Since the tsunami struck the shores of Seenigama, a vast array of inspirational and admirable figures have passed through the region, leaving their mark and brightening lives in their own special and unique ways. This is particularly so when it comes to the many volunteers who have come from afar to devote their time and sacrifice their finances and lives back home for the good of the disadvantaged villagers. Some at the Foundation of Goodness have come to refer to these humanitarian heroes as "Seenigama Legends".

A recent addition to the Seenigama Legends team is Sajeev de Silva, a 24 year-old UK resident with a Sri Lankan heritage and a big heart. For a long time Saj had plans to return to the land of his roots and assist his underprivileged brothers and sisters. When the tsunami tragically devastated much of Sri Lanka's coastline, Saj watched the aftermath unfold in the comfort of his living room, helpless but hopeful. Spurred by this unfortunate natural disaster, Saj decided that as soon as he completed his studies at University, he would go to Sri Lanka and assist the tsunami-affected villagers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of hosting a number of talented and compassionate volunteers in the village is that you have the opportunity to observe and experience the amazing skills that these people have to offer. In Saj's case, in particular, he has a unique and inspirational talent for the art of teaching Karate. Having trained in Martial Arts since the ripe young age of seven years old, Saj was later recognised by top coaches and became a member of the England Ishinryu Karate Team. Yet, it wasn't until he began training others in Martial Arts that he recognised his true passion and nurtured his gift, teaching children of many ages in the UK.

So, when Saj made the decision to go to Sri Lanka and assist the tsunami-affected villagers, he knew that the best way he could help the people was by lifting their spirits, improving their confidence and building their strength through the art of Karate. He proposed the concept to our Founder, Kushil, who thought it was a fantastic idea - after all, when would the children of Seenigama have ever had the opportunity like this to be exposed to such a unique art form originating all the way from Japan? Upon their arrival to the Seenigama region in February 2006, Saj and his friend who joined him from the UK, Phil, as well as Foundation members, Asanka, Udara and Shane set about establishing the Seenigama Karate Club almost immediately.

The Seenigama Karate Club well exceeded expectations. Within all but one week, the noticeable improvement in the fitness, coordination, discipline and most importantly, the confidence of these village children was extremely rewarding and heartwarming, if not even tear-jerking. Nuwan, (pictured training with Saj, above left), has a disability that thwarts his body coordination not to mention his confidence in sports and other activities. Yet, the Karate Club has done absolute wonders for Nuwan's coordination, confidence and overall happiness. In fact, Saj's training techniques have had a remarkable impact on all of the village children that he has taught, particularly the girls who were previously very shy. The Karate has instilled in all of these children the necessary strength, confidence and passion to pursue their dreams. The pure reverence that these kids have for Saj was clearly evident through the gifts they brought for him on a daily basis - be they chocolates, drawings, bananas, flowers, or whatever they had to offer at the time.

Saj continued to provide his services free-of-charge for up to ten hours a day (including through the Seenigama Karate Club and private lessons) in the village for approximately four months. Yet, not only did he kindly donate his services but also a range of other items that made the Seenigama Karate Club so special for the children. Through the generous support from Saj's uncle in Sri Lanka, Suranimala Diyabalanange, Saj was able to provide each child with their own special "Seenigama Karate Club" t-shirt as well as trophies and medals that were used to reward the hard-working and talented village children through a day-long karate competition. Saj himself so selflessly funded the second competition which cost him approximately 200 Pounds.

After Saj sadly left us in June 2006, he wrote shortly thereafter, "Seenigama Karate Club will always be a part of me. I have strong aspirations to go back to Sri Lanka as soon as I can..."

Likewise, Saj - on behalf of the children of the Seenigama Karate Club whose lives you enriched and brightened, the club will always be a part of them and they shall never forget their Aiya (big brother) who had the faith in them to take them to new levels. Long may you be remembered and welcomed in the village as a Seenigama Legend.