German Lions and LCIF Fund Rs. 18M Upgrade for Sri Lanka’s Deaf and Blind Schools

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

For more than a century, the School for the Deaf and Blind in Ratmalana has stood as a sanctuary of learning and care for children with hearing and visual impairments. Established in 1912 by Miss Mary F. Chapman of the Church of England Zenana Missionary Society, it began in a modest rented house with just a handful of students and staff. Today, it has evolved into a thriving institution supporting more than 225 students, the majority of whom are full-time boarders, guided by a dedicated team of over 100.

In 1956, the Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind was founded in Kaithady, Jaffna, extending this mission to the Northern Province. From its humble beginning with 18 students, it now serves 130 children with a staff of 57. This expansion also facilitated the transfer of Tamil-speaking students from Ratmalana after mother tongue instruction became compulsory in 1957.

The three schools—School for the Blind and School for the Deaf in Ratmalana, and the Nuffield School in Kaithady—operate under the Board of Trustees of the Ceylon Schools for the Deaf and Blind, chaired by the Bishop of Colombo. As Approved Charities, they provide education, accommodation, meals, and care entirely free of charge.

Their purpose has always been to empower differently-abled children to lead independent, dignified lives. Alongside academics, students excel in athletics, swimming, Girl Guides, Cub Scouts, and the performing arts. Notably, two students were recently named All-Island Winners at the Lanka Festival of Music, Dance and Speech Finals 2025.

A major boost to this mission came through a generous grant of Rs. 18,816,950 from Lions Hilfswerk Westerwald, Lions Clubs International Foundation USA, Lions District III WL Germany, and Friedenskinder Germany. The funds are dedicated to renovating aging buildings at Ratmalana, addressing urgent infrastructure needs.

The schools extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gayangi von Heimendahl, whose unwavering effort made this partnership possible.

As they look to the future, these institutions continue their unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of Sri Lanka’s visually and hearing-impaired children.