GREAT DONATION OF TWO BROTHERS

The Story of two brothers who donated Rs 180,000/ lakhs of their ancestral wealth to a school

Today what are heard normally are conflicts among members of families, brothers and sisters with regard to the division of the ancestral wealth. In this regard there had been clashes and even had resulted in murders.
It is also heard of stories that for an inch in the bordering lands of houses friends had become strong enemies. An instance is reported from Talduwe in Ruwanwella a land which is in extent of 1 ½ acres worth a huge amount if sold could fetch a substantial sum. Instead of selling it  for a bigger some two brothers who were entitled for this ancestral property had decided the land to be donated to construct a school for the benefit of students for their education. This unique story is reported from Talduwa in Ruwanwella.
The strangest thing is that neither of them had been pupils in this particular school. The story of why this land was donated this land for the Buddhist school was disclosed by one brother Bernie Kariyawasm.
“ This land as ancestral wealth were received legally to me and my relative Amitha Ranga Prasad, a younger cousin brother. We are businessman by profession .This land was given on rent for person to cultivate. He paid us a substantial income derived from it. This land related to was bordering a school. After the lease period of the land many people wanted to the land outright.
But we thought this land would become useful to the students in the school for development of the school. As the school was fat expanding we thought the most prudent decision to donate this 1 ½ acre land to the school.ass it was a priority and the need of the hour this decision made us very satisfied and happy. They felt that it was more important to help the growing children than possessing ancestral wealth.My relative brother also agreed to my suggestion wholeheartedly. This land belonged equally to both of us. We gave priority to our joint decision to donate the land to the school more space for developmental activities
They had thought without becoming selfish in accumulating wealth a gesture of this nature is much more soothing and a very satisfying action more prudent in helping in this manner
The manner the principal of Talduwe Buddhist School, N.D.Wijeweera had this to say regarding this act of the two brothers.

“He quipped that he hails this decision highly. The donation of the 1 ½ acres of land is a very highly appreciated. He said with the inflow of new students the school premises began to cramp up. The school is located to the western side of the Sabaragamuwa Province. The students of all communities are educated in this school. The history of the school runs back to more than 100 years. It has classes up to the advanced level grade. We have started to teach science as well. This school had been started by Attorney at law Harry Mel. The school was named initially as Mel Vidyalaya. A Buddhist monk Boddiraja Thera who had commenced the Bodhiraja Vidyalaya. Later the two were amalgamated to be called the Talduwe Buddhist Vidyalaya. The school had come to this position through sheer dedication of the teachers and parents.
The students in the school were a dedicated lot who studied amidst a lot of obstacles and constraints. They had excelled in studies as well as sports. At this year’s three students had obtained 3 ‘A’s. Unlike the students in other schools these students do not have space to perform sports activities. The Principal emphasised that this donation is highly valued and in this respect is very grateful to the cousin brothers Bernie and Ranga for this huge donation made for the benefit of the students in the school.
If such donations and other types of help are rendered by others to the school my emulating them it would be greatly appreciated. He finally added that this donation could not be described in words.”
Article by Rupanthi Bulathsinhala
Photographs and other information by K.G.Ranjini