Batapotella, Kurunegala (October 01, 2023) — Marking World Children's Day with tangible community action, the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF) and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, in partnership with the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM), organized a special child empowerment initiative in the North Western Province.
The program was hosted on October 1, 2023, at Batapotella Siri Sarasavi Primary School within the Dambadeniya Education Division, delivering essential educational support and nutritious meals to students from five under-resourced schools in the region.
LKR 150,000 Invested in Child Health and Educational Empowerment
With a total financial commitment of LKR 150,000, the initiative focused on addressing key nutritional needs while bolstering academic engagement among rural schoolchildren.
The event was brought to fruition through the grassroots organizing support of the Batapotella "Shine Star" Sports Club, alongside technical and advisory backing from teacher advisors representing the Sri Lanka Veterans Welfare Association.
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake: "Child Protection and Commitment Must Be Every Day, Not Just October 1st"
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and Founder, President, and Director General of the SHCCF, called for sustained dedication toward child welfare:
"Our responsibility toward children must never be confined to a single commemorative day on the calendar. Every single day should be filled with unwavering commitment, care, and the utmost protection to guarantee our children a safe and bright future."
Executive Representation and Community Engagement
The program was successfully executed under the guidance of key organizational figures and local community leaders, including:
- SHCCF & IHRC Delegation: Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Pandit Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa, and Mr. Hemantha Vitharana.
- Community & Advisory Leadership: Representatives of the Batapotella "Shine Star" Sports Club, teacher advisors from the Sri Lanka Veterans Welfare Association, and school administrators from participating institutions.
Official Event Record
Date: October 01, 2023
Venue: Batapotella Siri Sarasavi Primary School, Dambadeniya, Kurunegala
Reported by:
Hemantha Vitharana
Senior Executive Director — Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation
