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A century of caregiving: Mallika Nivasa takes mission to the next level
Chief Guest Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa garlands the portrait of Mrs Mallika Hewavitarne. On the left is the President of the society, Damayanthi De Alwis Fernando. Pix by Indika Handuwala
The Mallika Niwasa Samithiya (Society) marked its century celebration (Siyawasaka Jayagarahanaya) with the main celebrations held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference (BMICH) last Wednesday.
The society was founded in 1920 by Mrs. Mallika Hewavitarne. It was a pioneering move to bring forth Colombo’s well-to-do ladies during British colonial rule to start a home for elderly and destitute women. She initiated the ‘Mallika Home’ on a property purchased by her son Dr. C.A. Hewavitarne in Bambalapitiya where it has survived for a hundred years expanding to include a Home for small children. Additionally, it has a dementia centre which it runs with the support of HelpAge and manages a Boys Development Centre in Kandana.
The event which began on Wednesday evening was graced by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who took part in the celebrations as the chief guest along with his wife Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya took part as the guest of honour.
Guest of honour Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya recalls his association with the society
The Anusasana was given by the Ven. Ambulugala Sumangala Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Mahabodi Agrasrawaka, Maligakanda.
The Thera praised the efforts of the late Mrs. Mallika Hewavitarne saying even after a century, the society she started for the destitute elders is like a tree sprouting with new shoots. He said the name of Mrs Mallika Hewavitarne is always associated with her famous son, Anagarika Dharmapala who defended the rights of the Sinhala race and protected the Buddhist religion at the height of colonial rule in the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
He said that while Anagarika Dharmapala took Buddhism to the West during the colonial era and established the London Buddhist Vihara, the Hewavitarne family members were engaged in a multitude of projects including the publication of the Tripitaka.
The event was also marked by the issuance of a commemorative stamp
Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said his association with the society began when he was the Mayor of Colombo and found Mallika Home a haven that provided love, care and protection for elderly women. He said it was this ideology of Mrs. Mallika Hewavitarne that has driven the office-bearers of the society throughout the hundred years since 1920 to serve their fellow beings, and thanked the Hewavitarne family and other generous donors who have helped finance the work of the society.
He referred to the cultural events showcased by the young boys from the Parakrama Boys Centre and said it was necessary to guide them to be useful citizens without being abandoned.
Mallika Nivasa Samithiya (Society) President Damayanthi de Alwis Fernando recounted the long years of service by successive committees and said the society had plans to set up more care centres for the elderly.
First committee 1920: Seated L to r: Mrs. D.M. Gunasekera, Mrs D.B. Jayatilleka, Mrs. C.A. Hewavitarne, Mrs. Mallika Hewavitarne, Mrs. A.E. de Silva Jnr, Mrs A.E. de Silva Snr, Mrs. E.O. de Fonseka and Miss E. Seneviratne. Standing L to r: Mrs. E.L. Wijegoonewardene, a lady we are unable to identify, Mrs. W.A. de Silva, Mrs. F.R. Senanayake, Mrs. Harry de Mel, Mrs. Edmund Hewavitarne and a lady we are unable to identify
Treasurer Thiyagi Gunawardena read President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s felicitation message, which pointed out to the significance of the society being established during an era when the welfare of destitute women from impoverished Buddhist families was not a subject of discussion.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa and Mr. Jayasuriya presented awards to the long standing members of the society. The event was also marked by the issuance of a commemorative stamp. The society’s former president, Mrs. Manel Samarasinghe, gave the vote of thanks.
Foreign Minister Prof G.L Peiris, Mass Media Minister Dullus Alahapperuma, Women and Child Affairs State Minister Piyal Nishantha, Mass Media Ministry Secretary Jagath P Wijeweera and Post Master General Ranjith Ariyaratne were also present.
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