SLMASA Summer Smash – Reimagined for Flood Relief

From Celebration to Compassion

SLMASA has always believed in bringing families together through meaningful community events. During our anniversary celebration, we proudly announced plans for a Family Fun Day and Cricket Tournament, designed to connect families, strengthen relationships, and enjoy a full day of cricket and Sri Lankan food.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, 30 November at Pedler Reserve, preparations were well underway. Guided and coordianated by SLMASA team member Shiham Mohamed, Medals and trophies engraved with the SLMASA logo were organised, umpires booked, and matches prepared using the CricHeroes app that allows professional-style scoring and tournament management. Activities were planned for ladies and children, keeping the day truly family focused. Lunch was arranged with Barakah Caterers’ Kotthu, evening hoppers by the famous local ‘Island Kitchen’, and specially sister Zaina Sally running the SLMASA’s own drinks and snacks stall, fully supported by generous community donations.

When Sri Lanka Needed Us Most

As plans progressed, Sri Lanka was struck by devastating rains, landslides, and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on 28 November, just days before our event. One of the worst flood disasters in over 20 years, it left families without homes, power, water, or communication. For Sri Lankans living abroad, the pain and worry for loved ones back home was overwhelming.

Out of respect and empathy, SLMASA made an immediate decision to pause the event. Celebrations did not feel right during such hardship.

A Purpose Redefined

Instead of cancelling, the SLMASA organising team reflected deeply on how to respond with meaning. What began as the ‘SLMASA Summer Smash – Family Fun Day and Cricket Carnival’ was lovingly repurposed into a ‘fundraising initiative for flood-affected families in Sri Lanka’.

Alhamdulillah, with the compassion and unity of the truly patriotic Sri Lankan Muslim community in Adelaide, a simple gathering transformed into a powerful act of sadaqah.

The event was rescheduled to 07 December 2025 at Novar Gardens Ground. Six registered cricket teams competed, while families gathered from early morning. By lunchtime, the grounds were filled with people enjoying kotthu, hoppers, and heartfelt conversations checking on each other’s families back in Sri Lanka. The overwhelming turnout was a moving reminder that our community stands together when it matters most.

Unity, Gratitude, and Giving

We sincerely thank all cricket teams for their patience and support during the rescheduling. The  cooperation made the day possible.

Congratulations to ‘Wandana Strikers’, the tournament champions, and ‘The Rooz’, the runners-up. Every team displayed remarkable sportsmanship, unity, and community spirit.

Through the tournament, food stalls, and generous donations, SLMASA raised $2,000. Wanting this contribution to have lasting impact, we partnered with Tearz Foundation Sri Lanka, with special thanks to our Vice President Shanawaz Ali for coordinating this collaboration.

Supporting Mothers, Delivering Hope

SLMASA was eager to do a unique charity project and started researching on different options. A heartfelt request reached us from Gelioya in the Kandy District, one of the worst flood-affected areas. Approximately 50 pregnant mothers, many of whom had lost their homes and belongings, urgently needed support as they prepared to deliver their babies. Their details were verified by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Gelioya.
Using the funds raised, SLMASA provided maternity kits with essential hospital items, along with cash assistance to each mother to help ease immediate expenses. The maternity kits included,

Infant’s Items:
Baby clothes
Baby quilt
Baby towel
Baby pillow
Baby socks
Mittens
Baby nappies (2 pieces)
Disposable diapers (1 packet)
Baby serviette
Baby soap (2 bars)
Mosquito net
Basket

Mother’s Items:
Housecoat
Undergarments
Sanitary napkins
Plates
Other essentials

On Sunday, 21 December 2025, Tearz Foundation  travelled from Colombo to Gelioya and distributed the kits and cash at Kalugamuwa, Gelioya. Alhamdulillah, seeing the relief and gratitude on the faces of these mothers was deeply moving.

A Community That Chose Compassion

On behalf of SLMASA, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, purchased from stalls, or spread the word. Whether you gave a few dollars, donated items, or offered your time, every effort mattered.

This initiative teaches a strong lesson to every one of us that even in moments of uncertainty, we could rethink positively, adopt to change , face challenges , repurpose priorities and do much more better things rather than give up and cancel our initiatives. Most importantly, your kindness has helped around  50 mothers prepare for safe deliveries and given their unborn children a better start to life, by the grace of Allah. What a blessing it is to be part of a community that responds to hardship with compassion, unity, and action.

Marking another beautiful project planned and completed by SLMASA, a true reflection of what can be achieved when community, compassion, and purpose come together. May Allah accept this sadaqah from all who contributed!

– By Aakyl Haniffa