:::welcome to YMCA Sri Lanka:::

Sri Lanka YMCA
- A Monument for Service with a
125 Year History

First EXCO!
The first Executive Committee Meeting of NCY, after the 44th AGM, was held on 30th May 2009 at the NCY Board Room, chaired by New President Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis.

NCY’s 47th Anniversary
The National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka celebrated

The National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka celebrated its 47th anniversary on 30th June with a fellowship at NCY Chapel followed by tea at the board room. Mr. J.J. Thambirajah, the only living founder member and former National General Secretary of NCY Mr. Alagan Kadirgamar and many others participated.

Intern Exchange Programme
Sri Lanka YMCA has entered into an agreement with Y-Global for an Intern Exchange Programme covering Norway, Palestine, Sudan, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Accordingly 2 Interns from Norway and one each from Palestine and Sudan are to arrive in Sri Lanka while Sri Lanka is to send Interns to Palestine and Norway. The Interns will spend 8 months in the host country studying their culture, peace, leadership skills and developments. Norwegian Fredscopset partners this programme.

Annual Bible Quiz!

Jaffna, Kandy, Batticaloa, Moratuwa and Trincomalee YMCAs conducted the Bible Quiz Competition 2009. Kollupitiya Methodist Church in the Senior Category and Uduvil girl’s college, Jaffna in the Junior Category emerged champions.


Educational Aid for Children in Camps

	Vavuniya GA has granted permission for YMCA to work directly in IDP camps in that region. During the past, relief items were distributed on Government Agent’s approval through relief agencies running the camp. YMCAs request to introduce recreational activities, play therapy, befriending and support in children’s education in camps has received authorization and Vavuniya / Mannar YMCAs are in touch with relevant officials to identify needy camps. More >>>>>>

Inter School Debates

Negombo, Matara, Kandy, Kalmunai and Point Pedro YMCAs conducted Inter School Debate Programmes for 2009. This was conducted under the Peace Development in Schools Project, partnered by Norwegian Church Aid. Picture shows a debate in progress at Kalmunai YMCA.

Children Love Peace!
Sri Lankan children are longing for Peace! This statement was proved correct by hundreds of children who participated in the Art Competition conducted recently by the NCY Island wide. Entries for the competion were overwhelming and the theme of the competition “Peace” was depicted in drawings with in-depth meaning and greater understanding. Point Pedro, Negombo, Matara, Kandy and Kalmunai YMCAs conducted the competition and the exhibitions on the 27th of June. Selected entries are to win prizes and will be featured in this year’s Christmas cards.

Youth Leader for Canadian Peace Camp
Frank Freedegian Isaac left to Canada to participate in the 3 month International Camp, running from 3rd June to September 2009. This programme comes under Youth Peace network Programme, organized yearly by the Vancouver YMCA. Mr. Isaac is the President of Galle YMCA and one of the Vice Presidents of NCY.

TT Festival
Mr. S. Damien Kumarasinghe of Dehiwala YMCA and Miss Sasika Wijesinghe of Kandy YMCA participated at the TT Festival and Global Week 2009 held in Norway from 18th to 24th June 2009. This comes under the Youth Exchange Programme.

	Founders Day- First Flag to Deputy Minister Sri Lanka YMCAs commemorate the YMCA Founders Day with the Flag Week and religious and social events beginning June 6th every year. As usual this year too NCY dispatched thousands of Flags to all 38 member YMCAs well ahead in time to organize their flag week. NCY launched the Flag week with the sale of the First Flag to Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare Hon. P.H. Lionel Premasiri. Picture shows NCY staff Ms. Hasika Dunusinghe pinning the flag on minister’s shirt.
	Founder’s Day in the Regions YMCAs around the country celebrated YMCA founder’s day on the 6th of June with various programmes. Youth and children’s club members of Pamunugama YMCA cleaned the community wells as a service to the community.
	Flag Day was launched in the morning after a brief ceremony and a meeting. Kandy YMCA conducted several programmes to mark the day. The first flag was purchased by the president of Kandy YMCA Pastor Donald Fernando. Vavuniya YMCA held a worship service followed by a meeting where former leaders participated and shared their memories. Kallar YMCA’s celebrations started on the 6th evening with the founder’s day remembrance service, followed by the launch of flag week. On the 7th flags were sold on Kallar streets and in the evening celebrations came to an end with an entertainment programme at the beach.
	YMCA Dengue Prevention Day Sri Lanka YMCA has declared 1st of August 2009 as “YMCA Dengue Prevention Day”, following the increasing dengue fever death toll. According to health authorities 12 thousand persons are infected and 154 persons have died. YMCAs in 38 locations all over the country have organized several programmes with the participation of area schools, members and communities. NCY is to observe the dengue prevention day on 31st July with neighboring Sr. Michael’s church, school and the community.