The SANASA Society at Kirimetiyana in Wennappuwa electorate had the honour of winning the much coveted ‘Tritva Rantaru’ gold award for the best performance at a competition held recently among the SANASA Societies in the North Western Province (Wayamba) by the Department of Co-operative Development.
This is the latest award won by our society in a series of competitions held by the department at the Zonal, Provincial and National levels, said Kirimetiyana SANASA Society Chairman G. A. M. Leelaratne.
“Our Society founded in February 1991 with 18 members has today become one of the leading financial institutions in the area today, “ he said.
Milestones in progress
Recounting the milestones in the Society’s journey of progress, he said, “ Our Society was registered with the Department of Co-operative Development in June 1992 and we opened our bank office in a rented building in April 1995.
Kirimetiyana SANASA Society Chairman G. A. M. Leelaratne with the gold award soon after receiving it at the presentation ceremony
We steadily progressed as a society cum a financial institution over the years and we were able to shift to a new building on a plot of land in the heart of the Kirimetiyana town of our own in April 2002 following its ceremonial opening by the architect of SANASA Movement Dr. P.A. Kirivandeniya”.
Society’s services
The Society’s services are not confined to those catering to the financial requirements of the Society members. It has launched a variety of projects and programs aimed at promoting and fostering community welfare, cultural activity in the area and uplifting the economic condition of the people.
“To name a few of them, we have started several poverty eradication programs. We are also holding blood donation campaigns and medical clinics to provide free medical care from time to time. We make available our well-equipped auditorium as a convenient venue for holding cultural and other community events,” said Leelaratne.
Financial status
Asked to briefly explain the current financial status of the Society, he said: “By the end of July 2023, our financial assets reached the Rs.600 million mark. Today, we are in a position to raise the bank’s credit limit to a member up to Rs. 2.8 million!”
Secret behind the success
What is the secret behind the phenomenal success of your Society?
“It is imperative that the leadership of a Society or any other institution for that matter is honest, sagacious, far-sighted, and selfless. It is obvious that the persons who have been providing leadership to our Society so far have been endowed with such sterling qualities.”
He said: “An institution should also have an honest, efficient , courteous, and friendly staff to run its administration and the day – to day affairs. Fortunately, we do have such a staff led by the Secretary/ General Manager A.M. A.P. Costa and Manager R.A. P. Kumudini.”
By the way, this writer later learnt from the Society’s Manager Kumudini that Chairman Leelaratne does not claim the monthly allowance payable to him and this allowance is being credited to a Development Fund of the Society and it is with the monies thus accumulated in the Fund that the Society recently purchased a motor car to meet its transport needs.
