What’s better than some Saturday afternoon cricket? Cricket played at our first ever MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival!
The first-time event, organised by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation, was attended by 101 children and youth with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. In addition, 113 volunteers from Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, MAS Holdings, organisations such as Samutthana and Mentour Psychology Placements, AYATI Trust, the universities of Kelaniya, Colombo, ICBT, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, UNISTEM and schools such as Gateway College, Holy Family Convent – Bambalapitiya, Lyceum and Asian International Schools, and the Little People Association participated.
What made this cricket match even more special? A special appearance by the national women’s cricket team whose energy was truly contagious! This sporting encounter brought together children and youth of all ages and abilities – teaching and fostering an environment of awareness and inclusivity and building connections.
Empowering and supporting children with disabilities is a key pillar of the MJF Charitable Foundation. Since 2011, the MJF Charitable Foundation’s ‘Rainbow Programme’ has empowered 3,500 toddlers, children and youth with education, vocational training, occupational, speech and psychological therapy, arts education and more. What makes the Rainbow Programme unique is the inclusive activities and initiatives introduced to integrate children of all ages, talents and abilities in activities, while respecting and understanding the sensitivities and developmental challenges they face.
Describing the successful event, Rehana Wettasinghe, Manager of the MJF Centres, said: “The inclusive cricket carnival was one of several ways in which the Foundation has curated memorable, inclusive initiatives for youth with disabilities and their peers. The event was not only a celebration of ability and sportsmanship, but an opportunity to better understand and bridge the gaps of awareness of developmental disorders, creating inclusive spaces for everyone.”
The MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival 2025 was followed by the People’s Market – a marketplace event organised to support and empower budding small businesses and rising entrepreneurs.
Learn more about the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation at https://www.facebook.com/MJFCF/ and https://www.instagram.com/mjffoundation/.
