Sun Match Company, hailing from the hill capital Kandy, introduced Sri Lankan households to the first wax-coated safety matches under the brand Soorya. To mark the 22nd death anniversary of its founder, the late TRR Rajan, the company donated its 240th prosthetic limb, making it a milestone year for the organisation.
Sun Match Company is the market leader in Sri Lanka’s matchbox category and has diversified into various products, including Soorya incense sticks, Soorya candles, Soorya Sambrani, and other FMCG products.
The Navatha Avidimu initiative, dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to underprivileged amputees, addresses a critical need while offering individuals a new lease on life. This programme embodies the ethos of TRR Rajan, who believed in going beyond mere charity—helping individuals not just regain mobility but truly empowering them.
In addition to prosthetic limbs, the programme also provides education and rehabilitation support to help beneficiaries reach their full potential in life and society. The recent donation event was held in the presence of Chairman Deshamanya Suri Rajan, the late TRR Rajan’s wife Jeewa, daughters Gowri, Ahalya, and Ashwini, as well as the management and staff of Sun Match.
The brand ambassador for Soorya, Yashodha Wimaladharma—one of Sri Lanka’s most respected silver screen stars—emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating:
“Giving a person the ability to walk is the greatest gift one can give to humanity today.”
Sun Match Director and CMO Gowri Rajan remarked:
“The Navatha Avidimu initiative is a testament to Sun Match Company’s enduring commitment to all communities. As we commemorate the 22nd death anniversary of our visionary founder, TRR Rajan, we honour not only his legacy but also provide amputees with prosthetics that symbolise hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of progress. Through Navatha Avidimu, we continue to light the way, creating paths of empowerment and transformation for those who inspire us with their strength.”
The late TRR Rajan was instrumental in revitalising the Centre for Handicapped in Kundasale, which is now a government-approved charity. The centre is dedicated to identifying patients and manufacturing prosthetic limbs, making it a signature project in Kandy. During his tenure as the Centre’s President, TRR Rajan partnered with reputed organisations such as USAID and NORAD, alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, to manufacture and distribute prosthetic limbs to individuals, regardless of their ethnic background or gender.
“We continued this initiative even during COVID and the economic crisis, as a mark of respect to our founder,” said Suri Rajan, Chairman of Sun Match and brother of the late TRR Rajan.
With a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, Sun Match strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of Sri Lankans and is proud to be the only company in its category consistently engaged in such a significant CSR initiative. Through Navatha Avidimu, Sun Match not only helps individuals regain mobility but also empowers them to rejoin the workforce and lead dignified, independent lives.
