Major Boost to Disaster Relief: BMNF Donates Rs. 250 Million to Government Fund
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Presents Funds to Prime Minister Amarasuriya as Nation Mobilizes Post-Disaster Support
COLOMBO – December 10, 2025 — In a significant gesture of solidarity and national recovery, the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation (BMNF) has announced a colossal donation of Rs. 250 million to the government’s dedicated fund for uplifting communities affected by the recent sudden national disaster. The substantial contribution underscores the critical need for collective action as the island nation grapples with the aftermath of widespread calamity.
The official handing over of the funds took place yesterday (09) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo. The donation was formally presented by the Chairperson of the BMNF, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The event was attended by key figures from both the Foundation and the government, symbolizing a unified front in the face of national adversity.
Focus on Uplifting Affected Communities
The unprecedented scale of the donation reflects the BMNF’s commitment to social responsibility and its recognition of the severe strain placed on public resources following the disaster. The government fund, to which the donation is earmarked, has been specifically established to facilitate long-term recovery, focusing not just on immediate relief but also on the rehabilitation and sustainable livelihood support for displaced and affected populations.
Sources close to the BMNF indicated that the Foundation’s decision was motivated by the urgent need to provide resources for reconstruction, particularly in rebuilding homes, restoring essential infrastructure, and providing aid to vulnerable families who have lost their primary means of income.
“This is a time for all institutions, public and private, to contribute meaningfully to the national effort,” commented a spokesperson for the Foundation. “The legacy of the Bandaranaike family has always been rooted in serving the populace, and this contribution ensures that the most vulnerable citizens receive the support required to stand on their feet once again.”
Official Ceremony and Distinguished Attendees
The event at the Prime Minister’s Office was a low-key but solemn affair. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya accepted the cheque and thanked the former President and the BMNF for their swift and generous response to the crisis.
“This remarkable contribution of Rs. 250 million provides a significant injection of capital into the state’s recovery mechanism,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated. “It serves as a powerful testament to the leadership and enduring commitment of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation to the people of Sri Lanka. The government assures that these funds will be deployed with the utmost transparency and efficiency to bring lasting relief to the affected provinces.”
In attendance alongside the BMNF Chairperson were members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Also present was the Minister of Buddhist Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hinidum Sunil Seneviratne, highlighting the inter-ministerial coordination involved in national recovery efforts and underscoring the cultural significance of the BMNF’s role in public life.
The Wider Relief Effort and Future Outlook
The BMNF’s contribution is expected to catalyze further donations from corporate entities and international partners. The national disaster has led to immense physical damage across multiple districts, severely disrupting agricultural output and essential services.
While government agencies and the tri-forces have been instrumental in the immediate rescue and relief operations, the long-term phase of rehabilitation requires billions in funding. The magnitude of the BMNF donation sets a high benchmark for other institutions to follow suit, ensuring the fund has the necessary resources to execute large-scale, sustainable development projects.
The incident also serves as a poignant reminder of the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the ongoing need for robust, proactive disaster mitigation strategies. The funds will likely be channeled into projects that not only rebuild but also improve resilience, incorporating early warning systems and stronger, climate-resistant infrastructure designs.
The unity displayed by the BMNF and the government leadership at the handover ceremony sends a clear message to the public that the national recovery effort transcends political differences, focusing squarely on the welfare and upliftment of the displaced citizens.
