Senkadagala Finance Company Limited (SFCL) takes great pride in donating Rs 10mn to the Dharmaraja Swimming Club for the construction of a public swimming pool in Kandy. This is as part of the company’s vision of viewing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives as more than just a philanthropic effort, but as an all encompassing business philosophy and a culture that pervades from the top to the roots of the organization.

The project was initiated in August 2001 by the Colombo branch of the Dharamaraja College Old Boys’ Union with contributions made by many donors, along with a personal donation made by E W Balasuriya, Former Chairman, SFCL. The company is the custodian of the funds of the Kandy Swimming Club and the Dharamaraja College Development Fund.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Balasuriya, Former Chairman of SFCL said, "The objective behind building a swimming pool in Kandy is to serve the public and schoolchildren of the region, especially the students of the Dharmaraja College. This will go a long way in helping to develop the skills and talents of budding swimmers, who did not have access to such facilities in the region, giving them the platform to be able to compete at national and international levels."

Adding to this, S B Herath, President, Dharmaraja College Old Boys’ Union, Colombo Branch said, "We see this as meeting an essential need in Kandy, with the company having the honour of contributing to the social progress of the country. We take great pride in the knowledge that we are to provide a facility for the physical development and the maintenance of health of the public of Kandy. The contribution made by SFCL has given us a tremendous boost in terms of having the financial strength to complete the project and for this, we are very grateful."

Currently being built in Malabar Street, Kandy within the premises of Dharmaraja College, the project will consist of a swimming pool of 25.0 x 16.5 meters with eight lanes, a kiddies pool, changing rooms, toilet facilities, a machine room, a managers room and a pavilion among other facilities required in a modern day swimming pool. It will be at the entrance to the college for easy access to the public as well as availability of parking space. The total investment needed for the whole project is Rs 31.0mn and is set to be completed by December 2008.