On March 17, 2026, an assistance program for students was conducted by Wesdaswiss Sri Lanka at Aisleby Tamil Vidyalaya located in Bandarawela.
This event, organized by the school principal Thilakarani Natarajan, was carried out with the financial assistance of Direct Help Water Swaziland based in Switzerland, and under the planning of Wesdaswiss Sri Lanka. From the storm and flood relief fund, school equipment, school bags, and exercise books valued at approximately 1 million rupees were provided to 350 students.
Speaking at the event, the school principal noted that most students studying at this school are children of tea plantation workers, and many students are being forced to discontinue their education due to the severe poverty of their parents.
The school administration has implemented a “Handful of Rice” program with the aim of providing food to students. They collect rice from students and add sambar to provide midday meals. Furthermore, she also highlighted that basic needs such as lack of undergarments for students and menstrual hygiene products (pads) for girls are also greatly needed.
Suthakaran Ganapathipillai, Project Coordinator of Direct Help Water, who spoke at the event, announced that a “Student Sponsorship Program” will be implemented soon, where families or individuals can come forward to support students who excel in education.
The inauguration ceremony of this event was started by lighting the traditional lamp by Project Coordinator Suthakaran Ganapathipillai and his wife, Wesdaswiss organization coordinators Christy Jesudason and his wife, the school principal, and teachers.
Participants at the event stated that this assistance program is a great support to students facing economic hardships.