Trail Update 3
Trail - the Journey by the Living, for Life concluded on 27th July 2011. However, fundraising has continued since to reach the target of US$ 2 mn. To-date Trail has raised over US$ 1.6mn and is hopeful that the US$ 2 mn target would be reached soon through further donations, sponsorships and other unique initiatives.
Jaffna Project Update
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Ministry of Health and the Colours of Courage Trust (Guarantee) Ltd., on Friday 16th March at the Ministry of Health to implement the Jaffna Project.
The Signatories were:
1) Dr Ravindra Ruberu, Secretary of the Ministry of Health
2) Mr. R Raveenthiran, Secretary, Ministry of Health & IM – Northern Province
3) Mr Nathan Sivagananathan, Director – Colours of Courage Trust (Guarantee) Ltd./Trail Initiator
4) Mr. S A Dharmawardena, Secretary/Accountant – National Health Development Fund
5) Mr Sarinda Unamboowe – CEO of MAS Linea Aqua / Trail Initiator
Further, the Colours of Courage Trust and Trail are also currently in the process of getting the required approvals for the development of the Cancer Unit at the Telepalai Hospital from the Department of Atomic Energy Department as well as getting the detailed BOQ passed. In addition, the Trust is also calling for tenders from reputed contractors such as Maga, Tudawe Brothers, Sanken who are mobilized in Jaffna to submit quotations for the construction of the Unit.
The Colours of Courage Trust under which Trail was conducted also had the opportunity of meeting the Hon. Minister Maithripala Sirisena and briefed him on the progress made regarding approvals on the project and the work carried out thus far.
The government of Sri Lanka and Hon. Minister Basil Rajapakse have extended immense support to the Colours of Courage Trust and to Trail since the inception of the walk in expediting the various approvals required to get the project off the ground.
With the MOU now signed and in place, construction of the cancer unit is due to commence within the next 45 days.
Trail and the Colours of Courage Trust extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to all donors, walkers and well-wishers for their support, encouragement and generous contributions.
Please visit our websites www.trailsl.com and www.coloursofcourage.com for more information on the activities of the Colours of Courage Trust and how you can support or donate towards the fund.
Construction of Surgical ICU at the NCI to Begin with Ceremonial Laying of Foundation Stone
The 26th of December 2011 saw the foundation stone for the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) being laid at an auspiciously held ceremony at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Maharagama under the patronage of the Director of the NCI, Dr. Kanishka Karunaratne. Construction of the SICU, part of an eighteen month project initiated by the Colours
of Courage Trust, will begin in early January, with a projected completion date for mid April this year. This is phase two of the same project the Trust carried out with partners MAS Holdings, A&E & other donors , which saw the successful completion and handing over of the state-of-the-art Medical ICU along with medical equipment at a total cost of Rs. 70 million in 2011.
The proposed SICU will comprise of a two storey building and will accommodate six patients at any given time, a drastic improvement from the facilities offered at the NCI at present. All facilities required by the management will be provided for the SICU to ensure smooth operations of the unit. More than 45,000 people from all corners of the country make their way to Maharagama each year relying on the NCI, the only public cancer institute in Sri Lanka dedicated to the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of cancer patients; 15,000 new cases are diagnosed here annually. The Colours of Courage Trust is proud of the work accomplished and hopes to continue to make a difference and impact the lives affected by Cancer.
Jaffna Cancer Hospital Project Update
The 28th of October 2011 saw the plans for the Radiation Treatment Centre at Tellipalai finalized by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Northern Province. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this project has been drafted and overlooked by the Legal Division of the MOH & The National Health Development Fund of Sri Lanka. The project details have now been passed on to the Planning Department of the MOH in order to obtain National Planning Approval. Adhering to Government regulations that require both National Planning and Cabinet approval, the MOU will be signed soon after the Treatment Centre plan is given rightful consent by these authorities.
Carrying out the necessary pre-planning till then, a team of engineers visited the construction site on the 5th of November, 2011, conducting the required soil test prior to construction. The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the project has been completed, with the team currently in the process of selecting contractors mobilized in Jaffna.
With the dawn of a new year, we hope to commence construction of the Radiation Treatment Centre in January 2012, due to the prevailing weather conditions in the Northern Province.
Thank you once again for your support and generous donations. Please pass on to your family, friends and colleagues who may be interested in supporting the Trail Fund.
Please visit our websites www.trailsl.com and www.coloursofcourage.com for more information.
Trail SL Fundraising efforts continue with unique initiatives
Karthi and the Dubai Cycle Challenge
Dubai based Race Horse Trainer and Equine Dentist, Karthi Selvaratnam is set to compete in the 92km Dubai Cycle Challenge Race on the 16th of December. An old Thomian, Karthi is looking forward to his debut in the race. The race which is in its second year is open to Professionals and Amateur cyclists and will attract contestants from all over the world. The race is organised by the Dubai Sports Council and is gaining immense popularity in the cycling world. Karthi is in the race purely to raise funds for Trail. He feels the race itself being an international event will give exposure to TRAIL and will help the cause for the eventual goal of building a Cancer Unit in Jaffna.
You can donate to his efforts via our website.
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Spin a Disc for Trail
The event held in October was a re-union event for us all with over 200 in attendance. The night saw the likes of DJ’s Harpo and Tareeq spin old records as we raised over Rs. 400,000 in aid of TRAIL
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We’ve also had some very generous donations of equipment in the form of 60 beds for the new unit by Nippon Foams as well as a much needed Ultra Sound scanner by Serendipol Ltd.
In Remembrance of Mr. R. Senathi Rajah
The Colours of Courage Trust acknowledges with deep sorrow the passing away of Mr. R. Senathi Rajah, Senior Partner of Julius and Creasy - Attorneys at Law, and member of the Board of Directors of the Trust. Mr. Senathi Rajah showed total commitment and dedication not only to his legal profession, but also towards the fight against cancer, dedicated to supporting in the upliftment of cancer care facilities in Sri Lanka. He was unanimously appointed the first Chairman of the Colours of Courage (COC) Trust by the Board of Directors due to the credibility and recognition he earned among his colleagues.
His leadership shone through even during his last days, attending all fund raising activities on behalf of the Colours of Courage Trust, never failing in his responsibilities. His generosity was unlimited
throughout all projects initiated by the COC, offering advice where his experience and support was needed. A distinguished gentleman, Mr. Senathi Rajah always had time to listen to his colleagues
and subordinates, providing guidance in their time of need, encouraging them to reach their highest potential, all the while recognizing and rewarding excellence.
He will be remembered and truly missed for the exemplary leader, generous benefactor and humble individual he was.
Trail, Sri Lanka Progress: Update # 1
Dear Donor,
It is almost one month since the completion of Trail and to-date we have raised over US$1.5 mn in aid of the Pediatric Cancer Ward, in Jaffna.
Below is an update on where we are on the project to-date. We will be sending you a regular progress of the project.
The team is currently working on the MOU with the Ministry of Health. In addition, the Trail team is also liaising with the architect to finalize the plans which will then be put forth for approval to the Ministry of Health.
The final Bill of Material is also in the process of being completed and once this is done Trail will be calling for tenders within the next two weeks.
Donors have also pledged to support the building of the unit indicating their interest to supply machinery, floor tiles and paint. These contributions will no doubt exceed the US$ 1.5 mn already raised.
Other events
It is heartening to note that since the completion of Trail, we have had several people coming forward to help support the Trail fund and thus far the below have been organized.
- “All of the Lights” — a musical concert featuring local artistes and upcoming young talent which generated Rs. 750,000/=
- A charity dinner organized by a well wisher — Herbert Fernando in Melbourne, Australia which raised US$ 3,055/=.
- Regatta — TRAIL merchandise was sold at the Bolgoda regatta with participation of schools throughout the island raising over Rs.15,000 towards the project
- Rukshan Perera Live in Concert — proceeds of the concert donated towards the project
- Also planned is a show by the DJs of Yesteryear to be held in October at Park Street Mews with an array of unique initiatives including a live auction of cricket memorabilia and tickets to the victoria's secret fashion show
Auction on Website
Trail has also launched the Auction on the website where tickets for the glamorous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show donated by Limited Brands USA, airline tickets courtesy of Etihad Airways and American Airlines and cricket memorabilia will be auctioned. Trail also aims to sell 100,000 bricks through the ‘buy-a-brick’ campaign. You can bid for the auction items or support the brick campaign by visiting www.trailsl.com/auction and http://www.trailsl.com/?page=brick.
Thank you once again for your support and generous donations. Please pass on to your family, friends and colleagues who may be interested in supporting the Trail Fund.
Please visit our websites www.trailsl.com and www.coloursofcourage.com for more information.
Trail Team
Nathan Blogs: Day 17 to Day 21
Day 21:
The walk commenced bright and early, the earliest by far 5.00am ! The blazing sun rises early in the District of Kilinochchi. The starting point was at Puliyankulam, the cool breeze blew across the road in the mild darkenss at 5.00am. As rays of sun light appeared we witnessed barron fields and no trees on either side of the road.
As we continued to March on I noticed two young girls not more than 6 years old standing in front of a small shelter/hut, since the till collectors were ahead I went along to collect the money. As I saw the Rs. 100 that was being offered I took a second look at the temporary shelter and felt a sense of guilt whilst taking the money for the walk. A reality check and my heart sank.
Day 19:
The day began with a blessing from all religeons. We had many new walkers including the famous Tunza the German Sheppard. The walk was as straight as could be and lasted just over four hours for most, today for me was one of pulling the lagging walkers to literally drag them to the end line, the day belonged to Maubrey our oldest walker, who with grit, determination and pain made it to vavuniya.....the forces throughout had water melon, drinks, buicuitS lined up and many of the schools were out to applaud and cheer.....we ended the day with a grand finale at the HNB office and an award for the 12 trailblazers who made it to vavuniya in 19days and 483 long Kms....
Day 18:
The longest hour:
The day began with mixed feelings, bitter-sweet so to say ! Tilekratne Dilshan & Dilhara Fernando were join us whilst this day was to consist of 28 Km, the longest stretch thus far.
So the journey began in the Anuradhapura town, Having Dilshan walk with us kind of made the first couple hours fly by... The Gajaba regiment base stood majestically along right of the main road, the soldiers methodical as ever handed us Kanda.
The lush paddy fields with breeze weaving through them came to the foe as the town passed by but only this time palm trees started to appear, hence a slight hint that we've started heading north.....we hit the A9 finally after 18 days of walking.
Many schools came out in force to see the cricketers, certain expressions cannot be described... Farmers ran from the paddy field to drop coins into the tills, Inexplicable joy and tears of happiness was witnessed at the end of the walk when fans got hold Dilshans hand.
Overall an amazing day for some tired legs...
Day 17:
The Journey began at Tabuttegama, on the way to the starting point it was a bit of an anticlimax since it was only yesterday that Mahela was here. This was short-lived as we saw many known faces. Friends, family and work colleagues turned out in full force. The relatively long 26 Km walk was tough due to road works. The sacred city of AnurudhaPura greeted us with all its glory.
Nathan Blogs: Day 13 to Day 15 of Trail, Sri Lanka.
Day 13:
Started off at around 530am with about 300walkers, the weather was extremely kind today and the slight drizzle and slight overcast made it cool for the day. We passed many beautiful paddy fields and chaithiya's on rocks in the background of lush green fields.We had a 65 year old cancer survivor walk to tell the tale of her suffering, the more stories we hear on the way makes us stronger for the cause.We came into the Padeniya junction to be greeted by a baby elephant sporting the colours and logos of Trail. Overall a great 26km walk.
Day 14:
As I walked out of my room early morning in front of me was a striking full moon which reminded that it was a Poya. As Sarinda and I neared the starting point at the Padeniya temple a sense spirituality was in the air. Devotees in white clothing could be spotted at first light. We had a great turn out of walkers from Colombo, it was pleasing to see our friends and family support us.Villagers were preparing make shift structures for the Dansalas in the evening.This particular day happened to consist of the shortest distance a 20 Km which seemed to be a breeze after the 27 Km days. Last but not least villagers served us Manyoc and Kochchi Sambol on Lotus leaves just before the end, Delicious it was...
Day 15:
We commenced the journey today bright and early around 5.30am at the Maoya Junction, we roughly had 400 people joining us today.
A day of Hardship: The cool breeze that blew through lush paddy fields and green rubber estates came to our rescue as parts of the route was under construction. As dawn broke large amounts of dust started blowing against the Trail walkers who marched onto the end point in Galgamuwa. As in the past few days we yet again witnessed true Sri Lankan generosity. Children, Farmers, villagers came out in numbers to donate to this worthy cause. I myself had a heartwarming experience where a small boutique owner came and handed me a 2 Litre bottle of Table water and wished me luck for the journey ahead. A great 22 Km completed, A big day lies ahaead as Mahela Jayawardena is to join us.