British High Commissioner hosts children’s party at Westminister House

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin, hosted a tea party for 100 children at his residence, Westminster House, on 13 October. The party was organised in collaboration with Hope for Children – a UK-based charity working on behalf of handicapped, orphaned, poor and exploited children – to mark International Children’s Day.

The afternoon provided a variety of activities for the children, including bouncy castles, pony rides, a magic show, a balloon man, a tug of war and face painting. Other treats included doughnuts and ice cream. Each child also received gift packs including toys, linen, stationery and other goods. Adding to their excitement, a big red double decker bus had been organised for their transport – a novel treat for the children!

Rankin also handed over packs of books to Sanjeeva de Mel of Hope for Children, to be distributed among the five institutions from which the children came.Commenting on the event, Rankin said, “It is indeed a pleasure to watch the Westminster House garden come alive with the children’s laughter and delight. Hope for Children are doing a wonderful job in helping children with diverse needs to enjoy a normal childhood and we at the British High Commission are only too happy to assist them in their efforts. I congratulate them on their good work and wish them every success, always.” He added, “I’d also like to thank our sponsors: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Aviva NDB, the MJF Group, Nestlé Lanka, Creative Arts, Kids Unlimited, Unilever Sri Lanka, Sunimals, June Pallie and members of the Lions Clubs of Colombo Metro City 306B2 – Lion Sathyanathan and Lion Thillainathan. Their contributions of food, toys and other gifts made this day very special for the children.”

The institutions represented were the Sarvodaya Day Shelter, Borella; Hindu College Hostel, Ratmalana; School for the Deaf, Ratmalana; School for the Blind, Ratmalana and SERVE, Panadure. Also present were Dr. Robert Parsons and Sanjeeva de Mel along with other officials from the Hope for Children office.