Light a Life Children’s Fund marks 20 years of transforming lives in Kataragama

In a quiet village in Kataragama, a long-running charitable initiative has quietly reshaped futures for nearly two decades. The Light a Life Children’s Fund (LLCF) now approaches its 20th anniversary, having empowered approximately a thousand children and their families through access to quality education and improved housing.

LLCF, a charitable trust and voluntary social services / non governmental organisation, was established in 2006 with a mission to provide underprivileged children with the education, stability and opportunities they need to succeed, from their first day in preschool to university or vocational education. 

The programmes are run entirely by volunteers, ensuring that donated funds go directly to the children and families who need it most - a testament to the power of continuity, care and community.

Today, LLCF proudly supports over 400 children annually across three core programmes. At the heart of the initiative is the Light a Life Preschool, located in Kandhasurindhugama, Kataragama. Established in 2007, the preschool currently accommodates up to 80 children aged 3 to 5 years, offering a nurturing, cost-free environment that aligns with national early childhood education guidelines.

Each child receives free educational material, school uniforms, and a nutritious mid-day meal, ensuring that no child is left behind. This foundation has enabled hundreds of children from low-income families to begin their education with dignity, stability and a strong sense of opportunity.

Beyond preschool, LLCF’s long-term scholarship programme ensures continuity throughout a child’s education journey. Children are supported from Grade 1 through to their O/Ls, A/Ls and tertiary education.

Students receive annual educational packs, with all O/L students being provided with extra classes for mathematics and science. Selected A/L high-performers also receive an allowance for extra classes in the respective subjects. Over 90% of students supported by LLCF advance to their A/Ls, a remarkable achievement in a region facing significant socio-economic challenges. Many others go on to pursue vocational training or university-level studies, building on the programme’s foundation.

A safe and stable home is crucial for children to be able to learn and thrive. This is vital to LLCF's mission to provide stable housing. The Trust has helped construct and hand over 82 low-cost houses, transforming the lives of entire families. This housing initiative was made possible through the generosity of the D S Foundation, which contributed to 45 homes, and individual donors who funded a further 37.

“What we’ve achieved over the last two decades has only been made possible thanks to the unwavering support of many compassionate and dedicated volunteers, individual sponsors and organizations,” said Sarath Weerasooria, Chairman of the Trust. 

“Many corporate sponsors such as Haycarb PLC and Finco Holdings have contributed to our cause over the years, allowing us to meet the considerable annual costs of running a programme like LLCF. Additionally, many individual donors have helped to bridge the gap between rising costs and the programme’s growing impact.” 

“We acknowledge the teachers and coordinator at the Light a Life Preschool without whom we would not be able to provide support and care to the communities we serve. Our teachers serve not only as educators but as pillars of care and consistency in the children’s lives,” said Kumudini Kariyawasan, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust. 

“We are proud of the work we’ve done so far and are hopeful that with the continued generosity of our supporters, both new and old, we will be able to ‘light the lives’ of more children and families in need.”

As it steps into its third decade, Light a Life Children’s Fund reaffirms its commitment to nurturing future generations in Kataragama.

(Ends)

We remain committed to expanding access to education and improving living conditions for children and families in need. Those wishing to contribute to Light a Life Children's Fund can find more details at the Lightalife CF Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LLCFund/ .