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Gadya Padya Recitation, Essay Writing, Art Competition in Sinhala Medium
In order to study and inculcate Buddhist-ethics and values contained in Ancient Sinhala Classical Literature, the Colombo YMBA inaugurated the Annual Gadya and Padya competition in 1998. The contest confined to Colombo District was further expanded to the whole island in the year 2000.
In the same year the contest was decentralized and held District wise and in District capitals. The Prize Giving of this island wide competition was held in Colombo.
In 2006 the Competition which was limited to recitation of extracts from Sinhala Classical Literature was improved adding compositions of poems and essays. An Essay Competition for Dhamma School Teachers also was added in the same year.
Sinhala Classical Literature for Recitation
- Prose - Poojaawaliya, Buthsarana, Amavatura, Saddharmaratnawaliya, Daladasiritha, Kuveni Asna, Sakaskata and Jathakapotha
- Poetry - Subhasithaya, Budugunalankaraya, Guttilakavya, Ganga Rohana Warnanawa, Yashodarawatha and Lowedasangarawa
Groupings for the Competition
Essay Competition
- Junior Division Children below 15 years
- Senior Division Children from 15 to 20 years
- Teachers - For Dhamma School Teachers only
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Vocational Training Centre - Divulapitiya
“An idle Mind is the Devil’s Workshop”
The above adage was one of the main reasons for social unrest in Sri Lanka around 1971.
As the YMBA ‘s contribution towards proper employment of the youth in Sri Lanka, The Vocational Training Institute was set- up at Rajagiriya in 1974.
The trainees were taught electrical engineering (AC/DC), Motor Mechanism, Carpentry, Metal fitting, Lathe Operation and Plumbing. Forty trainees in deserving circumstances were given free board and lodging by the Association. After their formal training, they were also given on- the job training and awarded certificates. Qualified trainees could also sit for the examinations conducted by the National Apprenticeship Board.
The property at Rajagiriya was state owned. Hence, the property and project were handed over to the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka in 2006 The VTA has located their Colombo District Head Office in the premises and is conducting variety of training courses In the Institute.
Vocational Training Institute Divulapitiya
The Vocational Training Institute at Divulapitiya was set up in 1991 and training commenced in that year. The decision to locate the institute at Divulapitiya was taken because a study done in 1988 had revealed that the highest number of food stamp holders in the Gampaha district was in Divulapitiya and that youth unemployment in the area was high. The Association was able to construct the buildings for the Institute in two acres given by the Land Reforms Commission and to purchase the necessary equipment with the assistance of the Canadian Development Fund. Training is given at the Institute to boys between 17to 19 years of age. They are trained for one year and receive on the job training in recognized workshops for a further year. The trades they are taught include Motor Mechanism, Lathe Operation, Metal Fitting, Light Electrical Work and Carpentry.
Training at Divulapitiya
In 1991/1992 the first batch of trainees was chosen and in addition to technical training which would enable young people to find jobs. it was hoped that the institute would help to improve the socio economic conditions of the district.
The Sri Lankan Canada Development Fund helped the YMBA to put up the building and purchase machinery and equipment for training, with generous donations made by the Canadian NGO cardinal Leger and his endeavors, a subsidiary of Jules and Paul Emile Leger Foundations.
During the past 22 years over2 500 boys between the ages of 17 to 19 years have passed out as trained persons. Among the traders they learn are Motor Mechanism, Lathe Operation, Metal Fitting, Light Electrical work and Carpentry. They are trained for one year and then receive one more year of on –the – job practical training in recognized workshops.
Over 500 girls between the ages of 17 and 22 have completed training in industrial sewing, dress and flower making. The majority of trainees both boys and girls have found jobs or are self employed. Those who pass the tests are issued with certificates. The National Vocational Training Authority has extended its cooperation to the Institute by enabling trainees to sit its examinations and receive its training allowances.
The Hatton National Bank has also arranged a program on Entrepreneur Development for the benefit of the trainees.
Trainees work in a Buddhistic atmosphere and participate in Buddhist activities. The trainees maintain the gardens and grow vegetable too so that they get some training in agriculture as well. The Institute has capacity for the training of 250 students each year.
Over the years, the Institute has been receiving donations from well wishers. The Divisional Secretary,,Divulapitiya donated tools and equipment worth Rs.200,000 and the Negambo Peoplished Transport Services donated an unserviceable diesel engine and spares worth approximately Rs.75,000.
The Institute of Construction Training and Development (ICTAD) has also been most cooperative by permitting students to sit the trade tests conducted by it .The trainees have performed extremely well.
Messrs DIAS Mechanical Engineering works Ltd. Wattala one of the institutions to which the trainees are sent for in- house training recently repaired the lathe machine free of charge, the cost being Rs.7000 Justin Dias, the proprietor has also donated raw materials to the Institute. The planning, establishment and management of the Institute to date has been the responsibility of Mr. S.J.Walpita, a member of the Board of Management.
Since 2006 this Project is run as a joint venture by the Colombo YMBA and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka.Colombo YMBA owns the land and buildings. and has provided motor car and motor cycles, several computers ,machinery training aids tools and instruments Whilst the VTA bears the cost of maintenance of the institute and pays the salaries of instructors The project is successfully run as a joint – Venture.
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Lakshmi Children’s Development Center
Late Sir Ernest de Silva, the President of the Colombo YMBA from 1944 to 1955, was a well known philanthropist who used his enormous wealth in the service of his fellow men. He built temples, schools for Buddhist children.
Lakshmi Home for Boys at Walana, Katunayake, started and funded by Lady Evadne de Silva, the wife of Sir Ernest de Silva, through the Lakshmi Niwasa Buddhist Society, was handed over to Colombo YMBA after the death of Sir Ernest. Lakshmi Home standing solidly in a two acre block of land at Walana, Katunayake, has all the facilities for accommodation of 40 children. The Temple and the School located in the adjoining lands donated by Sir Ernest, makes the Lakshmi Niwasa an ideal environment for destitute children to grow up under the care of the YMBA with spiritual and academic development.
The children brought up in Buddhist atmosphere are provided with board and lodging, clothing, educational and medical facilities.
Younger children are attending the Lakshmi Junior School adjoining the Lakshmi Home land and the others attending Hinatiyana Maha Vidyalaya at Amandoluwa.
It is routine and essential for children to attend religious observances morning and evening and observe Atasil on all full moon days at the Sri Sumanaramaya temple, situated in the adjoining land.
The children in their spare time, after school and on all holidays engage in sports and other recreational activities for which facilities are provided. To improve their education extra classes are held, funded by the Association as well as by Mr. Anil de Silva, the grandson of Sir Ernest de Silva.
The children are taken regularly on annual educational tours and pilgrimages by the Association and the staff of the Welfare Association of the Board of Investment of Katunayaka Free Trade Zone. Many industrial organizations of the Free Trade Zone provide meals to the children.
In response to the appeals made by the Branch Committee to meet the increasing cost of meals, donation in cash as well as cooked meals or dry rations are received from donors and other well wishers.
Children reaching the age of 16 years on completion of their O/Level examination are either handed over to their parents or to the Probation Department. Children who were willing to follow courses in Vocational Training are admitted to the Vocational Training Institute, Divulapitiya, a joint venture run by the Colombo YMBA and the Vocational training Authority.
How to Help the Home
If you wish to donate a meal/meals or cash for meals or a general donation for maintenance of the home you are very much welcome.
Those well-wishers and donors who are willing to contribute towards this worthy cause could send their donations by drawing cheques in favor of ‘The Colombo Young Men’s Buddhist Association’. Cash donations to the Home are also welcome. For all donations official receipts will be issued. The Colombo YMBA being an approved charity all your donations are exempt from income tax.
The cost for supply of meals for the Home
- Breakfast - Rs. 3,500/-
- Lunch - Rs. 3,500/-
- Special Lunch - Rs. 5,000/-
- Dinner - Rs. 3,500/-
- All Three Meals (Regular) per Day - Rs. 10,500/-
Donations for Lakshmi Children’s Home
Account Name | Colombo YMBA Lakshmi Children’s Home |
Bank | Peoples Bank |
Branch | Hyde Park Corner |
Account No | 025 - 100163399093 |
Swift Code | P S B K L K L X |
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Gamini Matha Elders Home
Gamini Matha Home for Elders at No 117, Sir James Peiris Mawatha , Colombo 2 was established by the late Mrs. H.M.Gunasekera and the organization in charge of it requested the assistance of the Colombo YMBA to run it. In 1970 the YMBA took over the administration of the Home, which now gives shelter to 50 elderly males.
How to Get Admission to the Home
Applications obtained from the Home must be duly filled and sent to the manageress along with certificates from the Grama Niladari for proof of residence, and from a medical officer confirming that the elder is free of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. After a brief interview by the Management Committee of the Home, elders are admitted if found suitable. A guardian/relation must accompany the elder for admission.
Basic Facilities Provided
- All basic facilities such as food, clothes, accommodation and medicine are provided free of charge to all inmates.
Meals
- Cooked meals and dry rations are provided by donors as well as by the home. Meals are supplied as per a menu prepared by a qualified dietician.
- Minimum donation of Rs. 6000/- is required for one meal. The present strength 50 elders.
Security
- A qualified manageress and members of the staff are available round the clock for the care of elders.
Other Servicers
- All facilities are available for Buddhist religious observances. Religious programmers are conducted by Buddhist priests from time to time.
- Facilities are available to read daily newspapers, watch television and engaging in indoor games such as carom, cards and chess. Space is available for physical exercises. Medical clinics are held regularly and facilities are provided to consult doctors for those who require such attention.
Entertainment Programs
- In order to change the monotonous life of Elders, entertainment tours and pilgrimages are organized by the YMBA.
- The ‘Vintage’ Car Rally is organized annually in the month of October by Vintage Car Owners Club for the entertainment of elders. In addition to donations, the Colombo YMBA is spending a considerable amount of money to provide meals, clothes and day to day needs.
How to Help the Home
-
If you wish to donate a meal/meals or cash for meals or a general donation for maintenance of the home you are very much welcome.
The cost for supply of meals for the Gamini Matha Home
Breakfast | Rs. 6,500/- |
Lunch | Rs. 6,500/- |
Special Lunch | Rs. 8,500/- |
Dinner | Rs. 6,500/- |
- Those well-wishers and donors who are willing to contribute towards this worthy cause could send their donations by drawing cheques in favor of ‘The Colombo Young Men’s Buddhist Association’. Cash donations to the Home are also welcome. For all donations official receipts will be issued. The Colombo YMBA being an approved charity all your donations are exempt from income tax.
Donations for Gamini Matha Elders’ Home
Account Name | Colombo YMBA Gamini Matha Elders Home |
Bank | Peoples Bank |
Branch | Hyde Park Corner |
Account No | 025-100183399087 |
Swift Code | P S B K L K L X |
Visit to Gamini Matha Home
- You are welcome to visit the home and spend a few minutes with the Elders, either when you are providing them with meals or not. Your visit will bring joy to Elders.
for Further Details Please Contact
Miss K. D. S. Malkanthi Manager Address : Gamini Matha Elder’s Home No. 177, Sir James Peiris Mw, Colombo 02. (Near Gangaramaya) Tel : +94 112 434 792 Website: www.ymba-colombo.org Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Lakshmi Children’s Development Center
Late Sir Ernest de Silva, the President of the Colombo YMBA from 1944 to 1955, was a well known philanthropist who used his enormous wealth in the service of his fellow men. He built temples, schools for Buddhist children.
Lakshmi Home for Boys at Walana, Katunayake, started and funded by Lady Evadne de Silva, the wife of Sir Ernest de Silva, through the Lakshmi Niwasa Buddhist Society, was handed over to Colombo YMBA after the death of Sir Ernest. Lakshmi Home standing solidly in a two acre block of land at Walana, Katunayake, has all the facilities for accommodation of 40 children. The Temple and the School located in the adjoining lands donated by Sir Ernest, makes the Lakshmi Niwasa an ideal environment for destitute children to grow up under the care of the YMBA with spiritual and academic development.
The children brought up in Buddhist atmosphere are provided with board and lodging, clothing, educational and medical facilities.
Younger children are attending the Lakshmi Junior School adjoining the Lakshmi Home land and the others attending Hinatiyana Maha Vidyalaya at Amandoluwa.
It is routine and essential for children to attend religious observances morning and evening and observe Atasil on all full moon days at the Sri Sumanaramaya temple, situated in the adjoining land.
The children in their spare time, after school and on all holidays engage in sports and other recreational activities for which facilities are provided. To improve their education extra classes are held, funded by the Association as well as by Mr. Anil de Silva, the grandson of Sir Ernest de Silva.
The children are taken regularly on annual educational tours and pilgrimages by the Association and the staff of the Welfare Association of the Board of Investment of Katunayaka Free Trade Zone. Many industrial organizations of the Free Trade Zone provide meals to the children.
In response to the appeals made by the Branch Committee to meet the increasing cost of meals, donation in cash as well as cooked meals or dry rations are received from donors and other well wishers.
Children reaching the age of 16 years on completion of their O/Level examination are either handed over to their parents or to the Probation Department. Children who were willing to follow courses in Vocational Training are admitted to the Vocational Training Institute, Divulapitiya, a joint venture run by the Colombo YMBA and the Vocational training Authority.
The Branch Committee
- Major W. M. Weerasooriya (Secretary)
- Mr. Mahesh Mallawaratchie
- Mr. Daya Weerasekera
- Mr. Anura Serasingha
- Dr. Samson Rajapakse
- Mr. T. P. Weerasooriya