Development Society charity night. Chairman Lionel Bandara was invited to light the candle during the opening ceremony. They were warmly welcomed, enjoyed traditional dancing, and had a delightful dinner. The trustees extended a warm welcome to the DABAL trustees as well.
BUDS is a non-governmental, non-religious, and non-profit organization committed to actively enhancing the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work and education.
DABAL extended a warm invitation to its Advent Carol Concert, held in the magnificent setting of St. John’s Church, Waterloo. The event commenced with a heartfelt Welcome Speech by the Chairperson of DABAL, followed by a choir Processional towards the altar.
The concert featured a diverse mix of solo and choral performances, showcasing music by classical composers such as Handel, Britten, Manz, and Adams. The audience also enjoyed well-known congregational and Nativity hymns, encouraging full participation.
The programme included:
The event was a joyous occasion, bringing together a rich tapestry of musical and cultural expressions. It served as a fitting finale to DABAL’s charitable activities for 2024, leaving attendees with a sense of community and festive spirit.
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.
“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.”
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.