CRTA awards education scholarships at 101st AGM

Seated left: CRTA Chairman Centennial Celebrations Richard Jansz, CRTA Vice Chairman 2020/2021 Manoj Udugampola, CRTA Chairman Amanda Weerasinghe, CRTA Vice Chairman 2019/2020 Nissanka Senevirathne, Commodities Division Manager Chamber Secretariat Nisansala Perera, Snr. Assistant Secretary General Gillian Nugara, along with the scholarship recipients

The Colombo RubberTraders Association (CRTA) awarded scholarships worth Rs. 1,440,000 for 10 students representing different rubber estates in conjunction to its 101st Annual General Meeting. The scholarship presentation was carried out in in the presence of Chief Guest, C.W. Mackie PLC Chairman/CEO W.T. Ellawala.  “We are gathered here today to award scholarships to the children of our unsung heroes – the rubber tappers, for without them we are truly nothing. They have endured a great deal of hardships – the geography, the weather, the dangers of reptiles, other animals and countless impediments to provide us an opportunity to buy and trade rubber. I am sure every time they go out to the field to tap the trees and the latex starts pouring into the coconut cups, they would have shed many a tear of hope for their kith and kin and made a silent prayer for a better life and a better tomorrow. We, as an association, have recognised their contribution and have placed their interest as paramount by putting our words into action. We are gathered here to present to these young children, who are our hope of the future, with an opportunity to go out there and make their world a colourful place,” said CRTA Chairman Amanda Weerasinghe during his speech.

The Association wished to acknowledge all plantation companies who donated 500 kg of rubber for the American Auction and to all generous donors, specifically Ranjith Perera who donated a beautiful painting to be auctioned as well. These contributions are largely what enabled the association to disburse these funds towards these students.