HELP LANKA

HELP LANKA is a UK-registered nonprofit charity (Charity number 1110306) established in January 2005 with the mission to support children in Sri Lanka affected by poverty. The organization focuses on providing long-term educational and financial assistance to children experiencing social and economic hardships, irrespective of their race, religion, or ethnic background[1][2][3].

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of HELP LANKA is to assist children and young adults in Sri Lanka by offering financial grants aimed at alleviating poverty and enabling access to education. The charity emphasizes practical and culturally appropriate support that empowers children to help themselves for a better future[1][3].

Distinguishing itself by being solely child-focused, HELP LANKA provides transparent feedback on each project to its donors. The charity operates in a non-political and non-religious manner, actively supporting all communities in Sri Lanka without affiliation to any political or religious groups[1].

History and Governance

HELP LANKA was founded by a group of trustees based in the United Kingdom, including Mr. Presantha Dassanayake, the late Mr. Roshantha Perera, Mrs. Himalee Rupasinghe, Mr. Shehan Goonetillake, and Mr. Sam Goonetillake. The charity’s formation was initially motivated by the need to provide aid directly after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, focusing on delivering financial and educational assistance to children in need across various ethnic and religious groups[1].

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The organization collaborates with various Sri Lankan and UK-based entities, including the Sri Lanka High Commission, sister charity organizations, and associations such as APSLUK, Sylvia Lanka Foundation, the SLMDA, Serve, Dimuthu Foundation, BRISLA, and Athula Dassana Buddhist Vihara Heathrow. This broad engagement reflects HELP LANKA’s commitment to inclusivity and cross-community cooperation since 2005[1].

Philosophy

HELP LANKA draws inspiration from the Buddhist teaching of generosity, encapsulated in the Itivuttaka 18 quote: “If beings knew… the fruit of sharing gifts, they would not enjoy their use without sharing them…” This philosophy underscores the charity’s approach to fostering a culture of shared support and empowerment for disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka[1].

Summary

HELP LANKA is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished children in Sri Lanka through long-term educational and financial support. Since its establishment in 2005, it has maintained a nonpolitical and nonsectarian stance and works closely with diverse communities and partner organizations to fulfill its mission of helping children help themselves towards a better future.

[1] https://helplanka.org.uk/about-us [2] https://helplanka.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4016067 [4] https://aidlanka.org.uk [5] https://ngoexplorer.org/country/lka/show-charities?filter-skip=657