Better to light a candle than cursing the darkness.

About Ridma Foundation

A topic that often came up when friends met was how fortunate we were to have grown up in Sri Lanka at the time we did. Most of us were not from privileged backgrounds but we all had an excellent education provided free by the government from primary to tertiary level. We had a wonderful childhood in a beautiful country with a proud history going back 2600 years.

But then, things started to change. Despite having a good education jobs became hard to find – it became increasingly difficult to make a living to make ends meet. To cut a long story short here we were in Australia, having a good life because of the education and training we received in Sri Lanka. Our hearts and minds however were still in Sri Lanka. It was home.

Life was still hard for many in Sri Lanka. More and more those with education and skills were leaving Sri Lanka in search of a better life overseas. Didn’t we who had received so much, owe something to our motherland? Wasn’t there something we could do? Couldn’t we light a candle rather than curse the darkness?

The RIDMA group was born of this concept with just eight members.

RidmaRayak – a musical event was planned to raise funds to help rural schools that lacked basic facilities. At the same time an opportunity was given to local artistes to demonstrate their talents before their own community. Three such events were organized and the profits went to five schools in remote areas to improve educational facilities such as libraries and science labs, renovate buildings, providing safe drinking water and sanitary facilities among others.

The group now consists of 18 dedicated volunteers of diverse talents, skills, and abilities. Under the name of RIDMA Foundation Inc we are registered as a not for profit organization. Our success is due equally to the dedication of our members and the unconditional support we receive from friends in Perth.

Our Executive Committee

Our Non-Executive Committee

Auditor

Mr. Lalith Chandrasekara

Our Vision

To strengthen our future generation in a way where all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of their community and the world.

Our Mission

Education is a debt due from present to future generations.

– George Peabody –

Providing a good Education to under privileged children is a duty of the present generation. It is furthermore the foremost way of elimination of poverty in the world. Education transforms lives and communities.

Our Values

Respect
We are respectful in our interaction and encourage mutual respect between groups and individuals.
Integrity
We are ethical, fair, open and transparent in our work.
Development
We commit to develop education needs for children.
Mutual Corporation
We value Team Work and helping each other to achieve our targets.
Advance
We always advance towards our goals.

Our Objectives

01

This is an organization for educational, welfare and health of less privileged children globally. To provide those facilities to such children, schools are selected from the areas of arms conflicts, social disputes or any other matters that impact on basic quality education

02

Primary Objectives of the Foundation are –

  • RIDMA Foundation shall have a fund of monetary value for the benefit, care, maintenance, and support of its charitable objects.
  • All future capital assets solely applied to the said fund to invest it appropriately to generate income.
  • The income stream from the said fund shall be applied solely to the purposes set out in the objects of the Foundation.
  • Build or facilitate schools infrastructure.
  • Provide sports and educational equipment required by such schools.
  • To provide funds and build or renovate accommodation for teachers.
  • To support any other requirement of such schools approved management of school.
03

To educate and participate in development activities that contributes to the social wellbeing of the general community.

04

To promote cultural and social values in the wider community.

05

The property and income of the Society shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the Objects of the Society and no part of the property or income may be paid or distributed directly or indirectly to members except in good faith in the promotion of those objects.

Our Tribute

Tribute - C W W Kannagara

C. W. W. Kannangara

We tribute and salute to father of free education in Sri Lanka

Learn More