Replace Surendra’s destroyed Tuk Tuk

On the 1st of September, my dear friend Surendra’s beloved tuk tuk was destroyed.

Surendra is one of the kindest souls I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since my first visit to Sri Lanka in 2003- my mum and dad have known him since the early 80s when he was a teenager.

He is honest and kind- which has not been without challenges when there are many tuk-tuk drivers in Galle and the South Coast who aren’t. I think you may be able to tell from the photo the kind of person Surendra is. 

I would love to raise money to buy Surendra a new tuk-tuk. He has always asked for so little yet given so much, which is why I’m putting this fundraiser together on his behalf.  

It will mean the world to him when we reach our target and present him with a new tuk-tuk, which will give him the means to support his family until he retires 

What exactly happened:

On the 1st of September, a neighbouring house collapsed where Surendra parks his tuk-tuk, opposite where he lives.

Despite having insurance, it‘s not covered by ‘natural disasters’ and the owner of the property is unfairly not accepting any responsibility.

Surendra’s tuk-tuk was his livelihood and it breaks my heart to know how much he is now struggling to make ends meet after what happened.

Without a way to earn, he may lose his home, be unable to pay for his son’s schooling and struggle to buy food for himself and his family.

Because of his genteel nature, he would struggle in a different job. 

We can’t let this happen And as much as I would like to fund this myself (and I truly would if I could) I’m not able to do it alone. Which is why I’m asking for your help

About me

If you don’t know who I am, my name is Alice. I’ve been involved in many self-initiated charity projects and fundraisers (often with my mum) raising money for Sri Lanka. 

It began in 2004, after the devastating effects of the Tsunami. In 2005 and for several years following, we raised money to support children who were orphaned by the Tsunami.

Every penny of the funds (rest assured we paid for our own flights, accommodation, transport and everything else) went directly to those who needed it the most.

Please see some photos below of the children we supported throughout these years- I’m at the back of them both, the second one with my mum and brother too.

Surendra and his family will appreciate your support more than you could imagine.

I will finish with a photo of Surendra's son and a diary entry after the disaster.

As Shanuka writes, his Father's tuk-tuk was how he was able to pay for his school fees.

They don't know where the money will come from now- this tuk-tuk would mean the world to him.