Volunteers to Assist Children with Disabilities

12/02/2026

The parents of VACD Centre in Ambagasdowa got together and organised a working bee (called shramadanaya in Sinhala) to clear up all the overgrowth and accumulated debris in the immediate surrounds of the premises.

They even cleared the roadside immediately outside the centre in readiness for their home produce market (‘pola’ in Sinhala) held regularly.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

09/02/2026

The children attending VACD’s Bandarawela Centre start the day with movement and exercise in the open air, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on their various physical disabilities.

Later that day they got together to prepare their meal in the kitchen under the careful eyes of their educators. For the older children this is a valuable life skill as they prepare for independence.

All the children who attend the centres are served a nutritious meal daily, as it had been observed that some of them attend the centre hungry and feel too lethargic to benefit from the programs.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

03/02/2026

Recently the Uva Provincial Council reached out to VACD Badulla seeking assistance to conduct a training program focusing on children with disabilities, for their students in the Early Childhood Teachers’ Training course at an institute managed by the Council.

These students will become qualified under the National Vocational Qualification system in Sri Lanka, which offers a 7-level framework for industry-recognised skills, and provides a structured career path for employment and higher education.

We are delighted that Ms. Manjula Wijesinghe who is the head special educator at VACD Badulla very generously shared her knowledge and experience at the one-day training program for 29 keen students.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

26/01/2026

The new year started on a positive footing at the Bandarawela Centre of VACD with parents of the registered children getting together for a working bee to clear out the weeds and overgrowth in the grounds as a result of the heavy rainfall.

It is always heartening to see the enthusiasm and hard work of the parents in maintaining the centres, as it shows a wonderful sense of ownership and pride in the premises and an admirable sense of unity amongst the parents.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

19/01/2026

🎶 රූප ශ්‍රියා Live in Canberra – 2026 🎶

Join us for an enchanting evening of live music and timeless melodies at රූප ශ්‍රියා Live in Canberra. This special performance will feature the exceptional vocals of Muthu Mahappukorala, with musical direction by Samitha Jayathilaka.

Experience a night rich in emotion, rhythm, culture, and heartfelt musical expression, an event designed to touch the soul and celebrate the beauty of music.

Supporting a Meaningful Cause
All profits from this event will be donated to VACD, supporting children with disabilities in Sri Lanka. By attending, you are contributing to hope, inclusion, and positive change for vulnerable young lives.

Event Details
Date: 07 February 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Murranji Theatre, 51 Murranji Street, Hawker

Food Available for Purchase
A selection of delicious food will be available on the night, proudly provided by Pearl Canberra. Enjoy your favourite meals and settle in for a memorable musical experience.

🎟️Tickets Now Available Online
Secure your seats via the link below:
https://ticketwave.com.au/.../rupa-shriya-live-in

We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening of music and purpose.

16/01/2026

The educators of VACD’s Bandarawela organised a service at the local St Anthony’s Catholic Church to mark the end of year celebration and Christmas.

Children, staff members, parents and family members of various faiths attended the service, and the children were delighted to receive gifts.

We hope such events will foster a deeper inter-faith understanding and appreciation, and teach the children respect towards others of different faiths.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

13/01/2026

The educators of VACD’s Bandarawela organised a service at the local St Anthony’s Catholic Church to mark the end of year celebration and Christmas.

Children, staff members, parents and family members of various faiths attended the service, and the children were delighted to receive gifts.

We hope such events will foster a deeper inter-faith understanding and appreciation, and teach the children respect towards others of different faiths.

07/01/2026

At the VACD Australia Annual General Meeting held on 8th November 2025 in Sydney, from left to right:
Mr Giles Gunesekera (Secretary), Mr James Meighan (Treasurer), Mrs Shanthi Manamperi (Chairman VACD Australia), Mr Felix Stephen (Chairman Emeritus and Founder), Mrs Yasmin Stephen (Administration Secretary and co-Founder), Mrs Farah Carim (Director), and Mr Roderick de Sylva (Director)

Chairman Emeritus Mr Felix Stephen acknowledged the voluntary contribution of the VACD Australia team towards a dynamic administration of our mission by stating “I am honoured and privileged to have a team of dedicated and focused members who are passionate about uplifting children with disabilities in the Uva province of Sri Lanka”

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

04/01/2026

The children from VACD’s Bandarawela centre were happy to receive Dr Mahinda from Diyathalawa Hospital and his family as visitors.

Dr Mahinda and family treated the children to tea and gifts, and they were interested to see the children’s workbooks and art works, while the children performed a dance to entertain them.

https://www.vacd.org.au/donate/

02/01/2026

✨🎶 රූප ශ්‍රියා Live in Canberra - 2026 🎶✨

Experience a magical musical night featuring unforgettable melodies performed by Muthu Mahappukorala, with music direction by Samitha Jayathilaka.
Join us for an evening filled with emotion, rhythm, culture, and heartfelt musical artistry.

💛 Profits will be donated to VACD
Supporting children with disabilities in Sri Lanka.
Your ticket helps bring hope and change to vulnerable young lives.

Date: 07 February 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Murranji Theatre, 51 Murranji Street, Hawker

🍛 Food Available for Purchase!
Delicious food will be available at the venue, proudly provided by Pearl Canberra.
enjoy your favourite meals, and settle in for a beautiful musical night.

🎟️ ONLINE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
Book your seats here:
🔗 https://ticketwave.com.au/.../rupa-shriya-live-in.../

✨ Limited seats - Reserve yours early!

Don’t miss this heart-touching musical experience. See you there! 💫i

31/12/2025

24/12/2025

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas

May the spirit of Christmas fill your home with peace, love and joy 🎄

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