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“This year, when we realized that many children and parents were in hunger because Getting involved in these two much-
they came to the centre without breakfast and they couldn’t afford to buy anything
from our cafeteria either, we started a programme that offers free breakfast and/or needed national initiatives gave me a
lunch for those who are in need. That is just a small example of how our staff sees our sense of contentment and fulfilment.
children and their families holistically and try to support them in all aspects.
I am thankful to the Hemas Outreach
“The regulatory environment under which the University of Kelaniya operates is very
different to that in which corporate entities like Hemas and MAS operate. We have had Foundation for giving me the opportunity
to learn to see the world from each other’s perspective in order to work together and to be part of such noble social welfare
realize our shared dream. I am particularly grateful that the Board of Trustees has not
confined itself to fund-raising for the construction of the building, but has continued work.
to support the operation of the centre, both financially and in terms of management
strategies. It has been a wonderfully rewarding experience for all of us.”
Major General Kumudu Perera
On the contribution of the army, meanwhile, Major General Kumudu Perera says Then Deputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army
that the army has been involved in various social welfare activities as part of its role.
Therefore, he too has been involved in “support roles” to many such activities and has
also created his own projects in less-privileged areas. Thus he was “very fortunate” to
be part of the Piyawara project and construct 10 preschools.
“I feel happy about getting involved in laying a solid educational foundation to the
future of the nation,” he says.

Major General Perera adds: “When the AYATI project was discussed and funding was
sought, I realized its importance and the value to affected children. Hence, I suggested
that the construction of AYATI could be carried out by the Defence Forces.
“I had a discussion with the then Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Ravi
Wijegunaratne and he willingly agreed to take over the construction. Thereafter,
when the Sri Lanka Navy was committed to other duties, I spoke to the then Army
Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake and construction was taken
over by the Sri Lanka Army until completion.”
At AYATI, now that the pandemic has eased, there is a continuous flow of children
with disabilities and their families from across the country. They consider AYATI their
second home…….a place of clinical advice, interventions, therapy, comfort, solace and
hope.

134 Hemas Piyawara - A Journey to the Future