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Kala Korner - by Dee Cee

Bringing happiness in memory of Manel
A few days after Manel Jayasena's death, husband Henry Jayasena got a letter from faraway Kaduruwela off Polonnaruwa. Addressed to Sudu Seeya (Henry's popular TV character played a few years ago), it was from an A'level student, an admirer of Manel. She had seen Manel in teledramas.

She also had a pathetic tale. Her mother finds it difficult to spend on her education - even bus fare to go to school is a problem. Her plight made Henry think of starting a little fund to help students like her who find it difficult to continue their studies.

Henry had anyway decided to help patients having renal failure having observed the trauma that Manel underwent during her illness. "I know the physical and mental agony that Manel went through. It was agony not only for herself but the whole family. So I thought the best way to remember her is by forming a Trust to help needy patients," Henry said.

Henry and son Sudaraka took the initiative and on Manel's 68th birthday three weeks ago, launched the 'Manel Jayasena Healthcare & Educational Trust Fund' at a simple ceremony at the John de Silva Theatre. Henry's target was to collect a million rupees to get the Fund going. The response on the opening night was encouraging. Those who turned up contributed generously. Several banks have promised to help too. An account has already been opened and a Board of Trustees appointed. Henry is hopeful that friends and well-wishers will rally round to make the project a success and welcomes even the smallest contribution from anyone wishing to help the needy.

Helping Henry in the administrative work is Nimal Jayasinghe, the veteran theatre-man and active member of Nalu Kela (Henry's theatre-group). Those interested in contributing to the Fund can do so to Account number 1741 1650 107693 at the People's Bank, Nugegoda.

Meanwhile, Henry is planning to stage the new production of 'Hunuwataye Kathawa' to raise moneyfor the Fund. In spite of her illness, Manel helped in the production, particularly in training the new actress who plays Grusha, the role that Manel played without a break for at least three decades.

Getting back to the girl from Kaduruwela, Henry was so moved by her story that rather than waiting for the Fund to be established, he started sending her a monthly contribution towards her school expenses.

Recently she had sent him a photograph of the school principal pinning a prefect's badge on her. "It was with the money you sent me that I bought the badge," she had written. Henry was moved and is happy that he has been able to be of assistance even in a small way to one of Manel's fans.

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