Footsteps to Freedom, Sri Lanka, 1st April to 12th June, 2018

“Our intentions were to connect deeply with people along the way, and to empower individuals and communities to break free from stigma and shame surrounding mental health problems”

Ranil Thilakaratne, Manager of CCCline 1333 and a Proud Wesleyite from the batch of 1995 reflected after he and his colleagues walked more than 1400 kilometers in 73 along the coast line of Sri Lanka, becoming the 1st Sri Lankan Male to do so.

Ranil was accompanied on this life-changing walk by his colleagues Nivendra Uduman, a Counseling Psychologist and Sara Nazoor, a trainee Psychologist.

The two organizations spear heading “Footsteps to Freedom II” were CCCline -1333 and Shanthi Margam. Nivendra Uduman being the founder of FtF.

Ranil Thilakaratne, Manager of CCCline-1333 and Wesleyite explains,

“We walked over 1460 kilometers in 73 days, holding over 100 planned sessions and many more unplanned including one on one counseling sessions. Being able to help people who were suicidal even as we spoke to them. Often we had no proper place to stay, or food to eat, a place to sleep or a toilet to use or a place to wash and there were days when I thought I can’t go on. But each time I thought not today, but was reminded that there is some one that needs to be saved. When I started this walk, NOT many people thought I would complete this walk, everyone thought I would turn back. I was not fit, I was overweight and my ankles were very weak. Nivendra and Sara were two amazing friends. I could not ask for two better people to have done this with. But by the Grace of GOD I was able to complete this mammoth task. I did not walk to lose weight, I walked to save lives. Yes I walked and yes we did it “

I was proud to carry the name of Wesley where ever I went & makes me more proud to be a Wesleyite when I see Old and Present boy’s coming forward to support and encourage.