Punchi Apey Iskole (the School of Our Little Ones) is a small, montessori based preschool in Ahugammana, region of Delgoda, Sri Lanka. This beautiful initiative started in 2004. Professional Montessori teacher Nalindra Jayawardena (we may call her Kumari) uses her own home as a school facility. She gives 10 to 15 small kids an opportunity to gain a big advantage when they enter primary school.

The Plan

Two Dutch Friends, dr Nalin Swaris and Carola Ruijsch, volunteered to help Kumari draw a plan for an official school building. There is nothing in the world she would love more! When the shool has a small building with just one classroom, a hall and kitchen, more children kan be admitted. It gives children a good head start and the parents the comfort to know that their kids will be looked after when they work. The building will also be used as a community center.

Sad News (May 2011)

With great sadness we have to report the sudden demise of dr Nalin Swaris, while on vacation in China.

Dr.Nalin was ordained a Redemptorist Priest on November 17, 1962 Mt. St. Alphonsus, Bangalore, India and served in Sri Lanka for some years prior to leaving the Ministry.
Nalin pursued a commendable career at SBC excelling in studies and sports and answered God's call in the mid 50's to join the Redemptorists universally acclaimed as renowned preachers of high calibre. He left for Holland, after leaving the Priestly Ministry in SL and obtained the Ph.D in Buddhism(Honoris Causa) and served on the academic staff of the College for Social Studies (Hogeschool De Horst) for many years before opting to retire and travel to his motherland.

Dr. Nalin leaves behind his two older brothers Lakshman and Ranjit (former SBC teacher) who are domiciled in USA. 

The mortal remains of Dr.Nalin have been flown to SL from China for the funeral rites.

Take Action!

Nalin Swaris planned to donate a large sum for the new school building. However, he died before he could act on this intention.

Please make a donation so that we, the friends in Holland, can still make it happen for the school.

Thank you!