We have an impressive track record of engagement in community work over the last two decades. First, as a small group of professionals who came to Liverpool in the 1990s to work in the university sector and NHS had decided to form an organization to address and promote their interests. A large number of students had also come to Liverpool to pursue their studies at university level. Gradually, we have managed to build up contacts with most of the Sri Lankans living in and around Liverpool in order to engage more effectively in community and cultural events that are more closed to their hearts. Thus we had started organizing new-year and Christmas celebrations each year. Literature circle was also become a popular event as well. During these informal gatherings, our focus was on current affairs of Sri Lanka, contemporary literature etc.
We had also discussed certain issues which our community members have to face with, in particular immigration, student visas and asylum issues. Most importantly, building up a network of Sri Lankan expatriates living in the North West became a number one priority.
In 2000, we had registered our ‘Ceylonese Society in Liverpool’ as a company Limited by guarantee (without having share capitals). During this period, we had organized English language and Math classes for our children in addition to South Asian Dance classes. Some of these classes were funded by Award for All. I am pleased to record we had been allowed to use Toxteth Community College’s class-room facilities during the weekend, free of charge. On a number of occasions, Liverpool Hope University’s function hall/room facilities were also used, free of charge. Thus over the time, we have steadily managed to establish a well-organized community centre focusing on community development, mentoring, and in some cases providing advisory services relating to immigration, asylum, student visas, services and opportunities available in the health and education sectors.
However, after four years, even with tireless efforts and good intention, we had to dissolve our organization due to lack of enough funding.
None the less, we had continued our community works with unabated vigour. With the arrival of so many families of Sri Lankan origin over the last decade, mainly from Sri Lanka and Italy, we had decided to re-organise our work. A new organization called ‘Sri Lankan Community Centre in Liverpool was established in 2014. It was registered as a Company limited by guarantee with Companies House in 2015.
Our mission is to establish a self-sustaining community centre to support and empower individuals of Sri Lankan origin living in and around Liverpool. However, our services are open to all ethnic and faith groups irrespective of their ethnic, racial or religious orientation.
Our Center will also be developed as a forum which offers a unique opportunity to experience Buddhism from a non-sectarian point of views, while promoting knowledge and understanding of different cultural and faith groups in contemporary British society.
Exiting times. We are now in next phase of growth. We are a well-organised and managed community organization with a regular income coming from our members, service users and income generated through grant-making bodies, community, cultural and sport events