IT WAS a proud moment for Sujith Weerasinghe when he received one of the highest awards in Sri Lanka, ‘The Pride of the Nation’.
The Specsavers Regional Relationship Manager for North West London received his award from the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) in recognition of his exceptional service to the community and dedication to charity.
For over 25 years, Sujith, who is from Colombo in Sri Lanka, has continued to offer humanitarian support to underprivileged Sri Lankan communities via his fundraising. This has been achieved with the support of friends, family, donors and Specsavers colleagues since he joined the organisation over 10 years ago.
Sujith says: ‘I am incredibly honoured to receive the ‘Pride of the Nation’ Award from SLFI Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, as I was unable to attend the presentation ceremony, my son Dilmith graciously accepted this award on my behalf from Professor Gamini Lakshman, a noted politician and academic.
‘I would like to dedicate this recognition to every donor, friend, and family member who has supported the many endeavours over the years, as we worked to bring hope, kindness, dignity, and smiles to those in need.
‘This award is not the end, but a reminder to keep going. Together, we will continue making the world better through peace, love, kindness, and compassion.’
The accolade from SLFI Sri Lanka marks a high point in recognition of Sujith’s unwavering dedication to his charitable fundraising to help those people less fortunate and who may have been impacted by life events and situations.
Sujith’s humanitarian charity work extends to initiatives set up to support children and families impacted by the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attack in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. Working in partnership with the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the charitable project offers over 20 annual scholarships to those affected, with donations coming from Specsavers Hertfordshire store partners.
Charitable initiatives under the ‘My Hope UK Lanka Foundation’, a charity set up by Sujith in 2012, include the donation of a SMART interactive digital classroom to a secondary school in Polonnaruwa and a primary school in Kandy, North Central Province. The schoolchildren were also provided with shoes, school books and stationery, making a difference to their self-esteem, confidence and education.
During the last five years, various stores from the Greater London region have donated over 800 pairs of glasses to underprivileged communities. In addition, children have received access to key healthcare, including eye tests and school equipment, while more than 450 wheelchairs have been donated to vulnerable people in need.
Specsavers North West London store partners have been working with Sujith over the last two years on various projects relating to schools, plus fund raising to provide wheelchairs to people who have restricted mobility.
It is over a period of 25 years that Sujith has been committed to making a difference to many people’s lives, be they young or old, a cause he plans to continue for many more years to come.
