On this final day of the school term, representative from Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL) once again visited Senkadagala Dodamwala Special School, continuing their heartfelt tradition of support.
This frequent gesture of care reflects DABAL’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and the wellbeing of differently-abled students. We extend our deepest appreciation to the staff for their tireless service and wish all students a restful and joyful term break.
Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL) Donates £1,000 to Support Sri Lanka’s Flood and Landslide Relief Efforts
London, United Kingdom — 17.02.2026
Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL) reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian support by extending vital assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the recent floods and landslides caused by the Diththa weather system.
Founder Member and Event Secretary Nadani Welikala, along with Lionel Bandara, the current Chairperson of DABAL, visited the Sri Lankan High Commission in London and formally met with His Excellency Nimal Senadheera, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, and Brigadier Dilip Fernando. During this visit, DABAL representatives handed over a £1,000 donation, pledged to support relief efforts coordinated by the Government of Sri Lanka.
This contribution is part of DABAL’s ongoing mission to assist vulnerable communities, particularly during times of national crisis. Beyond this specific donation, DABAL has been actively involved in multiple relief initiatives, including the provision of emergency aid, educational supplies, and essential resources to special needs schools and general schools severely affected by the disaster.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Chairperson Lionel Bandara stated that DABAL remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable groups in Sri Lanka, especially children with special needs, during this difficult period.
For more than two decades, DABAL has played a vital role in uplifting deaf, blind, and differently‑abled children across Sri Lanka through sustainable projects, educational support, and community‑driven initiatives. This latest contribution underscores the organisation’s continued dedication to humanitarian service and long‑standing partnership with Sri Lankan communities.
In Loving Memory and Kindness: A Project Completed
We are deeply grateful to announce two generous donations received towards our ongoing efforts to support children with special needs in Sri Lanka.
A heartfelt contribution of £250 was made by Andrew and Francesca in loving memory of Teri. In addition, we also received a generous donation of Rs. 100,000.00 from Romie and Ranil.
These funds were collectively allocated to a much‑needed project: the replacement of the girls’ toilets at Riyanzi Special School in Anuradhapura. The total cost of the project amounted to Rs. 204,000.00, and we are pleased to share that the work has been successfully completed.
This improvement will provide the girls at the school with a safe, clean, and dignified facility—something every child truly deserves.
A warm thank you to everyone who contributed, supported, and helped make this project a reality. Your kindness continues to create meaningful change in the lives of these children.
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the latest project at Galle Neth Savan Sarana School, made possible through the generous support of our long‑standing donors, Romie and Ranil.
The school received SLR 100,000.00, which has been thoughtfully and effectively utilised to improve essential facilities for the children. With these funds, the school was able to:
Purchase 24 new chairs for students
Complete the painting of doors and frames
Install ceiling coverage in the children’s dining area, creating a safer and more comfortable space
These enhancements have created a brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming environment for the children, significantly improving their daily comfort and overall well‑being.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Romie and Ranil for their generous donation and continued dedication to supporting educational and welfare initiatives. Your kindness has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the children at Galle Neth Savan Sarana School.
A Heartfelt Donation Supporting Flood-Affected Students of Mathale Kaikawala Koswana Sahana Special School
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Bernard and Leilani Arambepola for their generous donation of £1,400, dedicated to supporting 11 students from Mathale Kaikawala, Koswana Sahana Special School who were severely affected by the recent floods and landslides.
This kind donation enabled us to transfer Rs. 581,700.00 directly to the school, ensuring every rupee supported the children and their families during this difficult time.
Dedicated Efforts by the School Team
The relief effort was carefully coordinated by: Mrs. T. A. I. Kumari Amarasinghe – Principal Mr. Walder Wijayananda Rajapakshe – Manager
The school team worked tirelessly—buying supplies, preparing packages, and distributing them personally to each affected family. Their dedication is clearly visible through the photographs captured during this humanitarian effort.
What Each Student Received
Each of the 11 students received a support pack valued at Rs. 30,000.00, containing essential educational, personal, and daily‑use items.
School & Personal Essentials – School bag – 1, Water bottle – 1, Pairs of shoes – 2, Socks – 4 pairs, School uniforms – 3, Underwear – 5. Sportswear – Sports T‑shirt – 1, Sports bottom – 1, Jacket – 1. Stationery & Learning Materials – C.R. books – 5, Compass box – 1, Pencil case – 1, Square‑rule exercise books – 8, Single‑rule exercise books – 14, Pens – 6, Pencils – 6, Brown paper (for book covers) – 24 sheets. Additional Items – Umbrella – 1
Food Supplies Purchased for the Families
With the remaining funds, the school team also purchased nutritious food items to ensure the affected children and their families received proper support during recovery. These included:
– Cheese, Sustagen milk powder – 2, Butter, Eggs, Green gram, Cowpea, Chickpeas, Fruits, Meat, Fish
These food packages provided vital nourishment and relief to families who lost their belongings and livelihoods to the floods and landslides.
A Meaningful Impact
One child received items worth Rs. 52,881.00 due to additional necessities, ensuring no student was left without needed support.
The generosity of Drs. Bernard and Leilani Arambepola have brought hope, stability, and comfort to 11 children and their families during an incredibly challenging time. Their compassion serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together.
On behalf of the students, their families, and the entire school community, we express our deepest thanks for this life‑changing support. All parents and staff were truly happy, grateful, and touched by the kindness extended to them.
When I called principal of the school, she said – As these large, carefully prepared parcels were handed out, the parents were overwhelmed with joy. Many were moved to tears, expressing their deepest gratitude to the generous donors whose kindness brought such comfort and hope to their families. Their heartfelt thanks echoed with sincerity, knowing that these precious packs meant so much to both their children and themselves. – LIONEL BANDARA
Date: January 7, 2026 Report Prepared By:Kaleel Gafoor, President – RHCC
1. Acknowledgement & Summary
Riders Hub Cycling Club (RHCC) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all donors whose swift and generous contributions supported our Ditwa Cyclone Flood Relief Initiative in the Eastern Province.
Thanks to your kindness, we successfully provided essential educational supplies to 250 students whose school materials were destroyed during the floods. Your support enabled these children to return to their studies with confidence and dignity.
2. Donors & Contributions
We gratefully acknowledge the following organisations for their invaluable support:
DABAL (UK)
Manipay Parish Sports Club (UK)
Riders for Charity
IMHO UK
Total Funds Received:£1,000.00 Equivalent to:LKR 418,000.00
3. Purpose & Coordination
The funds were allocated to purchase and distribute school bags and exercise books for students identified as most affected by the floods.
RHCC coordinated closely with the Zonal Director of Education (ZDE) Office – Muthur, which provided the official list of impacted students across the East Coast region, ensuring that aid reached the most vulnerable children.
4. Distribution Details
Following recommendations from the ZDE Office, the distribution took place on January 3rd, 2026, covering four schools:
Items Distributed
250 School Bags
1,000 Exercise Books (160 pages each)
Each student received: ✔ 1 School Bag ✔ 4 Exercise Books
Beneficiary Schools & Allocation
School
Location
Student Packs
Thiruvalluvar Maha Vidyalaya
Poonagar
50
Kalaimagal Hindu College
Pallikudiyiruppu
50
Al Hithaya Maha Vidyalaya
Muthur
50
Jaya Vidyalaya
Muthur
100
Total Beneficiaries
250 Students
5. Financial Accountability
Below is the breakdown of expenses:
Item
Quantity
Unit Cost (LKR)
Total Cost (LKR)
School Bags
250
1,650.00
412,500.00
160-Page Exercise Books
1,000
103.00*
103,000.00
Subtotal (Project Goods)
515,500.00
Total Donations Received
418,000.00
Balance Covered by RHCC
97,500.00
* Presented as total lot price excluding logistics and administrative costs.
RHCC also absorbed all logistics and distribution costs, ensuring that 100% of donor funds were used exclusively for relief materials.
6. Closing Appreciation
Your timely generosity has directly impacted 250 children, helping them return to school after a devastating natural disaster.
On behalf of RHCC and all beneficiaries, thank you for standing with these families in their time of need and for supporting our mission to uplift communities through compassion and action.
With sincere appreciation, Kaleel Gafoor President, Riders Hub Cycling Club (RHCC)
