Sunday Times 2
Sri Lanka Women’s Association in UK celebrates 70th anniversary
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The Sri Lanka Women’s Association in the UK (SLWA) celebrated with pride it’s 70th Anniversary at a luncheon at St.James Court Hotel,(A Taj Hotel) Buckingham Gate, London last month.The President of the Association, Mrs Natalie Layman welcomed the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Ms Manisha Gunasekera, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK,
and guests. Prior to the celebrations commencing, a somber moment for an In Memoriam, a minute’s silence observed in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka.
The traditional oil lamp was lit to the tune of “Danno Budunge” followed by a formal cutting of the Anniversary cake when the music burst into the familiar tune of “Congratulations” capturing the jubilant and relaxed atmosphere of the celebrations.
Guests were treated to a delicious silver service three course meal. Music was provided by a String Quartet which to the delight of the guests gave a very polished and exquisite performance which included some iconic Classical pieces from Mozart, Vivaldi and Bach.
High Commissioner Manisha Gunasekera with SLWA members
The High Commissioner, Ms Manisha Gunasekera addressed the gathering. She commended the SLWA for its continued service and activities over many years which have been of benefit to Sri Lanka especially for working towards the empowerment of women and girls. As Patron of the Association, Ms Gunasekera said that she was pleased to extend the support of the High Commission towards its activities and wished the SLWA success in its future.
A poem “An Ode to the SLWA” tracing the history of the SLWA to the present day composed by Hermione Tavarayan was recited by Mona Swaris. Dr Nalini Ekanayake, President of Honour gave the Vote of Thanks, with the two National Anthems rounding off an enjoyable afternoon.
On the advice of Sir Oliver E Goonetileke, 1st High Commissioner to the UK, a letter was sent in late November 1949 to The Rt Hon D.S.Senanayake ,1st Prime Minister of Ceylon, to ask permission for such an organisation to be formed and his reply with a positive response dated 8th December 1949, was received with the proviso that he had no objection …..” as long as the body was not political.”…On 21st December 1949 the inaugural meeting was held to form the ‘Association .of Ceylon Women in the UK’.
The 70th Anniversary celebrations presented an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the Association. The SLWA was founded in 1949. its Co-founders, Lady Evelyn de Soysa and Mrs Laurel Casinader set up the Association as a non political, multi religious and multi cultural organisation.When the SLWA was formed in 1949, it was primarily to help the first generation of Sri Lankan women who came to the UK to meet in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill. It helped to break down the isolation they would have felt at the time in coming to a new country to live.
The Association was therefore a pioneer in the field of providing a forum for women to meet in a social environment to exchange views and provide mutual support. Since then the Association has evolved over the years and some important developments have taken place. Developmental work led to the setting up of the Education Scheme as a registered Charity in the UK in 1996.
The work that the Education Scheme carries out helps disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka to gain economic emancipation and empower them. The aim of the Scheme is to facilitate the provision of educational grants to financially and socially deprived girls of secondary schools and young women in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Scheme has been engaged in career enhancing projects to offer spoken and written English classes to young women in rural areas .
Fundraising activities undertaken by the Association have in the recent years helped to give aid to the Chronic Kidney Disease Hospital in Anuradhapura, Heart to Heart Foundation (providing heart surgery to impoverished patients) “Water for life “, a water purification system for a school of 800 children in the Polonnaruwa district, Prithipura Home for the Differently Disabled for the renovation and refurbishment of its activity room and the YWCA “Girl Child Project’ to support under privileged girls in Sri Lanka. Donations have also been sent recently to help victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The SLWA also responds to victims of natural disasters by providing aid.
The SLWA is also proud to be affiliated to international and national organisations such as the International Alliance of Women, the Women’s Council in the UK, the Commonwealth Countries League and the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference.
It is undoubtedly a great achievement that the Association has been able to sustain itself all these years in the UK. The SLWA continues to grow and is always looking for fresh ideas and new projects which will bring a beacon of hope and improve the welfare of disadvantaged people in Sri Lanka.The Association also hopes the rich history and current philanthropy will encourage new members to continue its legacy.
Calista Jayasinghe
(Past President of the SLWA)