about ASGM
As Sri Lankans living in Europe we still feel connected to our home land because of our parents, families, friends and of course the country itself. As a family we wanted to support people in our homeland who are in need. Therefore we decided to donate a small amount every year to a person who is in need. We do this by saving some money every month from our income.
Even today, our parents continue to donate as much as they can. According to the Sri Lankan proverb, the left hand should not know what the right hand is doing. According to this statement, our parents did not seek glory for themselves on social media. However, in the year 2024, it is imperative that we open a website. It is our intention that the next generation should know about helping those in need. Our parents are our example and inspiration. They donated land worth 50 million rupees to a homeless family. The third generation is still living there. As our parents have been giving so much help, we have become people who do the same in our lives.
Previous works
The past few years we have been active among Tamils and Sinhalese in The Netherlands.
Here are some examples:
- Visiting refugee centers and bring them in contact with Sri Lankan churches.
- Accompany Sri Lankans who have language difficulties to lawyers and Hospitals.
- Help those who have language problems with filling the forms
- Bringing home made foods because not everybody has access to Sri Lankan goods nearby the refugee centers.
- Worked with Stichting Gave as a volunteer.
- Organising church meetings and giving bible studies in Amsterdam by inviting Dutch, Indian and Sri Lankan preachers.
Why is Sri Lanka so special?
Sri Lanka is a caring society that loves both humans and animals. Since the beginning of the nation of Sri Lanka, the people of the country have a habit of giving donations.
Around the 6th century BCE a Prince named Vijaya was banished from his homeland by his father, king Sinhabahu. Along with 700 followers prince Vijaya landed on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka in the area known as Thambapanni. After his arrival Vijaya encountered Kuveni, an indigenous Princess. She not only gave Vijaya and his followers refuge but she also married Vijaya and helped him establish his kingdom making him the first recorded king of Sri Lanka.
The importance of female leaders is still visible today. The first woman to be elected as prime minister of a county was Sirimavo Bandaranaike. As prime minister of Sri Lanka she pursued socialist economic policies and implemented reforms aimed at redistributing land to the rural poor. Today her leadership has still left a mark in terms of gender representation and socialist policies helping those who are in need.
Not only is Sri Lanka caring for its people but also for animals. Sri Lanka is the world’s first elephant sanctuary. Today the largest herd of captive elephants roams the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The orphanage is founded to care and protect the many orphaned wild elephants found throughout Sri Lanka. There are also lots of organizations helping the many stray dogs and cats that roam the streets in Sri Lanka. The organizations provide sterilization and vaccination programs as well as rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming stray cats and dogs.
Involving the family in giving
We have decided to build a foundation for giving in future generations. Philanthropy is a great way to increase connection, share values, and create meaning between family members. When families discuss their values and giving goals, they can find ways to make more of a difference. Personal values are the leading factor in the decision to contribute to a particular cause or charity.
Involving children and grandchildren in philanthropy is a way to share and pass on a donor’s values. Having the feedback of younger generations in giving decisions can also make the giving experience even more joyful.
Connecting with children and grandchildren is to tell stories and share memories about the giving traditions of their parents and grandparents.This storytelling shows them role models, and research confirms that parental role models have a profound effect: +/-80% of adult children give when their parents give.
How do we help?
Together with our children we find ways to help the people of Sri Lanka. Our children willingly avoid expensive celebrations of their birthdays and save up small amounts to help. We add money for it in the following manner:
- Teaching Sri Lankans in Dutch for integration courses in Tamil and Sinhala for a small amount;
- We prepare traditional Sri Lankan food and use the proceeds to help;
- Bharatanatym and kandyan dance;
- Gardening & cleaning.
For this we allocate a small amount of our monthly income. Not helping because we are rich. We share what we have.
Don’t hesistate and feel free to contact us through e-mail.
We speak Dutch, English, Tamil & Sinhala.
Helping Sri Lankans with integration in Tamil and Sinhala
Helping Sri Lankans with integration in Tamil and Sinhala
Learn MoreSri lankan Catering
Sri lankan Catering
Learn moreBharatanatyam & Kandyan Dance
Baratha natiyam dancers
Learn moreGet in Touch
Want to contribute to the cause or just want more information? Contact us by pressing the link below