Saturday 18th June 2022

It was yet another early start, as it was Donald and Ladushan's reopening ceremony for their company GROW today. I had to look the part, so I decided to splash out on Reggie's tuk-tuk there (and back) today, which also meant a quicker journey. I got there just after 08:30 and it was already a hive of activity, as last-minute preparations were being made to ensure that everything was just as it should be.

In typical Sri Lankan style, the 10:00 start was delayed due to the late arrival of some of the principal guests, ironically the Principals who had been invited from local schools. It all seemed to add to the tension, and I think everyone was very relieved when we finally got going. We started with the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony, and I was one of the guests called up to light the lamp.

We heard speeches from the guests, who then gave out certificates to the students who had completed their courses, and we also had the two students' speeches that I had edited and rehearsed with them, and they both did well. When it came to my speech, I had arranged a surprise for Donald and Ladushan and presented them with certificates congratulating them on a successful first year of business.

Donald's family were there, so it was lovely to see them all again - and the final photograph today is of Donald and Ladushan with Donald's family. I think Ladushan's father and sister were unable to attend. Having followed these two young men's progress over the past three years, helping them in numerous ways, I did find myself feeling immensely proud of what they have achieved.








Comments

  1. CharlesJune 18, 2022 at 11:53 PM

    What an impressive outfit GROW is. For those like me who didn't know what the business offers, this link is helpful - https://www.bookbridge.org/post/ladushan

    ReplyDelete

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