DABAL representatives Lionel Bandara and Madawa Adikari recently visited Mathale Kaikawala Koswana Special School with essential aids generously provided by our committee member Indra Arulraja and Meetesh Bhalia (Lionel’s colleague).
As part of this initiative, we purchased:
A cupboard for the principal’s office to safely store school materials (SLR 31,000)
100 ties for students (SLR 25,000)
6 prefect badges (SLR 1,500) 8 💷 £100 = SLR 41,700.00 📊 Total project cost = SLR 57,500.00 👐 Contribution breakdown: Indra & Meetesh took ownership of this project, and Lionel personally covered the balance of SLR 7,550.00 to complete it.
The principal and manager were delighted, and this support has made a meaningful difference for the school.
🙏 Heartfelt thanks to Indra and Meetesh for their dedication and generosity. Together, we continue to strengthen education and opportunities for children with special needs.
Our representative Lionel Bandara, on behalf of Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL), visited the Mahawewa Siviraj Special School in Puttlam District to deliver a donation of stationery. This thoughtful contribution was made possible by our committee member Shiroma Peiris, whose generosity continues to inspire us.
The teachers carefully selected the type of goods for DABAL to purchase, ensuring the support directly meets the students’ needs.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shiroma for her kindness, and we wish the school a bright and happy future filled with learning and opportunity.
Lionel Bandara, representing Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL), visited the Anuradhapura Riyanzie Alagiyawanna Special School to deliver much‑needed support. Thanks to the kindness of our committee member Shiroma Peiris, the hostel students received a generous donation of dry food and essential supplies.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shiroma for this thoughtful contribution. Your generosity brings comfort and nourishment to these young learners, and strengthens the spirit of compassion that guides our work. 💛
Report on the School Visit by Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL)
Date: 22nd April 2025 Location: Kandy Dodamwala, Senkadagala Deaf and Blind School
Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka (DABAL) representatives visited Kandy Dodamwala Deaf and Blind School for the fourth time on 22nd April 2025, continuing its mission to support students with visual and hearing impairments. This visit was particularly special, as DABAL allocated funds to provide a smart board technology for deaf students, aiming to enhance their learning experience through interactive and accessible educational tools.
The school’s principal, management and students warmly welcomed the DABAL team with a traditional dance performance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the institution. Following this warm reception, attendees were provided with a delicious lunch, further strengthening the bonds between the charity and the school community.
Through continued support and engagement, DABAL reaffirms its commitment to improving educational resources for students with disabilities. The introduction of smart board technology marks a significant step towards inclusive and modern learning methods, ensuring that students receive the best possible education and opportunities for growth.
This visit underscores the ongoing partnership between DABAL and Kandy Dodamwala Special School, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this initiative on the students’ learning experience.
The traditional dance performed by deaf students, beautifully synchronised with the rhythm of the drums, must have been a powerful and moving experience. It highlights the incredible ways in which individuals can express themselves through movement and music, even without relying on hearing. This inspiring school offers vocational training in Baking, Sewing, Cactus Planting, Batik, and more—helping students develop valuable skills for their future. They’ve also taken an exciting step forward by opening a five-star-style shop in front of the school, where they sell these handmade items, especially catering to foreign visitors.
A huge appreciation to the talented students and the dedicated educators shaping lives every day. Together, we build a more inclusive world! 💙
Carol Service in Support of Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka
Experience an evening of unity and joy as we gather to support a noble cause. Our upcoming Carol Service promises to be a heartwarming event filled with music, community, and compassion.
Meeting Recap
Productive Discussions for a Purposeful Event
On October 20, 2024, we held a Zoom meeting that was both productive and inspiring. The primary focus was on organizing the upcoming Carol Service, an event dedicated to supporting Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka. Attendees collaborated effectively, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned to create a memorable experience for all involved.
Event Running Order
Hodie Processional
Opening the service with a traditional processional hymn.
Gaudate Christus Est Natus
A joyful choral piece celebrating the birth of Christ.
Opening Prayer and Welcome
Led by a representative from Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
A congregational hymn inviting participation from all attendees.
Sinhala Carol 1
A beautiful carol sung in Sinhala, adding cultural richness to the service.
Tamil Carol 1
A traditional Tamil carol, enhancing the diversity of the event.
Scripture Readings
Passages from Isaiah 9:2 and Isaiah 60:1-3 will be read.
Once in Royal David City
A beloved hymn that tells the story of the nativity.
Music Arrangements
Event Music Roles
The music arrangements for the upcoming Carol Service have been meticulously planned to ensure a harmonious and uplifting experience. Alan will take on the role of organist for the pieces ‘I Wander as I Wonder’ and ‘Glory to God’, bringing his expertise to these beautiful compositions. Jason will lend his tenor voice to the choir and also serve as the organist for ‘Candlelight Carol’, where Alan will switch roles to sing bass due to the dual bass parts. The congregational carols will be selected from the established running order, ensuring a seamless flow of music throughout the event.
Event Dress Code
The dress code for the Carol Service has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the solemnity and joy of the occasion. Participants are requested to wear black skirts or trousers paired with white tops, complemented by black coats. To incorporate the spirit of Advent, touches of purple are encouraged through accessories such as scarves, cravats, ties, and hair bands. For those choosing to wear ethnic attire, please adhere to the specified color scheme to maintain uniformity and elegance.
Dress Code Details
Attendees are encouraged to express their individuality while adhering to the event’s color scheme. The combination of black and white with accents of purple will create a visually cohesive and festive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
Meeting Summary
The recent Zoom meeting was a resounding success, with all participants contributing to the detailed planning of the Carol Service. Key decisions were made regarding the event’s running order, music selections, and attire guidelines. The collaborative spirit and shared enthusiasm were evident, setting a positive tone for the upcoming event. We are excited to see these plans come to fruition and look forward to a memorable gathering that will support Deaf and Blind Aid Lanka.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the meeting and contributed their ideas and expertise. The anticipation for the Carol Service is building, and we are confident that it will be a meaningful and joyous occasion for all involved.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
We are excited to share more details and music arrangements for the upcoming Carol Service. Your participation is key to making this event a success. Stay connected for further updates!
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.
