Rooted in the values of compassion, gratitude, joy, and selfless giving, Tzu Chi Sri Lanka lit up the days leading to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with a heartwarming celebration and hamper distribution. Held near Tzu Chi's Colombo office in Piliyandala, this event provided a space for hope, togetherness, and renewal, embracing the essence of cultural traditions and universal care.
Thoughtful Care and Dedication: The Power of Community
Volunteers carefully prepare the necessities with mindfulness and genuine care, ensuring families receive practical support to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with dignity. | Photos: Victoria Paranavithana | Sri Lanka | 2025/04/06
Faced with limited space, Tzu Chi volunteers showed ingenuity and commitment by choosing a nearby hall to accommodate the 101 care recipient families. Beyond logistics, they meticulously prepared New Year hampers, mindful of basic necessities for recipients to celebrate with dignity and joy.
One beneficiary, Shamila Priyadarshani, mother of three and wife to Lasantha Devapriya, expressed her gratitude, "Because of Tzu Chi's help, we are able to survive. Their support for education, food, and medicine has been invaluable. Being here with my family for the festivities brought us immense happiness."
Lasantha added, "This is one of the few times I could join my family for such events. We are truly grateful for this opportunity."
A Celebration of Tradition and Universal Empathy
The festivities, led by the vibrant Tzu Ching youths, embraced Sri Lankan traditions such as the lighting of the oil lamp and offering betel leaves to elders, symbolizing the wisdom and blessings passed down across generations.
LEFT: The symbolic lighting of the oil lamp marks the dispelling of darkness and the beginning of prosperity. RIGHT: Youth volunteers offering betel leaves to elders, honoring tradition and showing respect across generations. | Photos: Victoria Paranavithana | Sri Lanka | 2025/04/06
Tzu Chi volunteer Arosha's heartfelt welcome included a moment of silence for the survivors of the Myanmar earthquake. The event was punctuated with joyful folk games, songs, and dances, building connections across generations and fostering community spirit.
The collective compassion extended further, with donations collected to aid survivors of the recent earthquake. This act highlighted Tzu Chi’s dedication to global relief efforts and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Volunteers and beneficiaries come together in sincere prayers for those affected by the Myanmar earthquake. | Photo: Victoria Paranavithana | Sri Lanka 2025/04/06
Nourishing Body and Soul
To conclude, a vegetarian meal emphasized mindfulness and gratitude for resources, encouraging attendees to value every grain of food.
Another recipient, Tharanga Harshani, a cancer patient and single mother, shared, "Tzu Chi's material aid and spiritual blessings uplift us. This year’s festivities brought joy to me and my children, and for that, I am deeply thankful."
A Legacy of Love
Tzu Chi's pre-Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration embraced cultural heritage, extended compassionate support, and created moments of joy. Through the volunteers' efforts, Tzu Chi volunteers in Sri Lanka demonstrated how small acts of selflessness ripple into profound impacts, fostering harmony and well-being for individuals and communities alike.
Beneficiaries and volunteers unite in heartfelt efforts to support Myanmar earthquake survivors. | Photo: Victoria Paranavithana | Sri Lanka | 2025/04/06
By Victoria Paranavithana
