Minor Hotels partners Ayati Trust, expands ‘Dollars for Deeds’ program into Sri Lanka

• Collaboration supports children with disabilities
• Ayati Trust receives cheque for Rs. 5 m
• Signs MoU, setting formal framework for partnership

By Safna Malik

Minor Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel chains with a portfolio exceeding 560 properties globally, has formally expanded its signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘Dollars for Deeds,’ into Sri Lanka through a landmark partnership with the Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.

The formal partnership event, held at NH Collection Colombo, was attended by key representatives from both the Minor Hotels Group and the Ayati Trust.

As part of this collaboration, the Minor Hotels Group donated Rs. 5 million to the Ayati Trust and further strengthened this commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: “At Minor Hotels, we believe that hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to generate a lasting, positive influence on the communities they serve.”

He emphasised that the Ayati Trust perfectly aligns with their long-term vision set through the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative.

Rajakarier affirmed that this collaboration was not merely a milestone, but the beginning of a sustained journey that would continue to shine light, spread hope, and build opportunity for children and families across Sri Lanka.

Minor Hotels Group Cluster General Manager – Anantara and Avani Kalutara Resort Christoph Dueker expressed the Group’s commitment to Ayati’s core mission, ensuring children with disabilities in Sri Lanka are granted equal access to education, healthcare, social participation, and future employment.

Dueker outlined the funding structure of the ’Dollars for Deeds’ initiative, which has expanded to a global social responsibility strategy after its introduction by Anantara in Thailand nearly a decade ago. The program invites guests to contribute a voluntary $ 1 per night, a donation that the hotel subsequently matches dollar-for-dollar to multiply the positive outcome.

He highlighted how this collaborative structure turns guests into ambassadors for change, noting that every donated dollar creates a tangible “ripple effect” supporting conservation, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Through its ‘Dollars for Deeds’ program, Minor Hotels maintains active involvement in social impact, directing funds towards diverse global causes. Notable contributions include coral conservation in the Maldives and child welfare programs in Hungary. The initiative has previously funded the Turtle Hatchery in Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. He added that this latest collaboration with the Ayati Trust takes this dedication to local impact a significant step further.

Ayati Trust Deputy Chairman Abbas Esufally explained that the Trust was initially formed to ensure children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. He affirmed that the partnership represents a major development, calling it critical for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority. He also said teaming up with Minor Hotels would help Ayati expand its reach and reinforce their commitment to nourishing children with disabilities and supporting their growth.

Ayati Trust and Hemas Outreach Foundation Executive Director Shiromi Masakorala expressed the Trust’s gratitude for the new partnership, stating they were incredibly thankful for Minor Hotels’ unwavering support and its commitment to strengthening their shared vision of serving the community.

She emphasised the term “Ayati,” which refers to “Hope” in Sanskrit, is a long-term, sustainable national initiative aimed at helping children with disabilities become productive, integrated members of society. 

Masakorala highlighted the Ayati Trust’s formation in 2016 as a national collaborative effort, involving the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, the Roshan Wijerama Family Foundation, Rotary International, and other philanthropic partners.

She confirmed the Trust provides crucial diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services, while actively combatting the stigma that often limits the potential of children with disabilities. The Centre works to integrate children by focusing on their skills, offering services that include early intervention programs, occupational and speech therapy, prosthetics, supported education, and family counselling.

With over 14,000 children registered and daily admission close to 60, Masakorala noted that all services are provided free of charge. However, she revealed the financial strain, stating the Ayati Trust faces huge running costs and was desperately seeking funds for maintenance, equipment, and necessary renovations. She expressed her appreciation for Minor Hotels’ timely support with the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative and the Rs. 5 million cheque, which covers the immediate sustainment costs. 

Masakorala believes the Ayati Trust is a national asset and urged all Sri Lankans to join forces to support such initiatives whether private or Government, stressing that this commitment is for our children.

This partnership highlights Minor Hotels’ broader commitment to responsible growth, where each property serves not only as a destination for guests, but as a contributor to the long-term wellbeing of its surrounding community.