Volunteering at the John Keells Group: A Journey of Empathy, Purpose, and Passion
Volunteering has always been close to my heart, and being part of the John Keells Group has made it that much more special. Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to participate in diverse volunteer projects organised by John Keells Foundation, that didn’t just make a difference in the community but also left a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to have the chance to share a little bit of my journey with you.
One of the standout initiatives was the rainforest restoration at the Suduwelipotha Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project site. Spending time in nature, planting saplings, and learning about the importance of conserving native flora was not only refreshing but also a meaningful step toward a greener future. It’s amazing how something as simple as planting a tree can leave such a positive legacy.
Recently, I had the privilege of organising a tree-planting initiative and a rainforest visit to Kanneliya, Galle in collaboration with TSFL, which resulted in Infomate reaching the mark of planting 2000 trees! This project was not only about planting trees but also about immersing ourselves in the beauty and biodiversity of one of Sri Lanka’s richest rainforests. The experience allowed us to connect with nature, understand the critical role rainforests play in our ecosystem, and contribute to conservation efforts. It was incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm of everyone involved and to know that our efforts were a step towards preserving these natural treasures for future generations.
I also rolled up my sleeves for beach cleanups and railroad-side cleanups. These efforts reinforced the importance of keeping our public spaces clean and safe for everyone. Seeing how a small group of dedicated people can make a visible difference was inspiring and rewarding.
Beyond environmental efforts, contribute to livelihood development surveys and public surveys. These activities brought me face-to-face with incredible communities. Listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and brainstorming solutions made me appreciate the strength and resilience of people from all walks of life.
At Infomate, we partnered with Child Action Lanka on several impactful projects. These initiatives focused on improving the lives of underprivileged children and families, ranging from educational support to community engagement activities. Working on these projects alongside my colleagues was an incredible experience that highlighted the importance of collaboration and compassion.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about growth. It’s about building empathy, working together as a team, and realising how even small actions can create ripples of positive change. These experiences have taught me to see the world differently and have given me memories that I’ll cherish forever.
What makes volunteering at the Group so unique is the incredible support we receive. Whether it’s resources, platforms, or even a pat on the back, the Group truly empowers us to make a difference. It is this culture of encouragement and care that makes our Group so much more than just a workplace—it feels like a community.
To all my colleagues and readers: if you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now’s the time! It doesn’t have to be grand—even the smallest acts of kindness can make a world of a difference. Let’s all come together to create a ripple effect of positivity, one project, and one community at a time.
As I look back on these experiences, I’m inspired to keep going. There’s so much more we can do, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. Here’s to making 2025 a year of purpose, passion, and making the world a little brighter!
I’ve included some photos from these projects to give you a peek into these incredible moments.
Thank you for giving me the chance to share my story. I hope it inspires you to find your own way of making a difference. Let’s keep moving forward, together!
