A Father’s Hope: The Story of Lakmal

Lakmal Dinesh, a laborer from a small village in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka, spends his days hand-beating cinnamon to provide for his family. As his work is seasonal during the flowering season, when work becomes scarce, Lakmal faces economic hardships. Despite his tireless efforts, making ends meet has always been a struggle.

As the sole earner in his family, Lakmal’s greatest dream has always been to provide a better life for his two children, especially his eldest son, Ashen. Ashen is a bright and ambitious boy with dreams of becoming a doctor. “I’m in Grade 5 now, and someday, I want to become a doctor,” Ashen says, with determination.

Lakmal does everything he can to ensure that his children don’t miss out on opportunities. From early mornings to late evenings, he works hard to cover their school fees, buy necessary supplies, and provide for their basic needs. However, with limited income, this often feels like an uphill battle, especially as educational costs continue to rise.

Despite the ongoing financial struggles, Lakmal found a glimmer of hope when the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society stepped into assist with his child’s education. “I work as a labourer and have two children to educate. It’s very difficult for me to manage the expenses. The Red Cross Society has been a blessing, helping with my child’s education. I’m incredibly grateful,” he shares, his voice tinged with relief.

Lakmal hopes that with the right support, Ashen will be able to pursue his dreams, and his children will grow up with more opportunities than he ever had. “Ashen has been getting excellent marks in school. I know he will grow up and make us proud”

This is not just a story of a scholarship—it is a story of hope and the life-changing impact of compassion.