When the floods hit the western coast of the island in May, Creative Solutions was one of many companies that immediately jumped in to help. They collected rations and kept in close contact with the rescue centres to identify the items necessary for immediate relief.

They also thought long-term. Knowing that there would be a lot of work left to do once the floods receded, they collected donations and dedicated them to a cause: restoring the playground of Samudradevi Balika (girls’ school) in Ambathale.

“My mother-in-law, Mrs. Nelanjani Chandrasekara, used to work in that school,” said Creative Solutions’ Senior Software Engineer Dilhari Bangamuwage. “When she checked the situation at the school, we learned that it was badly affected. I told my colleagues at Creative Solutions about it and they gave me their fullest support.”

Dilhari, Tech Lead Amila Kitto and Administration Manager Shalika Wijayarathne took leadership. They initiated the playground restoration project with a humble budget and a team of a dozen colleagues who even at times brought their spouses and extended families to help.

According to Amila, the playground project made them “realise that most companies and people tend to underestimate their power to make a difference.” The work we did on that field with our own hands showed us that each one of us has the power to make a difference. Every act of kindness, no matter how small or large, matters.”

The team spent several weekends on the field, doing tasks that had been alien to them such as wall reparation and mural painting. According to a team member Gihani Ranasingha they would come in during the hottest times of the day and spend hours under the scorching sun.

“We usually spent five to seven hours sweating and panting in the sun and dust, but we were so happy to be there,” she said. “We had a purpose, so we invested ourselves fully.”

The project that started in early August was completed by mid-September. On September 15, Creative Solutions’ team headed by Director Sushena Ranatunga officially handed over the restored playground.

At the school, they were ceremoniously greeted by a marching band and teachers who lead them to the entrance of the field they had restored. What once was a ravished land with rusted swings and flood-damaged walls, was now a colourful playground protected by a tall fence and sealed with a festive bow. The girls of Samudradevi Balika performed an elaborate ceremony in Creative Solutions’ honour that left the team in awe.

“We were incredibly proud of the work we did,” said Shalika. “The girls’ warm welcome told us that we’d done a good job. And when the ribbon was cut and they ran into the field, we knew that our work has made a difference to the school days and memories of hundreds.”

Inspired by the success at Samudradevi Balika, Creative Solutions CSR efforts continue.

The company is currently teamed up with Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians to propel Little Hearts – a nationwide project aimed at raising LKR 2 billion for the construction of a hospital wing at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for the critically ill children.

“The happiness we saw on that playground made us realise that we have a lot to give to the community that has given us so much already,” said Sushena.

“Creative Solutions has been growing significantly lately, so we decided to grow our CSR efforts as well,” Sushena added. “Our next project, Little Hearts, is enormous and will impact the entire nation for generations to come.”

Photo caption: The restored playground of Samudradevi Balika Girls School in Ambathale.