The Rachel Foundation has so far donated over 6,000 books across five countries, working with schools, organisations, and libraries
A new library set up with donated books for children from the Karunegala community.
PANAJI
The Rachel Foundation, in collaboration with Desert Cubs Sports Academy, successfully extended its flagship ‘Books for All’ initiative to Sri Lanka, marking a meaningful step in promoting literacy and educational access for underserved children in the region.
At a ceremonial handover held in Colombo at the Cinnamon Lakeside View Hotel, during the Desert Cubs Awarding Ceremony, a curated selection of educational books was presented to Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Gamage in the presence of Rachel Dias and Presley Polonnowita, along with Chris Obesekara (Mercantile Cricket Association, Nalin Wickramasinghe (MCA), Sonam Kaur (Owner of HJ Unicare & Kulcha King), Rusan Fyroze (CEO Siraj Finance), Lasantha Anarasinghe (Owner of Chance Sports), Rumesh Ratnayake (former cricket star), Vishwa Fernando (current test player), Chrishantha Kappukottuwa (Sri Lanka Cricket Board Member).
The donation was part of a joint outreach between the Rachel Foundation and Desert Cubs, emphasising their shared commitment to youth development through both education and sport.
Following the official handover, the books were distributed to Sputnik Girls’ Home in Kurunegala, a reputable children’s welfare centre that cares for girls from vulnerable backgrounds. A small library within the campus has been set up to allow children to read books at the library.
“Books have the power to change lives,” said Rachel. “This project is about giving every child, no matter their circumstance, the tools to dream, learn, and succeed.”
The Desert Cubs Sports Academy, which has a longstanding presence in youth sports development across the UAE and Sri Lanka, partnered on the initiative to reinforce the value of holistic growth—combining education with physical development.
[From L to R] Presley Polonnowita, Chris Obesekara (MCA), Nalin Wickramasinghe (MCA) Sonam Kaur (Owner of HJ Unicare & Kulcha King), Rusan Fyroze (CEO Siraj Finance), Sunil Gamage (Sri Lanka Sports Minister), Lasantha Anarasinghe (Owner of Chance Sports), Rumesh Ratnayake (former cricket star), Vishwa Fernando (current test player), and Chrishantha Kappukottuwa (Sri Lanka Cricket Board member).
Sports Minister Sunil Gamage welcomed the donation, noting: “Empowering young minds through education is vital for our country’s future. I commend the Rachel Foundation and Desert Cubs for this initiative and their commitment to uplifting Sri Lankan youth.”
The staff and children at Sputnik Girls’ Home warmly received the donation, expressing their appreciation and excitement for the new learning materials.
“This donation is a small step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to knowledge and inspiration. Education and sports go hand in hand in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s gesture is not just about giving books—it’s about giving opportunity,” said Presley Polonnowita, Founder and Head coach of Desert cubs Sports Academy.
This initiative marks the Rachel Foundation’s first project in Sri Lanka under its ‘Books for All’ campaign, which has already made a lasting impact in several countries by providing books and educational support to under-resourced communities.
Since its inception, the Rachel Foundation has donated over 6,000 books across five countries, working with schools, organisations, and libraries.
The Sri Lanka chapter is its most ambitious campaign yet, involving cross-border logistics, local government approvals, and coordination with educators.
Girls from the Sputnik Girls Home receiving the Books and other resources.
The Rachel Foundation will launch an ongoing “Virtual Reading Buddy” programme, where student volunteers from Dubai will connect with Sri Lankan students via video calls for shared reading and language support. The donated collection covers a diverse range of subjects, from storybooks and folk tales to basic science, history, and language acquisition.
Rachel’s message is clear: “Literacy is a basic right, not a privilege. The foundation invites individuals, schools, and corporate sponsors to donate books, offer logistic support, or sponsor reading events.”
“Many thanks to GEMS Modern Academy and St Mary’s High School, Muhaisnah for their generous donation.”
“Books are tiny seeds,” Rachel said in closing. “You never know when they’ll bloom—but they always do.”
