Two Sri Lankan cricket lovers recently had the chance of a lifetime to watch a Mumbai Indians – Indian Premier League match as special guests of Mumbai Indians Head Coach, Mahela Jayawardena.
Action for Good is an initiative by the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) to get the Sri Lankan community to engage in more charitable and developmental activities and play a positive role in uplifting the fellow countrymen in need.
Through donating towards its empowerment activities via Action for Good, people are able to support FoG’s mission to bridge the gap between the nation’s rural and urban communities.
The Foundation of Goodness was joined by its trustee, legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians IPL Team, Mahela Jayawardena to make this fundraising activity extra special.
Mahela made it possible for one lucky participant and a guest of their choice to be there in person for the Mumbai Indians vs. Kings XI Punjab IPL match held in Mumbai on the 16th of May 2018 through making a donation towards the Foundation of Goodness’ humanitarian activities via Action for Good. The prize included their flights and overnight accommodation, match tickets for two and a chance to meet and chat with Mahela himself.
The chosen winner Earl Kamalaneson was accompanied by his wife Dilhani. The couple, who had always had an interest in philanthropy, were eager to contribute towards a worthy cause when Earl received a text message from the event’s official telecommunications partner, Mobitel.
“I simply wanted to support Mahela because it was a great initiative which would ultimately be doing a lot of good for those who are less fortunate than us. I never thought I would be the chosen winner,” Earl said, “I only wanted to donate some money for this worthy cause”.
“We express our utmost gratitude to Mahela who treated us so well in Mumbai. We had a very comfortable stay and the experience we had at the Match was amazing. The atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy was indescribable. We feel extremely blessed to have experienced this event,” he went on to say.
Earl and Dilhani had a chance to visit the players’ lounge before attending a very exciting game where the Mumbai Indians snatched a thrilling victory out of the hands of the Kings XI by just 3 runs. The following morning Mahela joined the couple for a chat over breakfast.
Looking back on their meeting, Earl reflects, “Mahela is one of the most humble and kind hearted persons we have had the pleasure of meeting. During our conversation, we witnessed the passion and dedication he has as a philanthropist. Due to our own interests in humanitarian work, we were able to share mutual interests and experiences with Mahela. We appreciate the work done by the Foundation of Goodness to make a change in the lives of rural communities, and would like to thank the Foundation for giving us this wonderful opportunity.”
“I truly appreciate the exceptional gesture of goodwill by our Trustee, Mahela,” said Foundation of Goodness Founder and Chief Trustee, Kushil Gunasekera. “Mahela has always been a strong supporter of our humanitarian activities and this is just one among many of his community outreach activities with FoG, including setting up two Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Plants which have helped over 2,000 Sri Lankans access clean drinking water every month. As I always say, in doing the best for everyone, you experience the best for yourself”
The Foundation of Goodness thanks all those who participated in this special event and looks forward to on-going support toward their holistic rural community development activities delivered to over 15,000 beneficiaries monthly, across 200+ villages island-wide, free of cost, via 30 empowerment activity sectors. Established in 1999 with their Project Headquarters- the MCC Centre of Excellence and Sports Academy located in Seenigama, the Foundation of Goodness has also now expanded to 9 Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres located all across Sri Lanka.
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For more information please contact Swanthri Jayawardena, Head of Communications, Foundation of Goodness: [email protected]
