By Chamindra Warusawitharane Photography by Menaka Aravinda
Keeping another step forward in Hilton Colombo’s CSR initiative this year, a visit to Colombo was arranged for hundred children between the ages of 10 and 16 from the Kadiragamar School in Menik Farm, Settikulam, in the North of Sri Lanka, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. Hilton Colombo provided children’s meals for the duration of their stay and organised a special evening at the Hotel.
They were greeted with a speech by Jerome Auvity, General Manager, Hilton, Colombo, followed by an address by the Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare Lionel Premasiri. A traditional dance was performed by two members of the Hilton Colombo team, and guests enjoyed dinner courtesy of the Hotel. The evening ended with an entertaining magic show.
At the camp, the children had been encouraged to paint as a recreational activity by the Ministry of Social Service and Social Welfare. The end result was a picturesque collection of 350 expressive works of art depicting sorrow, trauma, joy and hope. The paintings which were featured at an exhibition held at the National Art Gallery at Lionel Wendt are now displayed on the famous Giant Pyramid at the main lobby of Hilton, Colombo.
All paintings displayed on the Giant Pyramid are for sale. Hilton Colombo plans to divide the proceeds from the sale of the paintings equally amongst the children. The money will be deposited in a bank account for each child. Commenting on the initiative, General Manager of Hilton Colombo, Jerome Auvity said, “Anyone who wishes to purchase these paintings could do so and we urge the public to support this worthy cause. Every child has his/her own story about the war and these paintings will tell you those stories. They have all been victims of the three decade long war which finally ended recently.”
Photo Captions – Children from the Kadiragamar School in Menik Farm : Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo, Extending hospitality: Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo, Picture messages: Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo, A Pyramid of hope, An interactive evening : Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo, Jerome Auvity, General Manager Hilton Colombo speaking at the press conference. Ravi Masakorala advisor to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare is also in the picture, Off to an enjoyable evening : Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo
Magic Show : Photo Courtesy Hilton Colombo
