Every year on the 1st of October, Sri Lanka pauses to honour and celebrate our children. It is a day dedicated to upholding the rights of every single child, a principle that lies at the very heart of the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJFCF). We believe that the rights of every child are equally important, regardless of their background, socio-economic circumstances, or physical differences.
At the MJFCF, through a special array of programmes, we address the fundamental needs of children, ensuring they have access to education, protection, and the opportunity to express themselves.
The Rainbow Programme
Our Rainbow Programme is dedicated to nurturing children and young adults with Down’s syndrome and other developmental disorders. Through tailored educational plans, therapy, and care services, this programme has supported over 3,500 children. One of its vital branches is the Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD) in Rajagiriya, a resource hub that has provided essential support to 322 children.
It is at this very centre that we had the privilege of nurturing two remarkable young achievers, Sithija Thikshana and Thisula Thirasara.
Fifteen-year-old Sithija, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), joined us in 2023. He is a truly brilliant student with a remarkable talent for solving logical puzzles. This year, his intellect shone brightly as he passed his Grade 5 Scholarship Examination with an exceptional score of 132.
Similarly, 15-year-old Thisula, who has autism spectrum disorder, joined our centre in 2022. He has blossomed into a talented painter and a beautiful singer, but his most surprising gift is his skill as a voicing artist and actor. His journey is a powerful reminder that when a child is given the chance to shine, unique and incredible talents wait to be discovered.
Thisula at the Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition of CCCPDD
The MJF Kids Programme
The MJF Kids Programme is another cornerstone of our Foundation, offering essential education with a holistic approach to children from low-income backgrounds. The programme, which is now active in eight MJFCF Centres across the country, has positively impacted the lives of 852 children, many of whom have become high achievers.
Among them were two brothers, Viraj and Niraj, past students of the MJF Kids Programme, who joined us at the age of 12. Eager to learn and grow, they took every opportunity to build a strong educational foundation. Their hard work paid off spectacularly at their G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examinations, where they didn’t just pass, they aced them. Viraj earned eight A’s and one B, while Niraj secured seven A’s and two B’s.
Although their school, H.K. Dharmadasa Vidyalaya, did not offer Advanced Level studies, their outstanding results earned them places at a prestigious school in Colombo. Today, Viraj is an engineering undergraduate at the University of Moratuwa, and Niraj is studying for his G.C.E. Advanced Levels. Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the unwavering support of their parents, who stood by them through every challenge.
And so, we believe that the kindness we strive for, much like a good cup of Dilmah, is best shared with the world. The stories of Sithija, Thisula, Viraj, and Niraj are the true flavour of that kindness, proving that a single act of support can brew a future of endless possibilities for young dreamers.
