New era begins at Grace
VeAhavta forms new partnerships in Sri Lanka
Since its inception, VeAhavta has operated the Grace Care Center with the help of an Overseas Agent, Rev S. Jeyanesan. Initially, Rev. Jeyanesan was affiliated with the Church of South India which operated children's homes and vocational training facilities throughout Sri Lanka. In 2007, he and other pastors separated from the parent diocese, and formed the Church of the American Ceylon Mission (CACM).
Over the past year, VeAhavta concluded that working with the CACM was no longer the best way to fulfill our goal of providing a home for needy Sri Lanka girls and seniors, and to promote inter-faith harmony in Sri Lanka. In May, VeAhavta dissolved its relationship with the CACM, and now partners with a religiously diverse base of individuals, organizations and other resources. VeAhavta recognizes the contributions made by our previous associates, who provided valuable administrative assistance during Grace's early days.
VeAhavta has appointed Mr. Nimal Perera, a retired executive with the Noritake Porcelain Company, as our new Overseas Agent to assist with administration and oversight. VeAhavta looks forward to his - and others'- expertise to help the Grace Care Center fulfill its mission: To lovingly nurture the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of orphans and destitute elders in a secure home; to provide hope for unemployed young adults through vocational training; and to provide nourishment and education to refugee children; all without regard to the race, ethnicity, religion, or social circumstance of those in need.
Sri Lanka has undergone dramatic changes in recent years - particularly in the north and east. The final years of the quarter-century conflict sent many non-profit agencies away from the region; priorities for relief and rebuilding efforts adapted to new, post-war realities. At Grace, management concerns and policy disputes with the CACM made it difficult for VeAhavta to operate the Center as envisioned by Eric Parkinson and the organization's mission statement. The board and officers of VeAhavta concluded that it was in the best interests of the children and elders at Grace to end the relationship with the church; a court order affirming the separation went into effect in May 2010.
Grace will be most successful with the help of many people. Grace needs both its volunteers in the United States and abroad and a growing base of connections in Sri Lanka (individuals and organizations who are stepping up to help the cause). Grace also continues to need financial support during very difficult economic times. By putting together a "village" of such helpers, we can continue to provide hope and refuge to the nation's neediest children and elders.
In spite of the many, historic changes in Sri Lanka, the vision of Grace remains what inspired its establishment in 2002: A center where people who have been divided for centuries can meet in peace, and COEXIST in mutual respect.
