The 32nd AIDEX Annual Sports Festival was a powerful showcase of human resilience and determination with every step taken, jump made and arrow drawn. And on the sidelines -the spirit of kindness continued throughout the day – with every cheer, applause and act of support, motivating each participant as they crossed the finish line. We’re talking about the Dilmah volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to support the inspiring participants.
On Sunday, the 31st of August 2025, the Air Force Grounds in Colombo were glorified with the sunlight and the shadows of the crowd that were present to cheer, participate, and, of course, volunteer at the 32nd AIDEX Annual Sports Festival for persons with disabilities. It was a day of celebration, with 304 determined individuals, from 3 -year – old game – changers to resilient participants in their 80s, competing in a wide array of over 70 sporting events. This event itself reflects its name “AIDEX” – Aid to the Ex-Able!
Many Moons Ago…
This extraordinary event traces back 32 years to the vision of Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen and the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS), Sri Lanka’s oldest charity. With a mission to ensure “They shall not suffer,” CFINS has provided over 40,134 free artificial limbs, and AIDEX stands as a symbol of the confidence and dignity these limbs provide.
For over two decades, Dilmah has been a steadfast partner of AIDEX, based on the friendship between Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando and Chairman of AIDEX Prof. Sheriffdeen which was rooted in shared values of kindness. Through the MJF Charitable Foundation, Dilmah’s support for AIDEX is a living embodiment of our Founder’s principle of business being a matter of human service, not just through funding, but also the passionate support of its employees.
Dilmah Volunteers at AIDEX!
The real magic of AIDEX is best described by those who were there on the ground. Two Dilmah volunteers shared their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of this event from a different perspective.
Hashitha Rathnaweera – Assistant Manager, Quality Assurance:
“It was a true privilege to attend the AIDEX Sports Meet for the first time as a Dilmah volunteer. The courage and determination I saw was deeply inspiring, from a 3-year-old running a race to an elderly gentleman competing in archery with a profound sense of purpose. I was moved by the sheer joy and spirit of everyone involved. The event was flawlessly organised, and I felt immense pride in Dilmah’s role. This was more than just a sports festival; it was a testament to the power of human resilience. Thank you for this unforgettable and heartwarming experience. I look forward to being part of AIDEX again.”
Hasitha Kanagaraj – Shipping Executive:
“Volunteering at AIDEX 2025 was a heartwarming experience for me. Representing Dilmah, a company that extends its kindness through so many charitable services, I felt incredibly grateful to be part of a mission that values humanity above all. The event was a beautiful reminder that when compassionate hearts come together, lives can be touched in extraordinary ways. The archery event stood out for me — it was a powerful display of strength, courage and determination. This experience has deepened my passion to continue making an impact, however small. As our Founder believed, kindness multiplies when it is shared, and at AIDEX, I witnessed that in every single moment.”
AIDEX 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we give place for everyone’s abilities to take root. The stories of courage and the unwavering support of the volunteers show that we all have a role to play, and if played wisely, we create a society that is equivalent for everyone. After all, the race for a better world is one we can all run together.
