Sunday Times 2
Mallika Nivasa: The pioneering care home
View(s):Consultant Paediatrician Dr Dilrukshi Ruberu urged adults, especially at children’s care homes, to offer more love to the kids, noting that children who
do not smile are children who have been deprived of emotional wellbeing.
Speaking at the 104th Annual General Meeting of the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya, she expressed concern over the emotional well-being of the children, noting that many do not smile. She urged caregivers to offer more love instead of instilling fear, adding that “giving the children food and dressing them nicely isn’t enough.”
Mallika Nivasa Society, among the oldest surviving Homes for the Aged, held its 104th AGM this week at its headquarters in Bambalapitiya. Pictures show (left) society president Thiyagie Gunawardena and chief guest at the event Dr Dilrukshi Ruberu garlanding the portrait of Mallika Hewavitarne, who founded the society in 1920; (top right) Thamarika Harshani the guest of honour speaking; and (bottom right) members of the society and invitees.
“As adults, we have to understand the mind of a child. We should understand how to build them up accordingly
– to face anything with confidence,” she added.
Following her address, Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Thamarika Harshani, highlighted the vulnerability of children and the elderly, further emphasising the need for love and attention. She pointed out that children in Child Development Centres (CDCs) often have all the material comforts, but lack the love of a parent – a biological bond that cannot be replaced.
The Commissioner noted that many of the children who enter CDCs have undergone unimaginable experiences that result in deep trauma. “Our duty is to bring these children out of that state and return them to society,” she said, affirming that the Department will support any decisions taken by CDCs in the best interests of the children.
During the formal proceedings, the executive committee was re-appointed. Thiyagie Gunawardena was named President, with Savithri Peiris as Deputy President and Chithra Hewavitarne and Damayanthi de Alwis serving as Vice Presidents. Sarojini Dunuwila was appointed General Secretary, with
Aruni Seneviratne as Assistant Secretary. Chinthika Samarakkody was named Treasurer, and Kantha Lankathilake as Assistant Treasurer.
Longstanding sponsor of the Parakrama CDC, Bob Kundanmal, was felicitated for his support spanning over 25 years.