Serendib Leisure Management Ltd stepped in to help the flood-affected community of Neboda, Kalutara by refurbishing the Kudaligama Maha Vidyalaya that was severely damaged during the devastating floods which affected many parts of Sri Lanka in May 2017.
The Kalutara district was one of the worst affected, of over 14 districts impacted by the floods and landslides that resulted from heavy rainfall in the South Eastern parts of the island. In the wake of the destruction, the Serendib Leisure Management, with the hotels of its chain located in the vicinity, initiated a project to help rebuild Kalutara and bring relief to the community.
Upon assessing the damage, it was brought to the attention of Serendib Leisure by the Government Agent (GA) of Kalutara and the Divisional Secretariat that WP/HO/ Kudaligama Maha Vidyalaya, a school located in rural Neboda in the Kalutara district, was severely affected by the natural disaster. A landmark establishment that addressed the educational needs of over 380 community children from Grades 1 – 13 for 95 years, Serendib Leisure saw the need to restore the damaged walls and roofs of the premises. A vital part of the initiative was the construction of a retaining wall to safeguard the school from future calamities.
Chief Operating Officer, Serendib Leisure Management Ltd, Shantha Kurumbalapitiya said, “We are grateful to the GA of Kalutara and Divisional Secretariat for informing us of the dire need to lend a helping hand to the community of Neboda.
Having already witnessed the destruction that the floods and landslides caused the community, we did not hesitate to offer our assistance to help restore their lives.
I am proud to note that the Serendib Leisure team went the extra mile to reduce costs from its Annual Awards ceremony and contribute it to this worthy cause. It was extremely heartening to witness the community coming together, from the School Principal to parents, teachers and students who rallied together to rebuild an establishment that is close to their hearts.”
The restoration of the Kudaligama Maha Vidyalaya in Neboda, Kalutara, which was carried out over a period of three months by Serendib Leisure Management together with the community of Neboda, successfully reached completion in November, 2017.