Six Rotary Clubs join forces: ‘SERVICE through ENTERTAINMENT’, a fundraiser for LRH

Rotary for Little Hearts ‘SERVICE through ENTERTAINMENT’ Rotarians are extraordinary people of action, turning every occasion into an opportunity to serve. Six Rotary Clubs—

Colombo Centennial, Colombo South, PanColombo, Colombo Central, Batticaloa Heritage, and Colombo North joined forces on ‘SERVICE through ENTERTAINMENT’ fundraising project. This initiative supported Rotary for ‘Little Hearts’, a project dedicated to enhancing paediatric cardiac care at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH). 

On July 17, 2024, the film “India 2” was screened at PVR Cinema, One Galle Face, Colombo, and Starring Kamal Haasan as ‘Senapathy’. The film tells the story of an ex-freedom fighter turned vigilante who combats corruption and assists a young man exposing corrupt politicians online. This cinematic event served as a platform to unite the community, spread joy, and support a critical cause. 

Our mission was to leverage the power of entertainment to bring people together, foster happiness, and support charitable endeavours. ‘Rotary for Little Hearts’ comprises dedicated Rotarians led by District Governor Sushena Ranatunga for the 2024-2025 term. The mission is to raise US$1 million through Rotary District 3220 Sri Lanka & Maldives to transform paediatric cardiac care at LRH.

The nearly completed 12-story Cardiac and Critical Care Complex at LRH requires state-of-the-art, life-saving equipment to ensure that every child receives equal, high quality care. 
The Little Hearts Children’s Hospital project is crucial for Sri Lanka’s children, aiming to expand intensive care services and surgical facilities, thereby increasing ICU capacity and cardiac surgery interventions to meet international standards. As per the available statics approximately 3000 infants are borne with heart deceases each year in Sri Lanka who cannot be medically supported for cure with the available medical infrastructure. 

This fundraiser was a resounding success, contributing Rs. 500,000.00 to The Rotary Foundation for The Rotary for Little Hearts Project. The event saw 114 participants, including three Past District Governors, District Governor Sushena Ranatunga and First Lady Roshini, as well as District Governor-Elect and District Governor Nominees along with their spouses. This initiative not only raised significant funds but also strengthened inter-club relationships and motivated members to collaborate more effectively. It showcased Rotarians as extraordinary people of action, turning every occasion into an opportunity to serve. 
The event brought together a diverse audience, including non-Tamil speakers, who enjoyed the movie and contributed to building harmony among different religious communities in Sri Lanka. 

The project was chaired by P.P. Dinesh Kumar (Colombo Centennial) with committee members P.P. Charmaine Ratnagopal (PanColombo), P.P. Joseph Jayaseelan (Colombo South), I.P.P. Sheahan Arasaratnam (Cinnamon Gardens), and P.P. Yogesh Rajalingam (Nuwara Eliya). 
The Club Presidents - Cryshantha, Hiran, Goku, Abbayan, Paams, and Haneekah played vital roles in the initiative’s success. 
Together, we save lives while enjoying Rotary camaraderie, demonstrating the profound impact of service through entertainment.