Rooted in Values, Dedicated to Children
The Chelvanayakam Memorial Trust works with rural schools and communities across Northern Sri Lanka to build sustainable learning opportunities, integrity of purpose, and lifelong educational dignity.
"We do not have wealth. We do not have powerful friends. Our goals can be achieved through strength of character and integrity of purpose."
The Chelvanayakam Memorial Trust was established in 2010 to preserve the living legacy, moral stature, and democratic values of S. J. V. Chelvanayakam KC—affectionately known as Thanthai Chelva.
Following decades of conflict and displacement, the Trust directed its core energies toward educational recovery in rural village communities across Northern Sri Lanka, particularly in Valikamam North and Tellippalai. We believe that empowering children with quality education, critical thinking, and modern skills is the greatest foundation for lasting peace, human dignity, and community resilience.
How We Work
Our principles guide how we allocate resources, partner with village schools, and ensure that every initiative creates genuine, enduring change.
PEOPLE
We focus on people, not only infrastructure. We work towards changes in the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of teachers, students and parents.
RESPONSIVE
Educational needs can change. We remain flexible enough to respond to emerging needs and redirect support when circumstances change.
LONG-TERM
Meaningful change takes time. We seek to build stable relationships and community resources that can continue supporting children throughout their education.
PARTNERSHIPS
Children need broad educational support. We work with community-based, national and diaspora organisations where partnerships can add value.
More Accessible
Removing geographical, financial, and logistical barriers so that village children have free after-school education right in their neighborhoods.
More Inclusive
Ensuring equal learning opportunities, active classroom leadership, and welcoming support for boys, girls, and children of all backgrounds.
More Holistic
Going beyond rote exam memorisation to cultivate empathy, character, artistic expression, sportsmanship, and emotional wellbeing.
More Practical
Connecting classroom concepts with real-world problems through hands-on experiments, field visits, and daily problem-solving challenges.
More Digital
Providing hardware, structured computer literacy, safe internet skills, and foundational IT qualifications for every student.
More Creative
Igniting self-confidence through storytelling, drawing, drama, public speech, cultural festivals, and creative writing.
More Sustainable
Instilling environmental consciousness through tree-planting, waste reduction, water conservation, and school garden stewardship.
More Community-Based
Rooting programmes in village ownership by collaborating closely with parents, school principals, and local civic societies.
More Future-Ready
Equipping young learners with English communication, adaptability, and accredited vocational pathways toward meaningful careers.
Organisational Profile Update in Progress
The Trust is currently compiling updated details regarding its formal Board of Trustees, executive leadership, and broader community programmes beyond education for inclusion in the upcoming release.
Board of Trustees
Formal custodial structure, founding charter trustees, legal deed registration, and fiduciary oversight mechanisms guiding the Trust's long-term stewardship.
Governance & Leadership
Executive directors, academic advisors, and village coordinators actively managing daily ground operations, teacher training, and community relations.
Broader Trust Charters
Community welfare charters, memorial publications, youth leadership opportunities, and socio-economic support initiatives extending beyond school programmes.
Support an Initiative
Every gift directly fuels educational access, equipment, and teacher salaries with full transparency.
Fully covers free after school education hub provision, stationery, and learning materials for one child.
- ✓ 1 Year Free After School Hub Access
- ✓ IT Lab & Computer Access
- ✓ English & Mathematics Coaching
- ✓ Student Progress Report
Sponsors a dedicated English & IT teacher's annual salary, training, and materials for ~50 students.
- ✓ Full 1 Year Dedicated Teacher Salary
- ✓ Complete Classroom Stationery & Workbooks
- ✓ Specialized Pedagogical Training
- ✓ Direct Impact on 50+ Village Children
- ✓ Dedicated School Partner Recognition
Funds computer hardware upgrades, library books, science kits, and enrichment workshops for a hub.
- ✓ New Computer / Hardware Upgrade
- ✓ Library Book Distribution
- ✓ Student Debate & Cultural Workshops
- ✓ Activity Photo & Video Documentation