Sunday Times 2
Mallika Nivasa Samithiya ‘Avurudu Salpila’
View(s):The Mallika Nivasa Samithiya will hold its ‘Avurudu Salpila’ on Sunday, March 30 at 45, Visakha Road, Colombo 4, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
The Samithiya’s annual sale is held to raise funds for the homes it runs for destitute elderly women and orphans. The sale will have handwork done by the elders, children’s clothes, new and nearly new clothes, sarees, linen, costume jewellery, plants, toys and refreshments at bargain prices.
Founded in October 1920, the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya is one of the leading social service organisations in the country. The aim of its founder Mallika Hewavitarne (the mother of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala) was to provide shelter and refuge for destitute elderly women. The Mallika Home was started in February 1921 with just two elders. Today it cares for nearly 80.
The Mallika Nivasa Samithiya also runs the Parakrama Home for orphaned abandoned boys in Aniyakanda, Ragama looking after 40 boys between the ages of 8-16 years, referred to the home by the Department of Probation and Childcare Services.
The Sneha Infants Home cares for 20 infants and a pre-school and day care centre for neighbouring children is also managed by the Samithiya. The Samithiya also runs two paying homes – Seth Madura and Seth Sevena – which accommodate 30 elders for a nominal fee.
The Samithiya’s sales outlet Rasa Bojun sells sweetmeats, short eats and tasty lunch packs made by the elders.
All are welcome to the Avurudu sale to help support this worthy cause.