Little ones with broken hearts – Children living in institutional care in Sri Lanka

The Tsunami Memorial Reception is an annual event organized by the Association of Sri Lankan Lawyers in the UK (ASLLUK) marked since 2004. It is in remembrance of 40,000 people, who unnecessarily lost their lives and countless others whose lives were devastated due to an avoidable environmental catastrophe. In their memory, it provides a forum for social and environmental justice. It is a registered charity that raises funds for educational, medical and environmental projects. It does so on behalf of all communities irrespective of race, language or creed in Sri Lanka.

At the 16th Tsunami Memorial Reception on Friday 27th November 2020, there was a wide spectrum of lawyers and people in attendance, despite it being via Zoom.

Her Excellency Ms Saroja Sirisena, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka was the guest of honour. She graciously acknowledged the contributions that ASLLUK have made over many years on behalf of worthy causes in Sri Lanka, and expressed her pride at their professionalism and achievements, and her gratitude that they had never forgotten Sri Lanka.

The General Secretary of ASLLUK, Daminda Gunatilaka opened the meeting with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, with the charming assistance of his wife and children.

The President of ASLLUK, Harendra de Silva Queen’s Counsel, in his inimitable style, made a welcome speech. Mr de Silva emphasised the importance of the charitable projects undertaken by ASLLUK, that included orphaned children, life-saving kidney dialysis machine for the benefit of the Anuradhapura hospital, protection of the endangered Sri Lankan Elephant and Environmental law and internships to train young lawyers in Sri Lanka to engage in public environmental litigation.

Two minutes’ silence was solemnly observed in memory of those who died in the Tsunami.

Nipuni Wijesinghe, was a star. She is a young trainee solicitor. Her father Sarath Wijesinghe, President’s Counsel and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, would be proud of her. She introduced the speakers and ably assisted in the auction with consummate charm and grace.

This year the keynote speaker was Lalith de Kauwe Barrister, Garden Court Chambers. The title of the speech was ‘Little ones with broken hearts – Children living in institutional care in Sri Lanka’. Mr de Kauwe analysed the dire situation of kids in care in Sri Lanka. He proclaimed a message that “We are with the children of Sri Lanka. Once more we light the oil lamp to symbolise hope for the future and in memory of those who died in the land of our birth”. He contended that “This event was shaped by an unimaginable catastrophe and the determination of people with a shared tradition of compassion towards others. Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher.” He observed that “Buddha taught: Loving kindness, compassion and joy for the welfare of others. Virtues to embrace and blessings to us all.” He stated that Charity has no label: It is neither Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Muslim.”

He spoke passionately in support for the objects of the event, which was:

• To raise awareness of children living in institutional care in Sri Lanka.
• To raise funds to support children with disabilities and children living in institutional care in three homes in Sri Lanka: METHSEVANA DISABLED HOME’, Embilipitiya; ‘VIVEKANANDA GIRL’S HOME’, Valaichchenai, Batticaloa; and ‘SALIYAPURA CHILDREN’S HOME’, Anuradhapura.
• The ultimate deinstitutionalisation of children in institutional care.

He concluded his oration with the reminder that “Democracy is the practice of justice and equality for all.” and the words of Lord Jesus: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-40.

The auction of two oil paintings and a bottle of Arrak was very well conducted with good humour by Janaka Siriwardene, Barrister. Due to the amazing generosity of the participants, funds raised in the auction exceeded £1500. Other donations so far are around £2,000. The target is £6,000, so more donations are needed to support this amazing project. Please make donations payable to: The Association of Sri Lankan Lawyers in the UK. Barclays Bank. Sort Code:20-92-63. Account No:73839796.

The Tsunami Memorial Reception is an exceptional event, that characterises an extraordinary phenomenon: Lawyers with a conscience who are concerned about social inequality and social deprivation. A bedrock of a civilized society is the treatment of the most vulnerable and children. The participants of this event are fighting for an amazing cause: ‘Little ones without a voice’. They are committed and are campaigning to protect the most vulnerable in Sri Lanka namely children in care homes and children with disabilities, and the deinstitutionalisation of children in care.

This annual Tsunami Memorial event is a triumph of faith, hope and action, over mistrust, indifference and inaction. The actions of these outstanding Sri Lankan Lawyers are in marked contrast to the callous behaviour of many others in the legal profession. They deserve our whole hearted support.