Dillip Rajakarier (third from left) handing over the donation cheque from Minor Hotels to the Ayati Foundation.
Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with over 560 properties across 59 countries, has expanded its global ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative in Sri Lanka through a new partnership with the Ayati Trust, which supports children with disabilities.
The ‘Dollars for Deeds’ program, launched nearly a decade ago at Anantara properties in Thailand, enables hotel guests to contribute one US dollar per night of their stay, matched equally by Minor Hotels. The collected funds support local charitable and environmental projects, making the initiative a cornerstone of the group’s social responsibility strategy worldwide.
Over the years, the program has funded diverse projects — from coral conservation in the Maldives to child welfare initiatives in Hungary. In Sri Lanka, previous support included the Turtle Hatchery near Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala through Anantara Kalutara and Avani Kalutara. The partnership with Ayati Trust marks a deepening of this commitment. Founded in 2016 and operational since 2020, the Ayati National Centre for Children with Disabilities provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services to children and families across the country. It is a collaborative effort involving the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, Rotary International, and others. Since opening, Ayati has registered over 14,000 children and supports around 60 children daily through early intervention programs, therapy, education, family counseling, and professional training.
“We believe hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to a lasting, positive influence on the communities we serve,” explains Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Ayati represents exactly the kind of long-term, systemic impact we aim to support through ‘Dollars for Deeds’. This partnership reflects our confidence in Ayati’s work, and our commitment to enabling better futures for children across Sri Lanka.”
“Ayati was created to ensure that children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. Partnering with Minor Hotels is a significant step forward — not only for our centre, but for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority.”
Abbas Esufally, Deputy Chairman, Ayati Trust said. “This support will help us expand our reach, strengthen our services, and continue offering families a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and independence.”
