Renowned cricketing personality – Roshan Mahanama – in the game alone has scaled the heights in service. Outside the game, the list only grows. Now, in his latest venture, the member of the 96 World Cup-winning team launched his philanthropic version – the Roshan Mahanama Trust (RMT) – as the latest feather in his decorated hat, early this week.

Mahanama, the chairman of RMT, speaking at the event held at Jetwing Colombo-7, asserted, “From my point of view, we must not wait for government or local bodies to always initiate and work on worthy projects. Or engage in charity projects. We all have a social responsibility, and our action should always benefit the society. Without criticizing others, let us contribute in whatever way we can in a way it benefits the community”.

RMT, with a tagline of, ‘Spreading Humanity beyond Boundaries, and with a central theme of ‘We Promise’, will be serving the needy children in a speedy way.

“After the Easter Bombings in 2019, we visited all three churches lifting them and still continue to do at the Batticaloa church through the Roshan Wijerama Family Foundation. During the Covid-19 lockdown, I was part of the Covid-19 aid project. It was formed by a group of doctors, my dear friend, Chaminda Vaas, and me. We helped almost 10,000 people; hence I strongly believe worthy causes can be conducted in multiple ways”.

Mahanama, the brand ambassador for eight charities, revealed in their first project they have joined hands with Indira Cancer Trust.

“From Monday-Friday for next one year, we will be providing the mid-day meal. That would be our inaugural project”.

“Since April this year, we have been engaged in various projects. I firmly believe it is not the education that matters, but one’s upbringing, that’s very important. Parents and teachers can impart education to a child, but what’s important is to become a person of good values and a good human being”.

“As someone who has been involved in various social welfare and charity initiatives for many decades, I will never hesitate to do my very best for the needy, especially children. The children of today are the citizens of tomorrow and a good education, combined with other facets such as a school career, is imperative to develop good civic-minded citizens. As I embark on this new journey, I want to encourage everyone to join me in giving back and creating a better place for our future generations.”

RMT based on the values of Honesty, Integrity, Discipline, Loyalty and Friendship, is dedicated and guided by several key pillars. These include enhancing areas of education through scholarships, educational development initiatives and infrastructure, conducting various educational programmes and upskill children and youth promoting wellbeing, assist needy children and create awareness on prevention of critical illnesses, intervene in emergency situations including man-made or natural disasters providing basic essentials, promote inclusivity to all citizens marginalised due to poverty, disability, race, religion, gender, etc and to address violence against children.   To create real impact, the Trust has identified areas of collaboration such as ‘education and growth, health and well-being, safe environment’, and aims to engage in partnerships with diverse stakeholders to achieve sustainable change. The Trust will collaborate with like-minded organisations such as Piyawara preschools through Hemas Outreach Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages, the Roshan Wijerama Family Trust, Indira Cancer Trust, Suwa Arana, Community Meal Share Trust, AYATI, College of Paediatricians programs – Feed a Child, Lama Piya