Ich möchte Frau Stegmayer, der Vorsitzenden von Chance e.V., meinen herzlichen Dank dafür aussprechen, dass sie die Mittel für die Teilnahme der Kinder des CCO an der Reise bewilligt hat, sowie Frau Bodil, der ehemaligen Vorsitzenden von Marys Venner, dafür, dass sie die Verwendung der Erlöse aus dem Verkauf des Dreirads zur Unterstützung des jährlichen Ausflugs genehmigt hat.
Die jährliche CCO-Reise nach Kataragama im August 2026 war für die Kinder und Mitarbeiter eine wahrhaft bereichernde und unvergessliche Erfahrung. Im Laufe von drei Tagen konnten die Teilnehmer an religiösen Zeremonien teilnehmen, das kulturelle und historische Erbe Sri Lankas erkunden und Freizeitaktivitäten genießen, die Freude, Selbstvertrauen und Teamgeist förderten. Die erste Erfahrung, in einem klimatisierten Zimmer zu übernachten, war unvergesslich, und niemand wollte wieder abreisen. Der Ausflug bot nicht nur wertvolle pädagogische Erfahrungen, sondern schuf auch Möglichkeiten zur emotionalen Heilung, zur sozialen Entwicklung und für unvergessliche Erinnerungen.
Diese Reise wurde durch die Großzügigkeit von Spendern, die Unterstützung von Organisationen und das Engagement der Mitarbeiter ermöglicht, die unermüdlich dafür sorgten, dass die Kinder sicher, wohl und glücklich waren. Das Lächeln und die Dankbarkeit der Kinder sind ein Beweis für den Erfolg der Reise und die positiven Auswirkungen, die sie auf ihr Leben hatte.
Die Kinder freuten sich, ihre Freundinnen Rashmi und Nethumi wiederzusehen, die im CCO lebten, und Nethuchaya war überglücklich, ihre Eltern und Geschwister wiederzusehen.
Mit tief empfundener Dankbarkeit spreche ich Frau Stegmayer, Herrn Andersen und Frau Bodil sowie allen, die dazu beigetragen haben, diesen jährlichen Ausflug zu verwirklichen, meinen aufrichtigen Dank aus.
Asitha Fernando
Was den Kindern auf der nächsten Reise gefallen würde
- Die Gelegenheit, wieder einmal Geschenke für sich selbst zu kaufen.
- Ein dreitägiger Ausflug nach Kandy oder Nuwara Eliya.
- Ein Ausflug nach Colombo, um den Zoo und den Lotus Tower zu besichtigen.
- Eine Zugfahrt.
- Ein Foto als Andenken an die Reise.
Es folgt der englische Originaltext:
Weiterlesen: Ausflug der Mädchen vom CCO Weiterlesen: Ausflug der Mädchen vom CCOPurpose of the visit
An annual excursion was organized for the children and staff of the Children’s Corner to visit Kataragama. The objectives of this trip were as follows:
Educational exposure: To provide the children with knowledge of Sri Lanka’s heritage sites, culture, and history.
Religious involvement: To engage the children in meaningful religious activities.
Emotional healing: To offer opportunities for emotional well-being and social development beyond the daily routines of the institution. Teamwork and resilience: To strengthen communication skills, peer interaction, and adaptability in new environments.
Confidence building: To help children build self-confidence, reduce stress, and foster a sense of inclusion in society.
Memorable experiences: To create joyful and unforgettable experiences through recreational activities that bring smiles to their faces.
Trip Highlights
Day 1 – 20th August, the journey commenced promptly at 05:00 a.m., following the morning prayer.
The first destination was the Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya. Children had their breakfast and continued climbing the Mulkirigala rock.
Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist cave temple complex in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, built on a 205-meter-high. It dates back to King Saddhatissa in the 3rd century and is renowned for its cave shrines, Kandyan-era murals, reclining Buddha statues, and panoramic jungle views.
Temple Complex Features, Terraces: Five principal levels connected by steep stairways, Cave shrines: Contain reclining Buddhas, dagobas (stupas), and painted chambers, Panoramic views: Sweeping vistas of the southern plains and Indian Ocean
During the visit, the children participated in religious observances and received blessings from the residing monk, enriching their spiritual experience.
The second stop on our journey was the Tissamaharama Rajamaha Viharaya
Considered to be one of the largest and most important Buddhist places of worship in the entire island, the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is a temple that is hard to miss due to the large stupa that stands at a height of 156 feet, easily making it the largest temple in the southern region. The temple is believed to date back all the way to the 3rd century BC. It was one of the four major Buddhist monasteries established after introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The complex also includes ancient moonstones, vihara structures, and a museum showcasing artifacts from its long history.
After participating in the religious activities, the children reached their accommodation to rest and prepare for the main event scheduled for the evening.
After freshening up and having afternoon tea with snacks, the group proceeded to the main event.
Kataragama Kiri Vehera is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites and is an important place of worship for Buddhists of Sri Lanka who visit in total devotion and hope for blessings from God Kataragama who is believed to be the guardian of Buddhism. Kataragama Kiri Vehera was built in the 6th century BC. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited here during his third visit to the island hence its reverence by Buddhists.
After the religious activities the children proceed to Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered and spiritually vibrant religious sites, nestled in the town of Kataragama in the island’s deep south. This site of frequent and popular pilgrimage by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and even Christians. The temple is dedicated to Lord Kataragama, who is associated with the Hindu god Murugan (Skanda), the Buddhist guardian deity, and a local forest spirit revered by the Veddas.
It is a revered custom to offer a fruit platter as Pooja to the deity, seeking blessings. The children were taught to prepare such a platter, an experience that will serve them well in the future when visiting Kovils across the country.
After participating in religious observation and activities, it was time to head back to the accommodation. The day ended with the children enjoying a delicious dinner buffet at the hotel.
Day 2 – 21st August, the day began with breakfast, followed by a visit to Wadasiti Kanda.
It is a sacred mountain near Kataragama, Sri, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is believed to be the meditative retreat of Lord Kataragama and offers panoramic views of Yala National Park and the holy city of Kataragama.
It is traditionally believed that Lord Murugan resided in seclusion at Wadasiti Kanda together with Valli Amma. At the summit, one finds a small stupa, a sacred Bodhi tree, and shrines dedicated to Lord Kataragama and Lord Shiva. It is customary for all children to climb the rock, as there exists a long-held belief that a person visiting Wadasiti Kanda for the first time must undertake the ascent. The climb typically requires between one to one and a half hours. At the summit, the children participated in religious activities and were blessed by the priest for their education and well-being.
After the visit to Wadasiti Kanda, it was time for the children to relax and enjoy themselves.
A lunch buffet was thoughtfully arranged at a nearby hotel, providing them with a delightful meal. The children also had the opportunity to spend time in the designated play area and enjoy swimming in the pool.
It was truly a joyful occasion, allowing them to play freely and create wonderful memories together.
After afternoon tea, children proceed to Lakshmi Devalalya.
Lakshmi Devalaya in Sella Kataragama is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, revered for blessings of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is part of the sacred multi-faith Kataragama complex. The shrine contains statues of various Hindu deities and a small area of different birds.
After the religious activities at the Lakshmi Devalaya, the group joined the Pooja ceremony at the Sella Kataragama Ganesh Kovil. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda), the revered Hindu deity of war and victory. It holds special significance as the legendary meeting place of Lord Murugan and his consort Valli Amma, a forest-dwelling maiden adopted by a Veddah ruler. The children were blessed with the opportunity to take part in the main Pooja ceremony and received blessings from the priest.
After completing all activities at the Kovil, the children eagerly looked forward to the shopping session. Each child was provided with Rs. 300.00 to purchase items of their choice. This exercise served as a valuable lesson, offering them practical experience in managing money and making decisions within a set budget. The children were accompanied by staff members, who guided them while allowing the children to independently negotiate prices and select items they desired. This opportunity not only brought joy but also helped them develop essential life skills in financial responsibility and decision-making.
Day 3 – 22nd August. It was the day of leaving Kataragama to go back to the CCO. By 9:00 am all left the hotel after having breakfast. On the way stopped at the temple for religious activities.
The first attraction visited was the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Sri Lanka’s third international airport, located in Mattala within the Hambantota District. At present, MRIA primarily serves as a hub for emergency landings and provides technical support services. On occasion, private jets also utilize the airport facilities.
As the children had never previously visited an airport, this excursion offered them a valuable opportunity to observe and experience the environment of an international airport. Information about the airport was shared by an official representative, and the children were warmly welcomed with refreshments provided by officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force stationed at the premises.
This visit proved to be a memorable and enriching experience for the children, leaving them with lasting impressions of aviation and airport operations.
The next destination on the itinerary was the Ridiyagama Safari Park, located in Hambantota. Recognized as Sri Lanka’s first safari-style wildlife park, it spans over 500 acres and is currently divided into five zones. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, elephants, tigers, giraffes, zebras, camels, and rare species such as the Hog Deer.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the one-hour guided tour, which offered a unique experience where visitors remain safely enclosed in buses while the animals roam freely in their natural habitats. Observing these magnificent creatures at close range proved to be an unforgettable experience, leaving the children with lasting impressions and cherished memories of wildlife in its natural setting.
After having lunch at Ridiyagama Safari Park, the group proceeded to Madunagala Hot Water Springs in Hambantota District. They are one of Sri Lanka’s few natural geothermal sites, famous for their mineral-rich waters (34–46°C) and therapeutic benefits. There are Several stone-bordered wells with varying temperatures. The property also has a small freshwater fish exhibition center.
As this was a new experience, most of the children enjoyed a hot water bath. It was quite difficult to take the children from the water as they were enjoying themselves.
After completing the day’s activities, it was time to end the tour and go back to the CCO.