Small donations collected through The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) donation boxes in retail shops across Lincoln have funded learning materials for 144 students in schools serving remote communities in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
The latest distribution reached 68 students in the Batticaloa West Education Zone and a further 76 students in the Kalkudah Zone, Valaichchenai Division, providing practical educational support to children experiencing difficult circumstances.
In Batticaloa West, the 68 students were drawn from 34 schools, with students identified through the local education system and schools where teachers involved in psychosocial support and student wellbeing work closely with children and families.
A presentation involving the Batticaloa West students took place on 17 September 2026. Mr T. Gunaretnam, Teacher Adviser, presided over the event, while Mr S. Deepatharshan, Deputy Director of Education, attended as the special guest. Students, parents and representatives of the local education community also participated.
Further learning materials were distributed to 76 students across schools in the Kalkudah Zone, Valaichchenai Division. Mr S. Mohanathas, Coordinator, visited schools personally to help distribute the materials to students.
Mr Mohanathas expressed his gratitude to TCfR on behalf of the students, parents and education community, saying:
“Although there are many students in need across the schools of the Batticaloa West Education Zone, The Centre for Reconciliation has provided invaluable assistance by supporting students with essential learning materials. I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the students, parents and the educational community.”
The initiative was made possible through donations collected in Lincoln. The idea of placing TCfR donation boxes in retail shops was originally suggested by Sureshkumar Karunaratnam, a Lincoln business owner originally from Sri Lanka and a supporter of The Centre for Reconciliation. The boxes allow customers to make small contributions which collectively help provide educational resources for children.
Sureshkumar Karunaratnam said:
“I originally came to the UK as an immigrant from Sri Lanka, a Commonwealth country. After making a living in the UK with my small businesses, I wanted to give back to Sri Lanka and help the next generation through education.
“I think Sri Lanka is a country with a lot of potential for its future due to it being a natural hub between the Global North and South, and that educating its youth is the way forward for the nation. My goal is to continue expanding this help across Sri Lanka.”
Ruth Subash, Deputy Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the people of Lincoln who have supported this initiative through their donations. What may seem like a few coins given locally can, when brought together, make a meaningful difference to a young person’s education.
“To see this generosity providing learning materials for 144 students, particularly those in remote communities and facing difficult circumstances, is a wonderful example of compassion being turned into practical action. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who has contributed, the businesses hosting the donation boxes and those in Sri Lanka who have worked to ensure the support reaches the students who need it.”
Pete Hill, Treasurer of The Centre for Reconciliation, who regularly collects the donation boxes in Lincoln, said:
“When I collect the donation boxes, they are filled with small change, but it all adds up. It is wonderful to see where those donations have gone and the difference they are making to young people in Sri Lanka, as well as supporting education in India. Every coin represents an act of generosity from someone here in Lincoln, and together those small acts can achieve something very meaningful.”
The Centre for Reconciliation sees the initiative as part of its wider commitment to reconciliation, dignity and practical action, connecting the generosity of local communities with opportunities for children and young people elsewhere in the world.
Funds raised through TCfR donation boxes support educational initiatives for children and young people in Sri Lanka and India.
TCfR is keen to expand the initiative and would welcome retail outlets, businesses and other suitable venues in Lincoln willing to host a donation box. Anyone interested in supporting the initiative by having a TCfR donation box on their premises is invited to contact The Centre for Reconciliation.
The Centre for Reconciliation extends its sincere thanks to everyone who donated, the businesses hosting collection boxes, the education authorities, participating schools, teachers, coordinators and everyone involved in distributing the learning materials.
Photo caption: Learning materials funded through The Centre for Reconciliation’s donation boxes in Lincoln have been distributed to 144 students in remote communities in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province – 68 students in the Batticaloa West Education Zone and 76 students in the Kalkudah Zone, Valaichchenai Division.
