History – Mannar Friendship Association

info@MFAonline.ca

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

25th Anniversary — 2001 to 2026

Mannar Friendship

Association

MANNAR FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION · 2001 — 2026

Twenty-Five Years of

Service & Sacrifice

“Serving Our Community in the Company of Friends.”

↓ OUR STORY

When Mannar families arrived in Canada, they found no community to call their own. Ten friends decided to change that.

The Mannar Friendship Association was founded in Toronto, Canada, in 2001 — not by a formal institution or a wealthy benefactor, but by ten ordinary people who shared an extraordinary commitment to their roots. The initiative was driven by Mr. Jeevaratnam (DSO), former District Sports Officer of Mannar, who brought together Jude Yoganathan, Rohan Mathews, Bertie Kingsley, Charles Maharajah and others around a single idea: the people of Mannar deserved a home away from home.

From the beginning, MFA operated as a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization. Every dollar raised has gone directly to the people who need it — students who needed scholarships, families displaced by war, children orphaned by circumstance, and communities devastated by disaster.

Twenty-five years later, that founding spirit remains unchanged.

2001

Year founded

10

Founding Members

2005

Registered non-profit, Ontario

A QUARTER CENTURY

The Story, year by year

2001 — THE BEGINNING

MFA is Founded in Toronto

Jude Yoganathan becomes the first President. Early activities include cultural programs, music and dance events, and sports tournaments..

2001 — THE BEGINNING

2002 — A TRADITION IS BORN

First Mannar Night & University Scholarship Program

The first Mannar Night is held at St. Lawrence Church Hall. The Scholarship Program launches to support financially disadvantaged students from Mannar who have gained university admission.

2002 — A TRADITION IS BORN

2004 — RESPONDING TO CRISIS

Tsunami relief — $4,859+ raised

When the tsunami devastates Sri Lanka, MFA mobilises immediately, channelling funds to medical institutions and affected communities across the island.

2004 — RESPONDING TO CRISIS

2007 — A TURNING POINT

First souvenir magazine, Trust Fund & banquet halls

Under President Bertie Kingsley, MFA transforms — the first printed magazine, a move from church halls to banquet halls, and a Trust Account established at Hatton National Bank in Sri Lanka with a $5,000 deposit.

2007 — A TURNING POINT

2012 — BRIDGE TO MANNAR

160 war-affected children supported

One of MFA’s most significant humanitarian projects — school bags, uniform materials, stationery, and books for 160 children across three resettled villages: Adamban, Aandaankulam, and Aatkativeli.

2012 — BRIDGE TO MANNAR

2014–2015 — YOUTH & SPORT

Football tournaments — $30,000+ raised

2014–2015 — YOUTH & SPORT

2020–2021 — THROUGH A PANDEMIC

COVID-19 emergency relief — $6,395 CAD in medical equipment

No Mannar Nights. No magazines. But MFA does not stop. An ECG machine, four syringe pumps, and two patient monitors are donated to Mannar General Hospital. Twenty students affected by a bus and train crash receive emergency support.

2020–2021 — THROUGH A PANDEMIC

2021 — EMERGENCY CRISIS RELIEF

Talaimannar crash — emergency student support

Following a tragic bus and train collision, MFA coordinates immediate emergency relief at Talaimannar GTMS School. Return-to-school packages and Rs. 5,000 are distributed to 20 affected students, alongside Rs. 20,000 in direct financial assistance to an injured school master.

2021 — EMERGENCY CRISIS RELIEF

2024 — A HISTORIC FIRST

Indra Michael Xavier — MFA’s first female President

After a decade under President Sylvester Nicholas, MFA enters a new chapter. Indra Michael Xavier becomes the first female President, launching the Sebamalai Mariyannai orphanage partnership supporting 25 children.

2024 — A HISTORIC FIRST

2026 — SILVER JUBILEE

25th Anniversary — still serving

MFA celebrates 25 years. Flood relief reaches 80 families in the Nanattan division. The 25th Mannar Night is planned for November 2026. The founding spirit is unchanged.

2026 — SILVER JUBILEE

THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT ALL

Community pillars & unsung heroes

MFA would not exist without the people who worked behind the scenes, year after year, without recognition or reward.

JM

Jeevaratnam Murugesupillai (DSO)

Pioneer & Most Valued Member (2015)

The driving force behind MFA’s founding. Former District Sports Officer of Mannar. Spearheaded football tournaments, mentored presidents, and continues to guide MFA to this day.

GN

George Nicholas (“George Uncle”)

MFA Director · Celebrated his 90th birthday

Personally contacted Mannar community members across the GTA. Sold Mannar Night tickets even in old age. Collected membership fees at Summer BBQs. A mentor to every president who served.

SM

Suresh Mathews (1966-2024)

MFA Treasurer · In memoriam

Instrumental in launching the University Scholarship Program. In its earliest days, ten members including Suresh each contributed $100 to support a single student. That program grew to support 45+.

RM

Ravi Mathews (1965–2024)

Volunteer · The BBQ King · In memoriam

Known for operating the grill at Summer BBQs in scorching heat without complaint. Always cheerful, always present. A reminder that community is held together by people who show up.

THE NUMBERS

What 25 years looks like ?

45+

Students through the University Scholarship Program

160

War-affected children supported through Bridge to Mannar

$30K+