From August 5th to 23rd, 2024, the Chairperson of Renaissance Sri Lanka, Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi, embarked on a mission-driven tour that left a profound impact on communities across Sri Lanka. This journey, filled with collaboration, innovation, and heartfelt connections, was a testament to the commitment that defines Renaissance Sri Lanka’s mission to create positive change in the country. Mrs. Bopearachchi’s tour offered a platform to connect with key individuals, witness the results of ongoing projects, and explore new opportunities for the future. This article chronicles the significant milestones of her journey, spotlighting the inspiring people and initiatives that continue to drive the organization forward. 

Celebrating Collaboration and Innovation: A Meeting with Mr. Sasanka Dias 

On August 8th, 2024, Mrs. Bopearachchi had the opportunity to meet one of Renaissance Sri Lanka’s most dedicated volunteers, Mr. Sasanka Dias. Mr. Dias has been a fervent advocate for sustainable agricultural practices and has played a vital role in promoting agroecology across Sri Lanka. His work, driven by a deep understanding of the need for harmony between people and the environment, resonates with the core values of Renaissance Sri Lanka. 

Mr. Dias’s contributions go beyond the cultivation of crops; they represent a broader vision of sustainability that aligns with the global goals of preserving the planet’s resources for future generations. During the meeting, Mrs. Bopearachchi and Mr. Dias exchanged ideas on how to further promote sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of innovation in driving long-term solutions. The discussion was a celebration of collaboration, reflecting the shared goals of Renaissance Sri Lanka and its partners. 

 

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Mr. Sasanka Dias © Renaissance Sri Lanka  

 Reconnecting with the Modara Fishing Community 

On August 9th, 2024, Mrs. Bopearachchi visited the Modara fishing community, where she met with key community leaders, including Father Theshan and Mr. Vijenandran, the Secretary of the Modara Fishermen’s Union. This visit held special significance, as Renaissance Sri Lanka had previously partnered with this community to support the education of local children by distributing school supplies to 156 students in 2022. 

The meeting was a chance to reflect on the positive outcomes of this initiative and to discuss potential ways to continue supporting the Modara community. The warmth and gratitude expressed by the community reaffirmed the strength of the bonds forged through these shared efforts. It also underscored the importance of education as a vital tool for empowering the next generation. Renaissance Sri Lanka remains committed to uplifting this community and expanding its support for local initiatives. 

 

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Father Theshan and Mr. Vijenandran    

Empowering Women in Badulla: A Promising Partnership 

One of the most inspiring stops on Mrs. Bopearachchi’s tour was her visit to Badulla on August 12th, 2024, where she met with Mrs. Chandra Wedagedara, a key figure in the Women Development Center and the Badulla Dry Food Project. This project has been instrumental in providing local women with sustainable income-generating opportunities, enabling them to gain financial independence and contribute to the economic development of their communities. 

During their meeting, Mrs. Bopearachchi and Mrs. Wedagedara reflected on the successes of the Badulla Dry Food Project and discussed potential avenues for expanding the initiative to benefit more women in the region. The resilience and determination of the women involved in this project are truly inspiring, serving as a powerful example of how economic empowerment can transform lives. Renaissance Sri Lanka remains dedicated to supporting this project and exploring new ways to empower women across the country. 

  

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Mrs. Chandra Welagedara and Mrs.Lakshika Sandamali © Renaissance Sri Lanka  

 Building Bridges for a Brighter Future: Collaborations in Trincomalee 

Also on August 12th, 2024, Mrs. Bopearachchi met with Mr. Neville Weerasinghe, one of the co-founders of Renaissance Sri Lanka, and his wife, Mrs. Silani Thumara, a project coordinator, in Trincomalee. This meeting focused on identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by the local community. The collaboration between Renaissance Sri Lanka and local leaders like Mr. Weerasinghe and Mrs. Thumara has been essential in fostering innovative solutions that address the community’s most pressing needs. 

The discussions during the meeting were a critical step in strengthening partnerships and ensuring that Renaissance Sri Lanka’s initiatives in Trincomalee are impactful and sustainable. The commitment of Mr. Weerasinghe and Mrs. Thumara to the welfare of their community is commendable, and Renaissance Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing its collaboration with them to drive positive change. 

 

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Mr. Neville Weerashinghe, co-founder and Mrs. Silani, project coordinator © Renaissance Sri Lanka  

 Spreading Smiles and Hope in Trincomalee 

One of the most heartwarming moments of the tour occurred on August 19th, 2024, when Mrs. Bopearachchi participated in the distribution of school supplies to children in Trincomalee, in partnership with The United Children. The event was a reminder of the power of small gestures to bring hope and joy to children’s lives. The smiles on the faces of the young students who received the supplies were a testament to the positive impact of Renaissance Sri Lanka’s commitment to supporting education in underserved communities. 

Education remains a core focus for Renaissance Sri Lanka, as it believes in the transformative power of knowledge to create a brighter future. This initiative in Trincomalee is just the beginning, with plans for future projects that will continue to support the educational needs of the children in this region. By providing the necessary tools for learning, Renaissance Sri Lanka is investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators. 

Mr. Neville Weerasinghe and Mrs. Thumara at the event of distribution of school supplies to children in Trincomalee © Renaissance Sri Lanka  

Meeting the People Behind Our Success: Isuru Samarage and Chanika Hettiarachchi 

On August 22nd, 2024, Mrs. Bopearachchi had the pleasure of meeting with two key members of the Renaissance Sri Lanka team: Mr. Isuru Samarage and Mrs. Chanika Hettiarachchi. Mr. Samarage has been instrumental in recruiting passionate volunteers who share the organization’s mission, while Mrs. Hettiarachchi has played a pivotal role in connecting Renaissance Sri Lanka with a global audience. 

 

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Mr.Isuru Samarage© Renaissance Sri Lanka  

The contributions of both individuals have been invaluable in ensuring the success of Renaissance Sri Lanka’s projects. Their dedication to building a strong and supportive community of volunteers has enabled the organization to expand its reach and amplify its impact. Mrs. Bopearachchi expressed her deep gratitude for their efforts and reaffirmed the importance of their roles in driving the organization’s vision forward.

 Mrs Ashinsa Bopearachchi is withMrs. Chanika Hettiarachchi © Renaissance Sri Lanka

Meeting Shamila Rathnasooriya: Program Coordinator of Our Esteemed Partner, MONLAR 

Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi met Mr. Shamila from MONLAR, one of Renaissance Sri Lanka’s local partners, on August 8th. MONLAR, known for its commitment to sustainable agriculture, has been instrumental in promoting organic farming across the region. Mr. Shamila has played a key role in helping Renaissance Sri Lanka organize workshops focused on agro-organic farming techniques. These workshops aim to empower local farmers with knowledge and skills to adopt eco-friendly farming practices, which align with Renaissance Sri Lanka’s mission of promoting sustainable development and supporting rural communities. His contribution has been invaluable in furthering the organization’s goals. 

Mrs Ashinsa Bopearachchi is with Mr. Shamila Rathnasooriya © Renaissance Sri Lanka 

Conclusion 

As Mrs. Ashinsa Bopearachchi’s tour of Sri Lanka came to an end, it was clear that the journey had left a lasting impression on the communities and individuals she met along the way. This tour was not just a series of meetings; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to making a difference. From empowering women in Badulla to supporting children’s education in Trincomalee, Renaissance Sri Lanka’s efforts are creating a ripple effect of positive change across the country. 

The organization’s success is built on the dedication of its volunteers, the strength of its partnerships, and the resilience of the communities it serves. Renaissance Sri Lanka is poised to continue its mission of uplifting Sri Lanka through meaningful projects that address the nation’s most pressing needs. As this tour demonstrated, the future is bright for Renaissance Sri Lanka, and its journey toward a more equitable and sustainable future has only just begun.