Daily News Woman

Concy Perera:

Lighting hearts of darkness

Ruwini Jayawardana

Moved by heart rending scenes of starving children and victims of poverty she decided to devote a chapter of her life for their welfare.

Along with a group of equally compassionate individuals she spearheaded many relief operations for the needy. Encouraged and touched by their words of gratitude this dedication soon turned into the very mission of her existence.

Concy Perera inherited the ability to touch hearts of many through her father, F.D. Steven Perera. She was born as the fifth child in a family of eight but it always seemed to be more of a place established for the welfare of children than a private home.

Her father had a passion to help the needy. His love for children was the leading force of his life. Their small home at Grandpass was filled not only with his children but children of relatives and children he had adopted.

This nest, filled with laughter and affection, was the breeding ground for Concy who learned to give and share at a tender age.

“My parents were very keen on helping others. I was inspired by their goodwill. They did not expect anything in return. They did not do it for fame,” said Concy.

She was educated at St. Joseph’s Balika, Grandpass and Good Shepherd’s Convent, Kotahena. She married soon after completing her studies and left Colombo. The couple was blessed with three children; two daughters and a son.

“My children have grown up. I have finished performing my duties towards them. Now it is time to do something on behalf of society and the future generation,” she said.

“I began by helping those close to me. I donated dry rations and clothes. Then it developed into a much broader scale,” she said, adding that this made way for her to form the Jeewa (Life) Foundation.

“It became a necessity to establish the foundation as we wanted to gather those willing to help the underprivileged and work towards a goal. Our motto is ‘We Will Give Life to You’.

The Jeewa Foundation’s charity related functions include sponsoring school events, underprivileged families, religious institutions, hospitals and disabled soldiers. They have also donated wheelchairs, spectacles, sewing machines and many more items.

Each year they organise a blood donation programme with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Blood Bank to distribute equipment necessary for schoolchildren and dry rations for the poor.

This year the annual event will be held at the Sudharshi Hall, Colombo 7, on January 13 at 8 a.m. Children representing all four religions from Sri Boudarama Daham Pasala, Vani Vitthiya Daham Pasala, Ehissaniya Arabic School and St. Anthony Sunday School will be present.

Child actress Sarala Kariyawasam, who brought international fame to Sri Lanka and the first four top scorers of last year’s Grade Five Scholarship Examination will be felicitated at this event.

“I respect the teachings of every religion. One religion alone cannot contribute to the development of a country. All four religions need to function together and set an example to society,” she added commenting that religion stands for the moral path to life.

You may be able to recall her face in Udayakantha Warnasuriya’s film, Aasai Mang Piyambanna. She plays Praveen’s (Roshan Ranawana) aunt’s role.

“It is a negative character, the complete opposite of me,” she said with a smile.

“I met Udayakantha at a function. He asked me if I would like to take up the role. I was pleased to contribute especially as the character is quite unlike me. It was a challenge. The first scene was shot in Matale and it was a scene of the family going on a picnic.”

Queried whether she would continue with acting, Concy stated that she has very little time to spare. She is a businesswoman, following in her father’s footsteps.

“If a good offer comes my way, I will do justice to the role but it is only for personal pleasure. Acting is not my profession.”

What was the most memorable experience in your life?

“I donated a home with essential equipment to a needy person close to me. Later she made a request to me, asking whether it is possible for me to aid her in constructing a well. It seemed that the whole village had only one well. I obliged. Later she became ill and was confined to bed.

Her daughter told me that she had thanked me endlessly because the well had been a great help to them during that difficult period. Those words mean a lot to me. They will be etched in my mind forever,” she replied with a note of sadness.

She has two future goals concerning her social service activities. She wishes to organise several health clinics for the poor in remote areas and build a place for homeless children, much like a village.

“It is a big project. I cannot take up this matter alone. I hope there are many who will join me in this worthy cause.” A small act can make a big difference. Never think that it is troublesome or that you do not have enough time. A helping hand is something which you can lend freely and your help will be valued for life.”

Handle the skin the right way

Sachitra Kalubowila

The face and nape of the neck as well as back of the hands are frequently exposed to sunlight and become rough and deeply lined. A balanced diet and sensible social habits such as abstinence from smoking or excessive drinking plus taking adequate rest give the skin a new start.

When you cleanse, tone, and moisturise your skin every morning and night, you should be careful to select the products that match your skin type.

Cleansers

Cleansers help remove dust, grime excess oil and make up from the skin. Use a soap free mild face wash for face and neck and another suitable cleanser for the body. It should be pH balanced and not disturb the skin’s normal functions and pH .

Cleansing milk or lotion remove heavy make up and deeply embedded dirt and other impurities. After using the cleanser make sure to wash with plenty of water to remove all cleansers from the skin.

Toners

Skin toners are also known as tonics, fresheners, astringents or clarifying lotions. When applied to the skin with a cotton wool pad, toners remove the final traces of grime, residues of cleansers and any loose flakes of dead skin cells. They leave the skin clean, fresh and invigorated before a moisturiser or make up is applied.

Its astringents help reduce the skin pore size temporarily which opens during cleansing. These help balance the moisture level of the skin.

Moisturisers

Since dry or dehydrated skin lacks water, moisturisers help reverse this. It improves the water reserve power and leaves the skin soft, smooth and supple. Make sure to select pH balanced mild moisturisers which suit your skin. Good moisturisers help retard the formation of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.

Toners and moisturisers should be applied in an upward direction and left for a few minutes for absorption before applying make-up orcosmetics. It seals moisture loss from the skin and also protects the skin.

Scrubs

Scrubs are classified as exfoliating products. Exfoliation involves the removal of the outermost dead layer of the skin. They are available as pastes, gels, creams, in which tiny abrasive particles have been suspended.

Facial scrubs are applied to the face and neck with wet fingertips and massaged gently with upward circular movements while avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse well after use.

It deeply cleanses the skin and makes it glow. But it is not advisable to use scrubs too often(usually not more than once a week). Otherwise they may cause physical damage to the skin. Those suffering from acne should avoid scrubs. It is recommended to apply toner and moisturiser following scrubbing.

(The writer is Chief Chemist, Harumi Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd)

Semolina Cake

Country: Egypt
Time: 70mins

100g Butter
50g Sugar
1 teasp Vanilla Extract
2 Eggs
400g fine Semolina
1 teasp Baking Powder
½ teasp Baking Soda
180ml Plain Yogurt
12 Blanched split Almonds
For the Syrup
400g Granulated Sugar
360ml Water
1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and grease a 20x30cm/8x12-inches baking tin. Sift together the semolina, baking powder and baking soda twice into a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Place the butter, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and cream together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well between each addition then add a little of the yoghurt.

Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, a little at a time and alternating with the remaining yogurt. Transfer the batter into the baking pan and place the almonds across in rows. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cake is cooked when tested with a toothpick which should come out clean when pushed into the cake.

Meanwhile, make the syrup by placing the sugar, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly over medium heat. Boil rapidly for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and stand the pan in cold water to cool it. Once the cake is cooked, spoon cooled syrup over the hot cake then allow to cool thoroughly.

Once cold, cut into diamond shapes or squares to serve. Serve with whipped cream. Can also be served as a dessert.