‘Senehasa Thilina’ reunites migrant mums and children for Avurudu

Saturday, 3 May 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

‘Senehase Thilina’ an initiative to reunite mothers working abroad with their loved ones, was conducted during this past Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. The initiative was implemented by Anchor and supported by Sirasa TV and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a very special time for Sri Lankan families as they gather together to celebrate the season. The Bureau of Foreign Employment searched for children and their families who were experiencing difficulties, especially during this festive time, due to their mothers’ absence.

After the necessary costs were borne, these mothers were provided flights back into Sri Lanka and personally taken to their homes, leading to a joyful reunion with their loved ones. Mangala Randeniya, Deputy General Manager Foreign Relations, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said: “These women working abroad are a key segment of the Sri Lankan economy, and as such, this seemed a more than appropriate place to search for deserving mothers for this initiative.” Having understood the social cost of mothers migrating overseas for employment especially to the domestic housekeeping sector, the Government initiated a program to prevent or suspend mothers from leaving small children without arranging proper childcare systems, Randeniya said. “There is nothing more important than the bond between a mother and her child, and we are glad to have been able to provide an opportunity for these mothers to be with their children this New Year,” said Yauwanan Wigneswaran, Marketing Manager for Fonterra Brands Lanka. “The ‘Senehase Thilina’ exercise was just one of the many ways in which Anchor hopes to make even a small difference in the lives of mothers, ensuring that we do not forget their importance in all of our lives. There is no bigger reward for Anchor than to see smiles on the faces of mothers and provide this gift of love to their families.”