PALINGU MANAHARI WITHARANA

Ambassador

Everything happens for a blessing

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How did I become involved?

I have always been interested in understanding the ways to tackle impoverishment in developing countries. Growing up in Sri Lanka and seeing the world through a lens everything seemed so constructed but now looking back as an adult I can see there are underlying issues that needs to be addressed. This was my main reason for being involved into charity.

There are various charities out there that do a lot of good work however, I wanted to be a part of something that I could see myself in the long run and a cause that I am passionate about. I came across OIA GIVES by chance or looking back now, it may have been destiny.  I remember the first time Cynthia and I had a conversation and we went for hours talking about these ideas and we could instantly relate to a lot of things even though we were from very different backgrounds. We were both very passionate about children and felt equally responsible in providing them with a nurturing environment for them to learn and grow.

As Nelson Mandela once said,

• “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

I believe if you even help one person you have effectively changed the world. You have changed the world, which is a ripple effect because your actions will change the way they interact with everyone for the better.