CCRT4 and NSS partnership help uplift Children with Special Needs

Donation made to Navodaya, Left to Right:- Dinuka Ranasinghe, Dilantha Wijemanne, Avishka Perera, Lakshmi Karunajeewa, Amir Abdeen and Avanka William

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) pump donated to the Castle Street Hospital for Women

CCRT4, alongside CRT1, launched the ‘Sri Lanka Limbs Project’ with the aim of providing mobility and independence to those in need

CCRT4 was launched in 1994 and has since been actively involved in national and local projects focused on empowering young professionals and uplifting communities

Nawodaya Special School in Moratuwa provides specialised education for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Most of the kids are diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disabilities

The Colombo Cinnamon Round Table 4 (CCRT4) is a network of professionals and community leaders dedicated to social service, leadership, fellowship and networking initiatives. Among its many projects, CCRT4 stands out as a long-term benefactor of the Nawodaya Special School (NSS) in Moratuwa, reinforcing its commitment to empowering education for all children in Sri Lanka.

Empowering education

NSS provides specialised education for children from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intellectual Disabilities. Since its inception, the school has offered free education to children in Dehiwala, Ratmalana, Moratuwa, Mount Lavinia and Panadura, while also covering their essential needs, including uniforms and meals.

Currently, the school educates 35 children between the ages of 3 and 16. “Our primary goal is to equip children with life skills so they can independently manage their personal needs, such as eating and using the toilet. Secondly, the children should receive an education tailored to their individual needs. We prepare personalised lesson plans for each child, and they are assessed at the end of every term,” explained Principal Lakshmi Karunajeewa. The school also incorporates music, arts, dance, and cookery, and also hosts speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions.

However, the pandemic and economic crisis have made the school increasingly dependent on donors like CCRT4. “I don’t post on social media asking for aid or donations, but the school is currently run by the generous contributions of a few. Although we need more donors to restore the level of services we provided before COVID-19, we won’t go asking. Previously, we had speech therapy visits four times a week, but now it’s down to twice because we are unable to pay for them,” she shared.

CCRT4’s continued support

CCRT4 has played a vital role in supporting the school’s programmes. Before the pandemic, the organisation funded a large-scale speech therapy initiative, which resulted in significant improvements in the children’s communication skills. “We saw a remarkable improvement in the children’s speech thanks to CCRT4’s support. They hosted a clinic for children from our school and children outside, where they paid for a speech therapist and trained our teachers,” Karunajeewa noted.

Even today, CCRT4 continues to allocate funds whenever possible to support speech therapy at NSS. Recently, the organisation also painted the entire school and renovated all its restrooms. “If we have a need, they definitely come forward to help us,” she added.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Community Service Officer of CCRT4, Amir Abdeen, noted that the complete revamp of the school’s two restrooms was a Joint International Community Service Project between CCRT4 and Ahmedabad Iconic RT383 - Area 11. 

“In December 2024, we distributed Christmas gifts to the children and staff of Nawodaya school. The students also received school bags, uniforms, innerwear, shoes, socks, lunch boxes, water bottles, napkins and eau de cologne,” Abdeen added.

While enhancing facilities for students remains a key focus for CCRT4, the organisation is also actively involved in initiatives related to healthcare and disaster relief whenever the need arises.
Other initiatives

CCRT4, in collaboration with Colombo Round Table 1 (CRT1), recently launched the Sri Lanka Limbs Project with the goal of providing mobility and independence to those in need. As part of the initiative, the organisations donated two Jaipur prosthetic limbs to individuals who lost their legs in accidents.

Designed to be a long-term initiative, the project aims to donate 100 limbs, continuing as a joint CSR project between CRT1 and CCRT4 to support differently-abled individuals across Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, Colombo Diamond Ladies Circle 1, together with CCRT4 and Colombo Paradise Round Table 5, donated a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) pump to the Castle Street Hospital for Women. 

“This life-saving device plays a crucial role in preventing blood clots, enhancing circulation, and reducing the risk of severe complications for patients in ICU care,” Abdeen observed. 

What is CCRT4?

CCRT4 is part of a global movement dedicated to service, leadership, fellowship and community building. Founded in 1927 in Norwich, England, by Louis Marchesi, Round Table has grown into a vibrant international organisation, and its network now spans more than 65 countries and brings together over 35,000 professionals and leaders committed to making a difference.

Its motto, “Adopt, Adapt, Improve,” reflects a commitment to embracing new ideas and fostering continuous improvement. As the organisation completed its 98th anniversary, it celebrated nearly a century of promoting fellowship, personal development, and community service among young men worldwide.

Since its establishment in Sri Lanka in 1994, CCRT4 has been actively involved in national and local projects focused on empowering young professionals and uplifting communities. One of its flagship national initiatives is “Empowering Education in Sri Lanka,” which ensures access to quality education for those in need.

What does CCRT4 mean to its members?

Raveen Wickremasinghe, CCRT4 member and President of Round Table Sri Lanka, described his journey with the organisation as life-changing. “It wasn’t just about service; it was about building lifelong bonds and expanding professional and business networks that continue to shape my life. Round Table gave me access to an incredible brotherhood—friends who became family, always ready to support and uplift each other. The experience connected me with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals locally and globally, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Beyond networking, it was about personal growth—learning to lead, inspire, and bring people together for a common purpose. Whether organising projects, hosting events or representing Sri Lanka internationally, every moment strengthened my leadership, vision and passion for making a difference,” he shared.

Avishka Perera, the present Chairman of CCRT4, described the organisation as a truly transformative experience. “It’s not just about networking or attending events—it’s about real impact. Round Table has allowed me to connect with passionate individuals committed to making a difference, whether through fundraising or supporting underprivileged communities. As Chairman, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that directly improve lives—like raising funds for the Nawodaya school for children with special needs. Organising projects, rallying support, and seeing tangible results, whether it’s a new classroom, better facilities, or even just a smile on a child’s face, reinforces why Round Table matters,” he said.

He added, “To me, Round Table is about camaraderie, service, and leadership. It’s a place where young professionals can grow, challenge themselves, and step up to create lasting change. It’s also about lifelong friendships built on shared values and a commitment to giving back. The experiences and lessons I’ve gained here go far beyond just philanthropy—they’ve shaped me as a leader and as a person.”

Omar Yakooth, Vice Chairman of CCRT4, said the organisation has played a significant role in shaping him into a better person through diverse experiences. “As Vice Chairman, I actively engage with new prospects. I thoroughly enjoy this role, as it allows me to connect with individuals on a personal level,” he said.

He added that serving as the Secretary of Round Table Sri Lanka (RTSL) gave him the opportunity to forge partnerships with Tablers from other countries and strengthen global ties.

 “Attending international events has broadened my perspective and contributed significantly to my personal growth. Through these experiences, I have not only expanded my network but also honed my leadership skills, making my journey with Round Table truly transformative,” he said.

Avanka William, Secretary of CCRT4, emphasised that the organisation is more than just a platform—it’s a space for growth, networking, and meaningful impact.

“I’ve handled project coordination, managed communications, and helped drive key initiatives. We focus on areas such as education for children with special needs, healthcare and emergency relief while also building strong international collaborations. Round Table has given me invaluable leadership experience, lifelong friendships, and a deeper sense of service,” he noted.

As the International Relations Officer, Akheel Fouze shared that representing CCRT4 globally has been a privilege. “My professional travels have allowed me to connect with fellow Tablers across multiple countries, fostering invaluable relationships and strengthening our international network. Round Table has been a transformative experience, enriching both my personal and professional life. It’s given me a platform to build meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for growth and service,” he said.

Who can join CCRT4?

CCRT4 is a non-political, non-sectarian association open to men aged 18-40 and provides a platform for leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs to connect. Members gain opportunities for networking, leadership development, international exposure, and are directly involved in impactful service projects. By fostering friendships and personal growth, CCRT4 continues to make a lasting difference in communities across Sri Lanka.