Anisha’s Story: A Volunteer’s Perspective – Wijerama Community Kitchen

In the days following Cyclone Ditwah, volunteering at the Wijerama Community Kitchen
became an experience I know I will carry with me for a long time.

Having been involved in community service even before joining Cinnamon Hotels, I’ve
always felt strongly about being part of initiatives that go beyond intent, ones that
continuously assess real needs and create tangible impact on the ground. The
Wijerama Community Kitchen was exactly that. It was a space where public generosity
and volunteer action met meaningfully, with donated supplies transformed into hot
meals, prepared and served to those who needed them most.

What stayed with me was not just the urgency of the situation, but the quiet resilience
that filled the space. As volunteers, we fell into a rhythm that felt almost instinctive,
preparing meals, organising supplies, stepping in where needed without pause or the
need for instruction. There was a shared understanding of purpose, and it carried us
through each moment, despite some of the volunteers having been personally impacted
by the floods themselves.

Amidst it all were the smaller, more human moments, a smile exchanged across a busy
kitchen, a quiet word of thanks, the simple act of showing up for someone else. In many
ways, these felt just as significant as the work itself.

What made the experience truly meaningful was witnessing the strength of the
community. Even in the face of disruption, there was warmth, generosity, and an
unwavering willingness to support one another. Being part of that collective effort was
both humbling and grounding.
Volunteering at the Wijerama Community Kitchen was not just about responding to a
moment of need, it was about presence, connection, and the quiet power of compassion
in action.

Anisha Niyas.
Manager, Strategic Partnerships,
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.