President Mahinda Rajapaksa blessing Maneesha Pathirana on meeting her. Picture by Sudath Silva
Maneesha Chamindi, a 12 year old grade seven student of Makuluduwa Vidyalaya, Piliyandala is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Her one wish in life was to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa by excelling at the grade 5 scholarship examination. But this wish did not come true as she could not sit for the scholarship exam due to her illness.
However, she was able to realize her dream with the support of the My Wish Foundation which organized the Hadaka Pethuma musical show as a fundraiser for children suffering from cancer, at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre last week.She had expressesed her wish to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa at this fundraiser.
Maneesha Chamindi and her parents were given a chance to meet the President at Temple Trees following this request. Maneesha Chamindi obtained the second place in class last year, eventhough she could not attend school for the last one and a half years due to illness.
President Rajapaksa who listened to her story embraced her and wished her good health. Scotland Buddhist Viharaya Chief Monk Ven. Kamburawela Rewatha Thera and My Wish Foundation chairman Nelum Arachchige also participated in this meeting.
Dailynews.lk/2012/02/29/news03.asp
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