August 26th 1991 was a memorable day for Sri Lanka Sumithrayo as they inaugurated their fourth branch in Panadura. As that time, being the only branch south of Colombo, it attracted people from Ratnapura, Balangoda, Embilipitiya, and even from Matara.
Initially with only 13 trained volunteers forming the core group, the Panadura Branch began its humanitarian work from a small annexe of an ancestral house by the side of Galle Road. In 1999, the owner of this ancestral property – who was herself a volunteer – generously donated a plot of land such that the Panadura Branch may build their own Centre. Initially, the difficulties in securing funds made this seem to be a mammoth undertaking. Fortunately, by this time, the volunteer strength had increased considerably and with their untiring dedication and determination, the necessary funds were raised, and the new Centre constructed. The building is equipped with rooms for befriending, and an auditorium where volunteer training sessions, group meetings and awareness programs are held. The Centre is spacious and provides a calm, serene and comfortable environment for people with desperately troubled emotions to talk in confidence. They may even choose to remain anonymous.
At the Panadura Centre, as in all Centres, trained volunteers have selflessly dedicated their time and energy to “Actively Listen” to the thousands of troubled people who have sought solace over the years. It remains a sanctuary for anyone to walk in without fear or hesitation and talk to a person who is trustworthy and non-judgemental. All are welcomed with warmth, respect, kindness and offered a cup of tea. Service is entirely free of charge.
Sri Lanka Sumithrayo was established in 1974 under the leadership of Joan de Mel, a one-time member of Samaritans UK, primarily to address the increasing rate of suicide in the country. It is now a member of Befrienders Worldwide. Sri Lanka Sumithrayo, which began as the first suicide prevention organisation in Sri Lanka, now has eleven branches island-wide, including Jaffna. It is a government-approved charity, incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1986.
To commemorate this significant service of 25 years to the community, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo Panadura Branch has organised an Art Competition with the theme ‘Feelings’ for students of government and private schools in the Panadura region. Young children, from an early age, must realize the value and significance of identifying and expressing their feelings without suppressing them, as well as respecting and caring for the feelings of their parents, teachers, schoolmates and others. This may indeed ensure that the emerging generation will grow up to be strong and healthy citizens in this beautiful island and able to, with time, build a society that will connect, communicate and care for each other.
W.M.N.V. Wijenayake, Wadduwa Roving Cor.