2015-2016 Projects
Following projects are continuing satisfactorily with the financial assistance received from Adoptie Sri Lanka Belgium and also from few committee members. Programmes were aimed at promoting and improving health and education of the school children and elders in order to enhance their quality of life.
His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena arriving at John and Line Van Dijck Hall Head Quarters of Sri Lanka Belgium Association and Sri Lanka Council for the Blind
WANAMEEKANDA
The activities that the SLBA started in the year 2000 are continuing with the provision of additional facilities added. Two lady instructors manage the pre-school which has at present 35 children. Three year old children qualify to gain admission to the pre- school and leave the school on reaching the fifth year. These children are supplied with shoes, school uniforms, books and stationary and mid-day meal.
Admission of New Students to Wanameekanda Pre- School By Mr.Amaradasa Gunawardana
In addition there is also a scholarship scheme where the past students of the pre-school and other studentsselected from Wanameekanda and adjoining villages totaling 132 are given financial assistance to meet their educational expenses.
Year end concert at Wanameekanda with Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga.
This time, yearend celebration was held on 6th December 2015 with Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga as the chief guest.
During the year 2015 SLBA has spent nearly Rs. 5,57,000.00 for Wanameekanda projects.
New Year celebrations at Wanameekanda
THUNTHALAWA
This is a remote village which had been developed in stages with the funds provided by Adoptie Sri Lanka Belgium. Some of the projects funded by Adoptie Sri Lanka are a housing scheme with sanitary facilities for the needy families in the village, two drinking water supply schemes to the village, a building and a fully equipped playground and other related items for the pre-school, and a scholarship programme. Presently fifteen children attend the pre-school and they are provided with shoes, school uniforms, school bags, books, stationary and also mid-day meal.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Dijck at Thunthalawa
The Scholarship programme which was started in 2013 is also continuing with 123 students from Thunthalawa area and the adjoining villages presently receiving a monthly payment.
Year end celebrations were held on 13th December, 2015, where the pre-school children participated. The President SLBA with several committee members was present at the occasion .
Scholarship Holders at Thunthalawa awaiting payment
NALANDA HOSPITAL- MATALE
In the past this hospital had been provided with buildings, equipments and renovations which were done with funds provided by Adoptie Sri Lanka Belgium.
Donating Medical Equipments by Donors From Belgium
Last year to the Donors from Belgium visited the Nalanda Hospital and declared open the newly tiled Ward 4 and the corridor of the Hospital and also donated one E.C.G. Machine and four blood pressure apparatus.
It is reported that Mr. Van Dijck is keen to provide further assistance necessary to Nalanda Hospital and awaiting any new proposals from the hospital authorities.
Donors and SLBA Officials welcomed at Nalanda Hospital
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE
An undergraduate from Polonnaruwa is paid an amount of Rs.2000.00 monthly since August 2014.This assistance is continuing for the second year with funds provided by the President Mr. Amaradasa Gunawardana and the Treasurer of SLBA Mr. Sumith Ediriwickrama personally.
WEBSITE FOR THE SLBA
Website for the SLBA www.lankabelgiumassociation.com which was declared open on 18th January 2015 by Donors from Belgium, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dijck is continuing.
CONSTRUCTION OF A READING HALL
An amount of Euros 642(Rs.89,689.00) was received for the purpose of constructing a reading hall at Mihindu Sinhala maha vidyalaya at Colombo 12 out of which Rs.50,000.00 was paid as an advance from an allocated sum of Rs.80,000.00. Foundation was laid on 17th October 2015.
CONVEYING SYMPATHIES TO THE PEOPLE OF BELGIUM
Having noted the bomb blasts taken place at two locations in Belgium in March this year resulting in several deaths and injuries our Association conveyed deepest sympathies to the people of Belgium for which the Donors have responded.
WATER PURIFICATION PLANT
Mr. John Van Dijck has indicated that he is prepared to provide funds up to Rs.1.5 million for a water purification plant in an area where kidney problem is prevalent. Executive committee is keen to select a suitable place for this purpose.