
PALINGU MANAHARI WITHARANA
Ambassador
Everything happens for a blessing
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.