Sri Lanka is a hub for many sports, but unfortunately certain sports that our country could thrive at does not get the recognition they deserve.
We came across a group of skateboarders in Sri Lanka, that go around the country and have dedicated their lives to fostering the skateboarding community of Sri Lanka, by creating and providing opportunities for every individual to partake in.
The organisation “Skate for Sri Lanka” aims to build up a new culture. A culture that pushes underprivileged communities to step out of boundaries that they have been taught to live in.
We had the pleasure to have a chat with the “Skate Through Sri Lanka” Founder Manu Dharmarajah, on what they do and the skateboarding community of the country. He told us, “Age isn’t a barrier, neither is gender in our books. Our goal is to provide an availability of resources such as, having accessibility to skateboarding equipment, and creating safe places around the island to skate at.” When we asked Dharmarajah about what inspired the creation of “Skate Through Sri Lanka”, he told us that their main goal was to foster the curiosity and the interest that exists around skateboarding.
The organisation has partnered up with and has the collaborative support of world-renowned skate non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international skate organisations such as, “Wonders Around the World”, “Skateistan”, and “Dreamland Skateparks”. “They have made it clear that they would like to help out to their best ability to make Skate for Sri Lanka grow,” Dharmarajah told us, adding that Skateistan Headquarters (HQ) Development Officer James Green mentioned in an email that “we will undoubtedly have a huge impact on Sri Lanka for years to come”.
He further added: “Since Skate for Sri Lanka was founded, there has already been numerous support given to us by skateboarders from other countries that are all about expanding our growth by wanting to assist by volunteering to teach, building do-it-yourself (DIY) spots, and leaving back their boards and shoes when they leave.” With their previous work, and being a part of the local community themselves, they have also established connections with skate shops, artists, and event co-ordinators who are offering their services as charity in order to build something more than which already exists as a method of social responsibility. Dharmarajah shared: “It really is a bundle of sticks over a single stick sort of scenario which will make this dream turn into a reality, that is why we need you by our side,” he said urging the locals to come take up the sport and be a part of their community as well.
“Skate for Sri Lanka” also aims to educate people with life skills, such as English, and practical knowledge that any youth can use to lead a better livelihood. Moreover, Dharmarajah informed us that they plan to generate jobs by teaching a skill of making skateboards at their carpentry shops, and just like surfing, the locals can give out lessons to other people that are interested in learning. The organisation travels through Sri Lanka, educating the less fortunate and giving them the opportunity to try out skateboarding, and promoting the sport.
“We truly believe that skateboarding can provide a way out for the underprivileged youth and anyone who needs it; that is why we exist – to create a safety net in which people can express themselves to their utmost potential, plus to provide a place in which equality, diversity, and positivity of all forms are promoted,” he added.
Dharmarajah believes that their initiative will definitely unite the locals and the ever growing expat population as there is a deep connection to the people in the island that forms over time, which results in wanting to help out in any way possible.
