Sport and philanthropy
combined as WNS/AVIVA’s employees took on some of the
Foundation of Goodness’s finest netballers and cricketers
for the annual WNS Challenge Trophy on the new cricket oval
in Seenigama last Saturday.
In two exciting matches sponsored by the
WNS Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee, the
Foundation’s team excelled in both netball and cricket, and
once again took home the trophy.
Off the field it was the local kids who were the winners, as
the renowned Sri Lankan company also launched a unique
internet training
program for the children of AVIVA village,
which includes supplying 12 new computers and ADSL internet
connections. The pilot phase of the project will
help 22 children become internet and email able through
a combination of theory and practice, including
one-on-one tutoring via email with WNS/AVIVA staff.
WNS Managing Director Dushan Soza described this new
project as groundbreaking, commenting that his team is
dedicated to ‘building people up’ through knowledge.
‘This project aims to provide all 228
children under 16 in Seenigama with the opportunity to take
part in the training over the next three years,’ he said.
WNS/AVIVA has made significant contributions to the
development of Seenigama, particularly post tsunami,
sponsoring construction of 10 new homes and a community
centre which includes a library, shop, barber, post office,
maternity clinic and more.
Support for the village has been
ongoing, and as CSR Committee Vice President Niranjan
Tavarayen explained WNS’s approach is multifaceted.
‘We take the concepts of sustainability and business
continuity, and look at ways of applying them here –
like the internet centre and training’, he said.
‘Running the WNS Challenge
Trophy is the icing on the cake, as it promotes friendship
and harmony. We think of it as a fellowship day’.
While the netball match proved an easy win for the
Foundation team, who won 13 goals to one, the 25 over
cricket match put all players to the test with a final score
of Seenigama 8 for 155, and WNS all out for 99.
Foundation of Goodness founder and trustee
Kushil Gunasekera praised WNS/AVIVA for their on-going
commitment to the well being of the community.
‘We are absolutely thrilled that they took the time to
organise this annual sports day – it was so much fun for
players and spectators alike,’ he said.
‘While they were out-classed on the playing field, nothing
could beat their immense generosity and motivation to think
big – and act even bigger – when it comes to empowering the
next generation.’
