It was an hour’s journey from Kurunegala to the Aroma Children’s Home (about 175 km from Colombo). Was confused and concerned as we turned off the main road to an old bumpy road – how on earth could children survive in lonely areas such as these? For miles, not a soul could be seen, no nearby boutiques, medical centres, schools. An 80 year old man, riding an old a bicycle directed us to this home. From afar, we saw this fairly large, incomplete, humble construction – one fairly large hall; and from far, we heard children’s’ laughter, all of them bare feet; playing badminton, using very old rackets, some of them chatting, no sign of discrimination. No sooner we parked our vehicle, all of the children surrounded us. The caretaker did not seem to mind at all. Curious little faces, full of questions and expectations.
29 year old Caregiver, Kumari Weerasekara, at first, was cautious about disclosing any information. After brief introductions, she explained that this orphanage is a Christian Home run by Father Rodney Fernando which was established in 1999. With help from well wishers, he rented out a house in Chilaw. The Landlord turned nasty, he simply couldn’t take it anymore, and demanded that the Pastor house his brood some place else. In 2006, he, with help from private donors purchased 12 acres of land in separate locations – 6-acres for the girls and 7 for the boys, hastily constructed the existing building and then moved in to their new, humble dwelling place.
Construction remains incomplete, but there is hope to finish one section in April this year. Space is insufficient to place beds. Most of them sleep on the floor.
