Support in Kanatholuwa Village (Rodiya Community)
The village of Kanatholuwa in Sri Lanka is home to the Rodiya community—historically one of the most marginalized groups within Sinhalese society.
For generations, the Rodiya were placed at the very bottom of the social structure. They were excluded from everyday community life and often denied access to education, temples, and public spaces. Many were forced into specific forms of livelihood such as begging or other low-status work, not by choice, but as a result of deeply rooted social norms.
This long history of exclusion shaped entire communities. Families lived separately from others, often in isolated settlements, with very limited opportunities to change their circumstances. Over time, this led not only to economic hardship, but also to a lasting social stigma that affected access to work, education, and dignity. Kanatholuwa is one of the villages where this history could still be felt.
In 2008, venerable bhikkhunī Visuddhi decided to visit this community and offer support to those who needed it most. What we encountered was not only poverty, but the visible result of generations of exclusion—conditions in which children were growing up without sufficient food, access to education, or basic security.
Behind the term “marginalized community” were real families, mothers caring for their children, and young lives shaped by circumstances they had no power to change.
It was this direct experience that led us to act.
Encountering Reality
Upon arrival, it became clear that the children were living in very difficult conditions. Many suffered from malnutrition and lacked basic necessities.
Families had limited access to clean water, healthcare, and education. Without external support, it was extremely difficult for them to improve their situation.
Why This Support
For Bhikkhuni Visuddhi, it has always been important to direct help where it is usually lacking—to people on the margins of society who are often overlooked.
Communities such as the Rodiya face not only material poverty, but also deeply rooted social stigma, which significantly limits their opportunities for change.
Our Support
We intended to help especially the children—the most vulnerable. We brought food and essential supplies to the village. At the same time, we decided to support the creation of educational facilities so that children could attend school.
This led to the development of a project to build a school and kindergarten, which we supported in cooperation with others.
Current Situation
Our experience in the village of Kanatholuwa was not only a one-time act of support, but a deep encounter with the reality of people living on the margins of society. It showed how important it is to provide targeted support to the most vulnerable—especially children.
At the same time, this experience reflects a broader situation. Rodiya communities in Sri Lanka still exist today. Although their situation has partly improved over time, social and economic challenges continue to persist. Many families still face poverty, limited access to employment, and social stigma that affects their everyday lives.
It is within this context that our support took place—and within this same context that it continues to have meaning. In some areas, these communities remain on the margins of society, and their living conditions are still very difficult. Supporting children and families therefore remains an important way to contribute to real and lasting change.
“Bhikkhus, an act of kindness done for the benefit of others,
whether small, medium, or great,
brings abundant fruit,
and is a cause for welfare and happiness.” (AN 8.12)
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Support Suriya Lamai – Children of the Sun
Spolek Karuṇā Sevena
Bank account: 6855679001/5500
IBAN: CZ49 5500 0000 0068 5567 9001
SWIFT: RZBCCZPP
Slezská 3, 796 01 Prostějov, Czech Republic
karuna.sevena.en@gmail.com
With a heart of compassion (karuṇā), this project supports children in Sri Lanka who live in difficult conditions—helping them receive education, care, and the basic support needed for a dignified life.
Donations are tax-deductible in the Czech Republic.
Please include the note: “For the Children of SL.”
As this is not a public collection, kindly include your contact details so we may provide a donation agreement or receipt.
Thank you for helping to bring care, stability, and hope where it is most needed.
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