We live in a society where all accepted social values are supposed to be upheld. All those who follow this path dedicate themselves in service to the others. Respect to the elders is considered a lesson we learnt as children. These are the fundamentals of teaching of the enlightened, which we are duty bound to pass on to our future generations.
My effort to be of service to those who truly need assistance started years ago when I was actively engaged in my work in Europe. During these years thoughts of my home in Sri Lanka never left me and the faces of those who greeted me warm-heartedly whenever I came to Sri Lanka were etched in my mind. I was proud of my culture and its people when I was among the elite of the westerners as it gave me a distinct identity among the best in Europe. The more I got immersed in the Western ways of life the thoughts of my motherland and its people grew stronger. This made me keep constantly in touch with my friends in Sri Lanka and inquire how I could be of any assistance to those who are in need. During this time I met Ven. Haputale Pangnarama Thero who had dedicated his life for the betterment of the others. The more I came to associate this priest during my brief visits home I was astonished, but delighted the way he was committed to help the needy. I realized that given the opportunity this is a person who will selflessly work for the betterment of the others as he was working alone. He needed encouragement and support, which I gave him wholeheartedly.
He started helping the misdirected youth who were addicted to narcotics as per my request and worked with a rehabilitation centre. He did it with dedication and the results were clearly visible. All those who realized the value of his noble vision gathered around him to assist and to be part of this noble task. During this period I saw his extraordinary ability to get organized for any event in a given short time. The projects were thoroughly planed and his follow-up actions were excellent. He knew that he had to monitor the progress every now and then in a professional manner to reach his objective of being service to helpless. Hence the suggestion was made by me to establish Sahanoda Foundation to facilitate our continuing work in Sri Lanka.
We were talking about the helpless state of elders. We talked about the mothers who produced leaders, philosophers, professionals and the wealthy of our society but forgotten in their old age. We talked about the people who neglected the elderly. Both of us wanted to help these elders. At that moment I realized that it was a great opportunity to be of service to our deserving people. Especially the deserving elders who had already done their duty for the society who are in need of not only proper living conditions but also the love and affection from those around them. Hence I suggested establishing the Elders Retreat at the Sahanoda Foundation in memory of my loving parents.
Ven. Pangnarama Thero implemented the Elders Home project excellently wining the “Best Home” for the elders in the country.
I was gravely disturbed when I received the news about Tsunami and the devastation caused in Sri Lanka. I immediately spoke to Ven. Haputale Pangnarama Thero over the phone and inquired about the destruction caused. From the details that were given by him it occurred to me that something seriously has to be done about the children who have lost their parents. I believed that it is our solemn duty to look after theses children. Their wellbeing and their psychological development were important. Immediately I requested Ven. Pangnarama Thero to implement a program to address this urgent issue. I gave him the assurance that all assistance will be extended by me as required. As a result the program to look after 650 children was implemented.
If and when the civil society fails in its duty and social obligations, due to poverty or any other reason then the Government or non governmental organizations should be able to take over that responsibility. I am proud that Sahanoda Foundation has been able to successfully involve in these areas under the guidance of Ven. Haputale Pangnarama Thero.
It is my wish to continue our efforts in uplifting the conditions of the underprivileged in our country, specially the younger generation so that they will learn the value of such work and pass on the noble task of caring for the others to the future generations just as we do.
Bandula Weera-Wardana
Founder
Sahanoda Foundation