As has become the norm now, we’re up before sunrise and out as the sun is rising. Today we were invited to a Sinhalese New Year village festival on the outskirts of Kurunegala by Rev. Ragama which was a couple of hour’s drive away. We met his community of around 200 villagers and handed over the donations given to us from the UK in the form of 100+ pairs of glasses, books, pens and pencils for the 65 children. There was also stationary for the pre-school teachers as well as some basic medical and first aid supplies.

We were warmly welcomed as always and invited to plant a couple of saplings and saw the sapling Joe planted 5 years ago now grown into a tall tree. We were treated to an amazing simple roti (flatbread) with chillis and fresh fruit snack and then lunch, and then entertained with Rev Ragama’s magic trick!

If you missed Blog 11 then here it is.

Next up: Visiting the least well know and the most famous Buddhist temples.

Further sponsorship – If you’d like to sponsor us on this trek whilst being assured that every penny will go to those who need it, then please donate by clicking on this link Marcia Summers is fundraising for Their Future Today (justgiving.com). Don’t forget that if you’re a tax payer to declare ‘gift aid’ when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Alternatively, if you know anyone or of an organisation that may have an interest in these causes please forward this blog and above link on to them.