In difficult times, when people struggle to meet even their most basic needs, a Facebook group called ‘Sureki Saviya’ has become a source of hope and relief for many Sri Lankans. Founded by M.G. Thushari Champika, a Sri Lankan expatriate working in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the group connects those in need with others willing to help, proving that even in the face of hardships, kindness can thrive.
Champika, who has lived and worked in Dubai for over 20 years, started Sureki Saviya in July without a detailed plan and only a desire to do something meaningful. In just four months, the group has grown to include over 30,000 members from around the world, all contributing to help those facing challenges in Sri Lanka in some way. “I never thought it would grow so fast. But it’s a beautiful thing to see so many people coming together to help others,” she said.
She traced the origins of Sureki Saviya to her hometown of Wellampitiya, where she once started a small community project under the same name to support struggling families. The initiative was inspired by her own experiences of financial difficulty growing up. “My mother raised me through tough times. I know what it’s like to have very little, and this group is my way of honouring my mother,” she said.
A lifeline for those in need
Since its launch, Sureki Saviya has provided essential support to families across Sri Lanka. Members donate dry rations, clothing, and financial assistance to those in need. Some offer scholarships to children, while others help women start small businesses, promoting self-employment and financial independence. The group also provides vital medical assistance; spectacles, wheelchairs, and medicines are provided to those in need of such.
For people who can’t afford direct financial support, there are alternative ways to contribute. Volunteers offer free online tutoring to children from low-income families and share knowledge about job opportunities and other resources. “It’s not just about money – everyone has something to offer, whether it’s knowledge, time, or kindness.” Champika said.
Challenges along the way
Managing a growing online community isn’t easy, and Sureki Saviya has faced several challenges, including people trying to misuse the group’s goodwill. “Some members create multiple Facebook accounts to request extra help, and there are also people who try to take advantage of the group’s generosity,” Champika explained. To maintain transparency, she, along with her team, closely monitors the group’s activities. They advise anyone found engaging in misconduct to ensure the platform remains trustworthy.
Recently, when the group banned a member for unethical behaviour, she said that a rival group launched an online campaign to discredit Sureki Saviya. “There will always be obstacles, but we stay focused on helping people,” added Champika. To maintain a sense of responsibility, members who receive help are required to publicly post a ‘thank you’ message within the group. This promotes transparency, and also builds trust among members and reinforces the group’s values of gratitude and respect.
Spreading joy
Beyond meeting basic needs, Champika aims to bring joy to people’s lives. She regularly organises community activities, such as singing competitions for adults and children through Sureki Saviya, with prizes sponsored by donors.
One recent event, called ‘Diriya Mawak – Diriya Kathak’ (A Courageous Mother – A Courageous Woman), invited female members to submit videos showcasing their talents. The winners received gifts funded by the group’s supporters, including Champika herself. “It’s not just about charity – it’s also about celebrating people and giving them moments of joy,” she said.
Building a strong support system
Managing an initiative like Sureki Saviya would be impossible without a dedicated team. One of the key members helping Champika run Sureki Saviya is Hashini Lakshika de Silva, a resident of Monaragala. She said that she joined the group in August, initially providing support by answering members’ questions in the form of comments.
Although she couldn’t offer financial help, her involvement caught Champika’s attention, and she was invited to join the core team. “I feel lucky to be part of this community. It gives me joy to help others, even if it’s just through my time and effort,” Hashini said.
Another member, Isuri Umayangani, shared her personal experience with the group. “I’ve received a lot of help, from dry rations to clothes for my family. When Champika came to Sri Lanka for a holiday, she even held an event at her home to distribute spectacles. My family members including my parents were also provided with spectacles. When we were there, we felt like we were being welcomed by a family member. What she’s doing is truly noble. I am glad to assist her.”
Leading by example
One aspect that makes Sureki Saviya stand out is Champika’s hands-on involvement. Unlike many similar initiatives, where founders manage operations from a distance, she personally contributes to helping people in need. “In most groups, the leaders just coordinate efforts and get others to support those in need of help. But Champika is different – she is directly involved in making sure help reaches the right people, and she also makes many donations personally,” said Chaminda Perera, a supporter from Maharagama.
Thimathi Weerakkody, who works in Dubai and has known Champika for years, also praised her dedication. “I’ve seen her help many Sri Lankans struggling to find jobs in Dubai. So, when she invited me to join this initiative, I didn’t hesitate. We’ve achieved so much in just a few months, and I’m excited to see what’s next,” she said.
A vision for the future
Champika has big dreams for the future of Sureki Saviya. One of her goals is to establish an elders’ home for mothers who are not cared for by their children, which she plans to call Sureki Saviya Mawu Piyasa. She hopes to find an unused house or building to start the project. “There are so many mothers who have been left alone by their children. I want to give them a place where they feel loved and cared for. I invite anyone who owns an abandoned house or building in a tranquil area to contact me, so I can make my dream a success,” she explained.
Her vision is driven by the heartbreaking stories she hears from those the group helps. “One cancer patient told me she had no choice but to beg on the streets to feed her children. Stories like these motivate me to keep going and find new ways to help,” she said.
Champika credits her family – including her son Ravindu Randika, daughter-in-law Nethma David, and the Sureki Saviya core team including Hashini, Thimathi, Anusha Madumali, Isuri Umayangani, Thakshi Wawegedara, and Sandamali Rathnayake – with giving her the strength to carry on. “Without them, I couldn’t do this. Together, we are making a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.”
At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, Sureki Saviya stands as a reminder that compassion can change lives. What began as a small effort by one woman has grown into a powerful network of support, proving that even in the hardest of times, there are people willing to lend a helping hand.
“Helping others isn’t about how much you give, but the love you put into it,” Champika said. Her words, and the work of ‘Sureki Saviya’, offer hope to those who need it most. As the group continues to grow, so does its impact – one family, one act of kindness, and one story at a time. Champika’s journey, fuelled by love and the memory of her mother, sets an example to the entire community.