Enveloped by the warmth of giving
View(s):SUROL provides victims of leprosy a chance to live life to their full potential
By Shaveen Jeewandara
Gone are the days when the bells would ring melancholically, doors and windows would be shut and people would hurry off the streets as victims of leprosy approached. With the turn of the century, advanced multi drug therapy (MDT) has ensured an effective cure of leprosy. The bells may be long gone, but the unsavoury sense of fear still remains in many. “We must take efforts to end the stigma, by effectively rehabilitating leprosy-affected patients back in to society,” says Reverend Fr. Neil Dias Karunaratne, General Secretary of the Society for Upliftment and Rehabilitation of Persons affected by Leprosy (SUROL)
SUROL’s work in Panadura. Pix by Ranjith Perera
Set up in 1971 by the Jesuit fathers, SUROL became a lifeline to the much neglected leprosy patients. An immense resurgence in the organisation came with the involvement of Father Glen Fernando in the early part of 1981. “It was Father Glen who took SUROL to the villages, and closer to the hearts of all,” says Fr. Neil. “He connected with people regardless of what religion they belonged to.”
It was the courage and dedication of Father Glen Fernando that paved the way for the organisation to go from strength to strength and ensured the commitment of the present board of management, even after his passing away. “We give out a sum of Rs. 2000 to the 300 plus families that are being aided by us,” says Vice President, Pradeep Amirthanayagam, “But it is not simply a dole – we make sure that their livelihoods are sustained. They are dependent on donations, but presently it is “a mere drop in the ocean.”
Managed by the Archbishop of Colombo, the work of SUROL is truly a Godsend to the many beneficiaries. The aid however, is not merely monetary. “We deposit the monthly contribution directly in their bank accounts, to make sure that they go and collect it themselves, giving them a chance to enter society,” says Fr. Neil. “It may be hard, but it is necessary that they take the first step in letting go of their inhibitions – only then will society react positively.” Some of the patients may have to travel four or five kilometres to get to the bank, but treading that path outside of their homes may very well be the first step in the reintegration of leprosy affected victims.
In December 2011, Fr. Neil visited leprosy affected patients in Batticaloa, Bandarawela, Badulla, Bibile, Chilaw, Kandy, Kalutara, Gampola, Melsiripura and Polonnaruwa. What he saw prompted him to increase the monthly allowance of Rs. 1250 to the present Rs. 2000, with the unanimous agreement of the board of management. This is in addition to the many self-help projects that SUROL carries out. “There are 24 projects that were financially supported in nine areas, monitored by field officers and field coordinators. In order to expand our activities and make these people self sufficient with specialised income generating projects, we are now seeking the help of volunteers, for training and monitoring purposes,” said Mr. Amirthanayagam, adding that they continue to provide walking aids, tricycles, wheelchairs, spectacles, the needs of those undergoing eye surgery, custom made footwear and drugs prescribed by doctors etc.
“We were delighted to hear that one of the students whom we help has gained entrance to University of Kelaniya last year,” says Fr. Neil. Many children are indeed benefited by SUROL, and the organisation makes it a point to follow up on each and every child. Reports should be handed out every three months, and the field coordinators keep motivating the children to aim higher.
“We don’t want them to take things for granted, part of the helping procedure is to ensure that they grow up to become appreciative people,” says Loretta Gunewardene, who is passionate about the work of SUROL. Having joined the organisation last year, Loretta believes that it was a calling.
“Coming in to the SUROL office, I feel like I’m enveloped by the warmth of giving,” she mentions. “Many people would ask me why I’m involved with anything to do with leprosy. The stereotypical thought process is that you should stay away from leprosy affected individuals, but that is not the case. They yearn for a human touch and love.”
Donating to SUROL
SUROL is a registered charitable organisation and donations enjoy a tax benefit. Contribution to this worthy cause is welcome in any of the following ways: a monthly donation to sponsor a persevering school going child, monthly donation of Rs. 2000 to sponsor a family, donation for the building of a house Rs. 700,000, donation for the building of a toilet Rs. 60,000, donation for acquiring of amenities such as water and electricity supplies, construction of wells and supply or building water tanks etc. Rs. 50,000, donations for Self-Help and Livelihood Projects Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 90,000.
Donations may be sent to Account Number 120 110 3401 at the Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Borella Branch in the name of SUROL.
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