SUKHITA CHILDRENS HOME,

SRI LANKA

Our contact person for projects in Sri Lanka is Nanda Kodipelli, who is a member of SAS YOU ASSIST and who visits his home town of Bentota regularly. He speaks Sinhala, which is a great advantage. Through his contacts in Sri Lanka, Nanda receives information about orphanages, schools and individuals in need, and he has our mandate to help.

Through Nanda's care, our attention has been drawn to an orphanage for girls in Kalutara, south of Colombo. We visited the orphanage and realized that there was an endless need for help.

The home has 75–80 children and many have severe disabilities, both physical and mental.

Over the years, we have lifted this home out of the worst of misery.

So far, we have contributed by purchasing a gas stove to replace the wood-burning stove they used, new mattresses, pillows and sheets, as well as toys and stuffed animals for the children. They also received stainless steel benches for the kitchen, and the toilets have been renovated. The girls received new dresses, which they were extremely happy about.

There is a similar home for boys nearby. They, too, have very limited resources. We will continue to support both orphanages with the most essential items.

Inflation in Sri Lanka has skyrocketed in recent years. Along with everything else, food prices have increased dramatically. Sukhita Children's Home has had difficult years, and they have received extra food subsidies from SAS YOU ASSIST. Nanda bought, packed and delivered all the food to the home, which they were extremely grateful for. We will continue to support this home with the most essential items.