No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to the residents at Prithipura. Tom’s sister Katherine first went to Sri Lanka in 2008 to volunteer at the infants home, where she met her husband-to-be Pieter. Pieter’s father Bryan De Kretser had founded the home in the 1960s as a safe place for children with disabilities to live. Since then the non-profit organisation has expanded to four locations across Sri Lanka, supporting around 250 people with disabilities. They provide care, education, rehabilitation and work opportunities to children and adults in need who have little or no family support.

Staying in close by Wattala for 3 days (at the lovely Villa on the Edge) allowed us to come and spend time with the residents at the infants home more than we had before. It was lovely to reconnect with those we have met on previous visits and play with lots of new children that have joined the community. The staff are always so hospitable and friendly, working tirelessly to make it a happy place for everyone.