Sri Lanka Telecom, the national telecom service provider has extended its corporate social responsibility services to the people of Dambana, a remote village of indigenous people, located around 300km away from Colombo.

The Company was responsible for sponsoring approximately 100 students and 30 parents and teachers from the Dambana Junior School for a three day tour to Colombo. Amongst those who attended the tour was the Principal of the Dambana Junior School as well as Uruwarige Gunabandiyala Aththo, the brother of the indigenous community chief, Uruwarige Wannila Aththo.

A special ceremony was organized by Sri Lanka Telecom at the BMICH to welcome this special community of people. This ceremony was attended by Ms. Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom, as well as several Chief Officers and other officials of the company. The programme had several highlights; some of these were the singing of "Nalevili Gee " and enacting of the "Kiri Koraha "performances that

brought out the unique acting talents of the students from the Dambana Junior School. A book donation was also made to the Dambana Junior School by Sri Lanka Telecom, in collaboration with the Asia Foundation.

Ms. Leisha De Silva Chandrasena welcomed the students and in her address to the audience she said that "the great beauty of Sri Lanka is its rich diversity of cultures and people, who all belong to one nation. I believe that there is great harmony and unity created by all of us here joining together as one group of people, and singing the national anthem of Sri Lanka. It is my sincere hope that the experience and knowledge gained from this trip will be used for the progress and betterment of our country."

The students, parents and teachers cherished this unique opportunity of being afforded a chance to Colombo since many of them have never travelled beyond the Mahiyangana town nor ever had the privilege of witnessing a the sea cost prior to this. The climate of peace in the country was instrumental in making this trip a reality.. Hence these students returned home after not only accumulating knowledge but also experiencing real joy and peace in their hearts.