Thirty-year-old ethnic conflict of Sri Lanka has ended and we must not let it occur again. Therefore, as elders it is our duty to guide our younger generation of all communities, on how to create a country free of cast, creed, nationality and other differences. Some of these juveniles will take over the reigns of this country some day in the future and showing them the correct path is our responsibility. Our country inherits a history full of excellent values. We have to revitalize the present society with those rich values. In order to achieve that goal, we have to begin with the smaller children stepping into the society and fill their minds with those enriched values.
OUR VISION
A Sri Lankan Society free of cast, creed, nation and party and allied differences.
OBJECTIVES
- Revitalize our lost values, restore our culture and patriotism that enables to create a society with disciplined and amenable citizens.
- Gain international recognition for Sri Lanka as a country with a well-disciplined society.
SERVICE
- Work with dedication to help with the educational & psychological development of children to help them reach their potential.
- Inauguration of Lama Samaja representing all nationals, and work honestly and with dedication through such Lama Samaja to achieve our basic objectives.
About The Founder – Aruna Fonseka
The Founder & President of “Lama Aruna” studied at Little Flower Convent, Bandarawela. During her school time, she took part in many extra-curricular activities. She was the Games Captain, a Girl Guide and a House Captain. She has also taken part in speech competitions and has represented the School Net Ball Team.
In 1975 she joined Bank of Ceylon and served in many of its entities holding responsible positions and gaining wide experience in banking activities. During her tenure at BOC, she led the netball team and returned victorious several times bringing pride and popularity to the bank.
In addition she played a key role in reactivating the Bank’s “Seva Vanitha” unit and served as it’s Chief Organizer from 2006 till she retired. Among the many projects launched by “Seva Vanitha” unit is the scholarship scheme for forty children of armed forces’ personnel who sacrificed their lives in war. This scheme was funded by voluntary contributions from bank’s staff members. They were also able to contribute to the mobilization of savings deposits through these projects.
Associate of Institute of Bankers Sri Lanka (IBSL Sri Lanka), Executive Diploma In Bank Management (IBSL Sri Lanka), BSC in Teaching Technology (Skimming Maripal University), MBA in Marketing (University of Colombo) and she was also a Lecturer for Bankers at Akrata Banking Training Institute.
She was actively involved since 1991 in providing assistance to the most impoverished villages including the so-called border villages of Sri Lanka in association with an organization called “Bo Sewana”. This Organization was founded by Deshabimani Deshakeerthi Mrs. Wimala Bowatta who was a teacher by profession. They were able to help such Villages especially those under the threat of terrorism at least once or sometimes twice a year. Up to now they have provided 39 Schools with assistance which included school stationary items, school bags, uniforms, clothes, slippers and dry-rations for parents. Donation of Buddha Statues were also made to many villages. In 2010 October 1st they provided assistance to 160 students of a “Dhamma School” in Eppawala and their parents. “Bo Sewana” Organization merely depended upon generous donations from friends and well-wishers purely on a voluntary basis. As the Secretary of this Organization for the last 15 years, she raised over 90% funds of the organization by obtaining contributions from present and past employees of Bank of Ceylon for these relief programmes.
She gained lots of valuable experience having been involved in such programmes under “Bo Sevana” and she was encouraged to start this new venture by many of her friends who helped her in charitable activities. Accordingly “Lama Aruna” was founded in 2011 and continues to grow in volunteers and charitable services with the main focus on empowering the children of Sri Lanka.
Team Members
15+
Projects
30+
Members
33+
Lama Samaja