I met them again after three years. It was the opening ceremony of the Reverse Osmosis filter granted by their Colombo branch. The plant was installed by a semi-government organization. I was the engineer In charge of this division. But I was only a witness of this total project. Community development officers selected this location after a feasibility study and a sociological study. Our Chief engineer handled the coordination. A large air-conditioned bus and three other luxury vehicles came from their branch office. It was no time to recognize their assistant director with dark glasses as my schoolmate. She recognized me quickly but hesitated to have long chat and it was limited to only two-three words.
Photo source: The flicker
On one of the laziest Friday evenings, my chief engineer asked whether I would like to join the charitable donation ceremony at Kahatagasdgiliya Mahawewa village. I just agreed and I had no idea what was going on. Saturday morning I went with my chief engineer and CDO to that village.
That charity club from Colombo had the intention to donate shoes for the primary school of this village. Three months ago our community development officers provided details of the students of the school on their school grades basis. The total numbers of students in this school were less than 100.
My immediate superior Chief engineer coordinated with their journey. There were five vehicles included with ours. They were late more than an hour to the scheduled time. We all met at a place and went to the village as a parade. There was an Aluminium body lorry with a famous shoe brand too.
We walked about 300m with the parade
There was a welcome procession made by villagers and school children. We went after them to the festival hall. There we about twenty-five guests from the club. A luxury bus and another three luxury vehicles were there. We had a respectful welcome.
Rarely could see the presence of males there. I feel they were at their Chena for agricultural cultivations
There were several speeches from Community based organizations and club officials. Our chief engineer also explained the advantage of shoes. There Assistant director saw me and only had a grin.
Villagers arranged a nice tea party with sweets prepared in the village. Most of the sweets were rare. Guests enjoyed sweets and a " Beli Mal" drink. I saw one of the guests asked for a parcel to bring their home. I felt that villagers spent lavishly on this tea party. It was so sad.
Then the shoe donation commenced. There were only a hundred shoes in the lorry. Sizes of the shoes were based on their school grades and did not match their foot sizes. Most of the kids never wore shoes. Then there was uneasiness among villagers. They were arguing with each other. I was only a witness and no one interfered. Finally, a gentleman from the club promised to provide a balance requirement. I knew it was the only way to console the situation.
What only I could see were disappointed faces. Colombo club people went back with satisfied faces because they accomplished their tasks. They didn't want to stay further because their lunch had been arranged at a three-star hotel in Anuradhapura.
They spent for this charity works less than Rs.50000 with sponsorship from the shoe company but spent more than 100000 on their transportation, meals, and drinks. It was just only a picnic for these people but some kids may still be waiting to have their balance shoes.
Feel really sad about them
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It is the saddest truth on charity works. Empty big lorry only with about hundred numbers of small-sized shoes. It was a funny thing that the criteria of the selection of shoe sizes based on school grades. Thanks.
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@champikawije65
😌😌😌 No any other words.....
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Thank you. The community-based organization had collected Rs.250 from each family for the tea party. The true Sri Lankan rural people are rich with ethics of simplicity and hospitality. Most of the charity workers are used this kindness👍 😎. Thanks again
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That words are so heart-touching 😥😥😥 If I feel sad from reading this article, I can't imagine how you faced to that in that moment 😑
First they have to understand how to do any work without breaking innocent hearts 😥
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Really appreciated your valuable comment. Most of the charity workers visit rural areas as excursions. Our new trend is without having FB charity posts you cant achieve the goal of the Buddhist path. " Charity is Not A Publicity Stunt"
Photo Source : The Legitimate
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That first picture make me so sad. I saw a picture similar to this and I was thinking and thinking about that photo for days.
Ohh!! They have completed their task anyway. But what about that innocent kids' feelings?? How senseless people they are. 😥Everything has done for social inspiration I think. 😒
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Thank you so much. It was the bitter truth. School assembly hall filled with families without their dads. Dads were busy with their cultivations. At the end of the year, you can see most of the reputed charity worker's social media platforms filled with exercise book donation photographs. That neediness is there. Charity should not be for publicity.
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the sad truth of most of the charity works. they are just showing off. I have seen the same thing with politicians. they donate 50000LKR to temples and organize an event with media and all. I always thought he could give that expences to the temple if he did not want to publish it. only a few people in the country or may bein the world, do charity works without expecting something in return. most of the people do charity works just to get famous, to make a good name among society, or to have votes in the upcoming election.
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Thank you. It is the truth. Most such organizations or clubs have massive annual budget allocations for this sort of charity. They visit rural areas with their families, friends, friends of friends, and relatives many more. Villager's sad faces may be the attraction of social media wall platforms in the next few days. Then the charity saga is all over.
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For me, this is the saddest part of the story. And look at that welcome procession. These people are so innocent and don't have a clue about what's happening. I feel sorry for them.
Thank you for sharing the bitter truth about Sri Lankan Charity.
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Your genuine comment is highly appreciated. We may also make this mistake too. That's why we should adhere to some ethics and basics.
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100% agreed.
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