Children's Day at Leisure World

By Esther Williams
Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara

The country's celebrated theme park, Leisure World in Kaluaggala opened its doors to over 3000 deprived children from 63 children's homes around the Western Province on account of World Children's Day. It turned out to be a novel excursion.

From St. Vincent's Home (Maggona), Sri Lanka's oldest home there were 150 students who had an opportunity to experience the thrill of the exciting rides. "They are very happy and excited as they normally cannot see or afford such outings," Fr. Dudley Saparamadu said. He was grateful to the Ministry and Leisure world for the gesture.

For children from other homes it became their annual picnic. They were certainly amazed to see an amusement park of that scale and proportion set in a scenic location. "We can't wait to try the rides," said the children from Tudawe Lama Nivasa. The park's mascot, Jinji sauntered around the park, drawing giggles from the children. Music, dancing and refreshments contributed to making the event memorable.

Having travelled widely, Sunil Muthumala, Chairman, Leisure World, has seen massive amusement centres around the world. "Our children are deprived of such entertainment," he thought resolving to initiate a theme park. Entrance to the park that normally costs

Rs. 1200 was waived aside for the children that day as the organisers wanted orphans and other deprived children to enjoy the same luxury.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Department of Probation and Child Care Services (Western Province).