12th September, 2006
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in a bid to build bridges of Peace & Reconciliation across the nation has launched a sponsorship programme for orphans from the North, supported by business leaders in the South. The sponsorship of orphans from the South by business leaders of the North will form the next stage of this project. Over 16,000 children have been orphaned by the conflict in the North & East of Sri Lanka, with a smaller number having just a single parent, almost everyone of them, destitute, deserted and living in refugee camps. There is little hope of a secure future for these children. Since most of the established orphanages receive donor funding from both international and local sources, it is the orphans in refugee camps, virtually ‘abandoned’, who desperately require support. The Advisory Committee on Peace & Reconciliation of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has developed the following strategy for Orphan Sponsorship.
Invite business leaders from the Southern areas of Sri Lanka, commencing with the Chamber’s own membership, to sponsor orphans in the North. - Invite other Business Chambers in the South to join the Programme.
- Specify a minimum annual commitment of Rs. 13,200/= per child (i.e. Rs. 1,100/= per mensum), as the sponsorship fee.
- Encourage a one time gift of Rs. 1,400/= for the annual school books and uniforms program in addition to the sponsorship program.
- Encourage connectivity between the patron and the beneficiary, to promote greater understanding amongst the ethnic communities, by for instance, sending a birthday card and/or a New Year card, as an expression of thoughtfulness and concern.
It is recommended that all the sponsorship funds/additional funding assistance/gifts of any kind should be channelled through the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and its partner Chambers in the North or the South, to ensure accountability. Should you to desire to contribute to this “bridge building process” please contact Rohan Casiechetty, Manager, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Telephone (011) 4734908 or e-mail rohan@chamber.lk |
