On 3rd March 2006 at 5:57am, the Foundation of Goodness celebrated its 7th year of community development in the Seenigama region.

It was on this day seven years ago that Founder, Kushil Gunasekera, realised his life-long dream to devote his time, energy and money to improving opportunities for the people of the Seenigama region.

As a young boy growing up in the small coastal village of Seenigama, Kushil felt extremely lucky and privileged that he had access to a good education through a school in Colombo whilst some friends weren't so fortunate. He vowed to himself that one day he would assist the people of his village so that they too could live meaningfully and purposefully with equal opportunities to excel in life.

Seven years on and the Foundation and its work are flourishing. The villagers and Foundation staff would have never expected the magnitude with which the world has responded to the areas needs. Unfortunately, the disasterous Tsunami waves that swept in on 26th December 2004 exacerbated the villagers' problems, but the waves of compassion were far greater and continue to help the villagers rebuild their lives.

• The construction of 302 homes in Seenigama and neighbouring villages


• The repair of 200 partly-damaged homes in the region


• The commencement of 149 homes and plan to construct another 159 homes


• The provision of livelihood opportunities to over 456 villagers (through their new cement block, coir yarn and brush handle manufacturing plants and by providing other necessary items)


• The establishment of a Computer Training Facility, a Maternity Clinic, a Pediatric Clinic, English Classes, Sewing Classes, a Library and a Handicrafts Centre


• The care of thousands of children through educational scholarships, sponsorships and supplies as well as the development and continual improvement of the seven schools in the region


• The establishment of a Sports Development Program, which now operates in seven villages


• The vision of a Centre of Excellence, particularly aimed at youth development and education


• The construction of a Sports Complex to foster talent and develop skills amongst village youth, which is currently underway

The Foundation has a lot to be proud of today. Not only due to an amazing seven years of community service, but also because the Foundations work is something of a truly unique nature. Unlike many organisations that focus on one or two areas, such as housing or livelihoods, the Foundation of Goodness' work is of a holistic nature, attending to all needs of the villagers, including housing, infrastructure, livelihoods, medical care, education, skills development, sports and cultural preservation.

In essence, the Foundation of Goodness and the villagers of the region are working towards creating their own model community for rural development. And it is well on its way, particularly with the proposed Centre of Excellence due to foster the development of thousands of village youths and the the Sports Complex (currently under-construction) due to boost the competitiveness of the area.

Congratulations, Foundation of Goodness, and may the Foundation continue to successfully assist and empower the rural community for many more years to come!