In an endeavour that has warmed the hearts of the community and reached across rural villages of Sri Lanka, Atlas Axillia has been partnering the village outreach initiatives of the Ridi Viharaya, under the aegis of the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Thibobotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero and Ven. Thibotuwawe Buddharakkitha Thero, Nayake Thero of the Ridi Viharaya for over a decade.
As a company committed to facilitating learning tools for educational pursuits, Atlas Axillia has succeeded in empowering students of rural communities through the initiative that consists of providing school supplies and books to 5,000 children spread across some of the neediest communities in Sri Lanka. The program has been held consistently for 15 years and is recognised as the primary community outreach of the historic Ridi Viharaya.
Commenting on the initiative, Ven. Thibbotuwawe Buddharakkitha Thero, Nayake Thero of the Ridi Viharaya, located in Ridigama, Kurunegala District, says that the program has rendered a valuable service towards society. “The Ridi Viharaya appreciates the gesture of Atlas Axillia in joining us in this noble venture which offers considerable benefit to children who cannot afford to purchase school supplies every year,” Ven. Thero observes.
A well-known leader in the industry of school supplies and related products, Atlas Axillia believes that sustaining this partnership with Ridi Viharaya is of tremendous significance as one that articulates the Company’s commitment towards sustainable community partnerships. “We believe that this is an important commitment built over time and look forward to strengthening the initiative further, in the future,” says Atlas Axillia Managing Director Asitha Samaraweera.
The program commenced under the direction of the former owner and Managing Director of Atlas Axillia, Nirmal Madanayake, who believes that it amplified the company’s pledge towards empowering the community in addressing a much-felt need, one that must be met every year. “For the children, it is a gesture that makes them start the school year with confidence – it can be a huge boost for their confidence and self-esteem, especially when they know that they don’t need to worry their parents about buying school supplies,” reiterates Madanayake.
Ridi Viharaya occupies a special place in history as the location from which silver ore that was used to build the Ruwan Weli Seya in Anuradhapura, was sourced. King Dutugemunu is said to have erected the Ridi Viharaya as a gesture of gratitude. There are also paintings and sculpture of historic significance that can be still seen at Ridi Viharaya.
Through ventures such as this, Atlas Axillia continues to reaffirm its strongly Sri Lankan heritage as the company seeks to harness the creativity and the talents of Sri Lankan children through multi-faceted programs and initiatives throughout the country.