Sandalanka Sanda (සඳලංකා සඳ)

Vincenet Subasinghe’s unique character, very uncommon during his era, was his true belief and real practise of local development. After his studies, he did not settle in Colombo but returned back to his home town of Sandalankawa. He resided in Sandalankawa until his death. He actively contributed to socio-economic development in the region in various ways. He mainly carried our projects and ventures in the health sector, education, agriculture and economic development. Among many of his initiatives, Sandalankawa Central College, Sandalankawa Cooperative Hospital and Sandalankawa Multi-purpose Cooperative Society are probably the most important ventures. Vincent Subasinghe is still regarded as “Sandalaka Sanda” or “ Moon of Sandalankawa”. His work not only has contributed to the socio-economic development but also helped Sandalankawa to build a very positive image as a prosperous and progressive place in the Island.

Vincent Subasinghe naturally contributed to his home region of Sandalanka by founding the Cooperative there. In addition, he also helped the uplifting of the living conditions of the people even at personal capacity. At very young age, he donated properties and resources he inherited from his father for various social purposes. Throughout his life, he has done philanthropy work in various forms and occasions particularly for agriculture and irrigation, education, health, religious development and poverty elevations. He has used most of his wealth for the people in the region even by forgoing his own comfort and luxury. Many of the projects and ventures he created are still in operation and offer benefits to many people. Therefore even today, he remains the symbol of genericity in the minds of thousands of families living in Sandalankawa justifying his nickname of “ Moon of Sandalankawa”.