Founder of the:

'Pragna Pradeepa'

by Ananda Kannangara

One of the greatest sons, produced by India, Mahatma Gandhi said people who shed their sweat and toil for the welfare of others were real human beings. He said humans who sacrifice their lives and spend their wealth for others must be highly admired.

I met a man in the calibre of this Bharath son and he was none other than Dr. Jayantha de Silva, the founder of the `Pragna Pradeepa' concept. Even at present, he sheds his toil and sweat as well as wealth for others, especially for schoolchildren who are financially insecure. He also helps needy people in the society by providing them with financial assistance to start self- employment projects and the construction of houses.

Dr. Jayantha started this community service way back in 1988 by distributing books to dhamma schools in the Borella area and later to needy schoolchildren in Colombo and outstations. The school book distribution program has now become an annual event.

Although he is a member of the Western Provincial Council he treats all people alike irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and party politics.

Last year he started an annual school book and educational equipment distribution program for children who are living with their mothers at the Welikada prison.

He has also extended this community program towards the children of North and East and down South.

Jayantha de Silva's name will also go into history as the first Sri Lankan to launch a school book distribution program in a remote village in Tamilnadu, India last year. He proudly says that he spent over Rs. five lakhs for children in Tamilnadu and expected to make this program an annual event from next year.

He says that his next aim is to commence a foreign scholarship program for under privileged children and also an employment training program for school levers, granting financial assistance for sports clubs in Borella and outstations.

In recognition of his community service, he was awarded the `Man of the Era' by Sarvodaya, `Desha Shakthi' by Sri Lanka Social Welfare Peace Foundation and the `Kciko Muragahaki' award by Japan during the past twenty years.

A special ceremony to mark the 20th year anniversary of `Pragna Pradeepa' concept will be held in Colombo next month under the patronage of eminent persons in the country.

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