The Sri Lanka Community Development Foundation,
now popularly known as the Bellanwila Community Development Foundation (BCDF), was
established in 1980 by Ven. Dr.
Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero. The underlying concept for the program is that the
Buddhist temple should serve the social well being of the people, as well as
their spiritual needs. Thus, forging a closer link between the temple and the
people.
Vocational School
To help develop vocational aptitudes in young men and women leaving
school after their secondary education,
self-employment oriented training courses were developed.
The intention of these programs is to help our young men and women, particularly those who do not have the opportunity of entering universities, to fulfill their aspirations and turn out to be useful citizens.
The professional training acquired here, combined with the moral moulding of character effected by the Foundation, give them an unique opportunity to enhance their own positions, as well as that of their families and their communities. From its small beginnings with 100 it has now grown to over 1600 students. The curriculum includes: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Motor Mechanics, Radio and Electrical Technology, Welding, Drafting, Management Skills, Computer Science, Photography, Flower Making and Arranging, Macramé, Cultural Music and Dancing and First Aid Training.
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Elderly Day Care
Elderly parents who need to be looked after come to the Foundation during the day while their families
are away at work and enjoy the company of their peers while being looked
after by the staff.
Medical Clinic
A medical clinic is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month to treat elderly people with low incomes from nearby villages. Government specialists and other doctors render this valuable service free of charge. Pharmacists, too, contribute to this noble effort. Students in the First Aid training program receive valuable training by assisting the doctors.
Nutrition Project
The
BCDF is engaged in a project to eliminate malnutrition in children
of low income families in six neighboring villages. Milk powder obtained
with the help of the Social Services and Health Departments, is providing
nutrition to the children of the villages of Attidiya, Rattanapitiya, Boralesgamuwa, Pepiliyama,
Divulpitiya and Bellanwila. In addition, a glass of milk is given to children at
the Daham Pasala (Sunday School) and to the elderly at the medical clinic
under doctor's advice.
Volunteer Services
Members of the community are organized by the Foundation to provide voluntary services such as: assisting patients at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital, as well as cleaning the hospital, organizing Shramadana (self-help) camps, blood donation drives, staffing First Aid units at public events, and providing food, clothing and shelter during national emergencies.
