Saturday 3rd February 2024

Today was all about the opening of the new Tea Leaf Centre at Pussellawa, and we set off in a minibus at just after 09:00 for the journey there, which took around 90 minutes. It is a beautiful journey following the Kandy Road from Nuwara Eliya, with some stunning scenery along the way. With Tea Leaf Centres in Maskeliya, Nuwara Eliya, Bogawantalawa, and Udapussellawa, this is currently the fifth Tea Leaf Centre, which is a remarkable achievement in my opinion.

When Tim Pare and Yasmene Shah first co-founded Tea Leaf Trust 15 years ago, I doubt whether they had any idea how successful a venture this would become. Despite COVID-19, and the economic collapse of the country, at a time when other NGOs have been struggling, Tea Leaf has gone from strength to strength, and actually grown very significantly, which is largely due to the hugely unique influence that Tim brings to bear wherever he goes - the 'Timpact' he generates!

As co-founder of the organisation, Yas has a very different personality to Tim, but her contribution is of no less significance to the success of Tea Leaf, as Tim could not do what he does without her support. She has the same drive, and passion for the project that he does, but as a couple they have their own clearly defined roles that have enabled Tea Leaf to flourish. It is the strength of their partnership that has led to Tea Leaf being the huge success that it is today.

Of course, the success of Tea Leaf goes way beyond its co-founders, and it is Yadharshi Selveraj and her amazing, and ever-growing, team of staff who deliver on the ground, which was evident in today's opening ceremony. It is a huge privilege for me to play a tiny part in Tea Leaf in my role as Volunteers Coordinator, and I watched from the side lines today with a real sense of pride, as Tea Leaf took yet another step forward in its growth and development.

Today's photographs are all taken at the new Tea Leaf Centre in Pussellawa, and I took so many that there may well be more in tomorrow's blog, as I am determined to just rest up tomorrow before my travels to Maskeliya, Kurunegala, and Bogawantalawa begin on Monday.










Comments

  1. CharlesFebruary 4, 2024 at 11:49 PM

    This is good journalism, Keith!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yasmene ShahFebruary 5, 2024 at 11:22 PM

    Keith! I look like I'm about to hit someone in that last photo! Ha ha, we had a lovely day, even if my face doesn't show it x

    ReplyDelete

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