This January marks five years since the passing of the late Kumarasingam—a man remembered for his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to family and community. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit continues to guide those whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who carry forward his values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance. It also endures through the many students who have benefited from the scholarship fund established in his name, a lasting testament to his lifelong belief in the power of education and opportunity. Kumarasingam’s presence remains deeply felt in the stories shared, the traditions upheld, and the love that continues to unite the Kumarasingam family.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, whose generosity and compassion make this work possible. Through your support, the foundation has helped several students take meaningful steps toward their educational goals. Your belief in the power of education has created opportunities, opened doors, and changed lives. Each student supported represents not only an individual achievement but a shared commitment to hope, growth, and a better future. We are truly honoured to partner with you in this mission. Thank you for investing in students, in education, and in the lasting impact your generosity continues to create, all in honour of the late Mr. Kumarasingam.
In August 2025, the Kumarasingam family gathered to celebrate Sivanesam’s 90th birthday. The week was filled with reflection, laughter, and stories that spanned generations. It was a heartfelt reunion that not only honoured Sivanesam’s remarkable milestone but also offered a moment to remember and celebrate Kumarasingam’s enduring legacy, five years after his passing. His spirit continues to live on through the love, resilience, and unity of his family values that remain at the heart of every gathering and every shared memory.
This summer’s celebration was especially meaningful as four generations of the Kumarasingam family came together under one roof. Surrounded by warmth and joy, stories of the past were lovingly shared with the youngest members, ensuring that the lessons and values that shaped earlier generations continue to thrive. The gathering stood as a powerful testament to the lasting influence of both Sivanesam and Kumarasingam, whose legacies remain woven into the fabric of the family they built.
As I embark on my own journey in education, I find myself reflecting deeply on the influential educators in my family who came before me. The legacy that Grandpa left behind is profound, and I feel an immense sense of pride in following in his footsteps. His lifelong commitment to learning and his belief in the transformative power of education continue to inspire me each day. I am reminded of Grandpa’s constant encouragement to seek knowledge, to teach with compassion, and to use education as a means of creating opportunity and bettering the lives of others. His values have shaped not only my path as an aspiring educator but also the way our family continues to honour his memory through curiosity, kindness, and a shared commitment to helping others grow.
– Ursala (Kumarasingam’s granddaughter)
This year also marks the first time in 32 years that the Blue Jays have made it to the final game in the playoffs. As a lifelong fan, Kumarasingam would have taken great joy in watching his team rise to new heights. Though they fell just short of the championship, their determination, teamwork, and resilience captured the hearts of fans across Canada. In many ways, their journey echoed the very qualities Kumarasingam embodied: optimism, persistence, and faith in the power of unity.
As we approach the upcoming new year, we would like to provide an update on the second set of students the scholarship fund is successfully supporting. The first is Vigitha Manohoran, a third-year student studying agriculture. The second student is Venusha Sithamparapillai, who is a third year student in agriculture. Followed by Mathushana Ratheeswaran, studying in his third year in agriculture. Fourth is Manohoran Brumansius, also in his third year of agriculture. The last student joining us this year is Thadsanamoorthy Dinesh, in his third year of agriculture. All students are studying at the University of Jaffna.
To date, the foundation has supported over five thousand students, made possible through the generosity of donors from Canada to Australia. It is a privilege to help these students take a meaningful step toward achieving their educational goals. Kumarasingam would be proud of their commitment to pursuing their education.
Our team was able to connect with the first batch of students at the end of 2024, and they have successfully graduated in Febraury of 2025.
Vinogini (in a blue dress) completed an internship program at CNE and successfully secured a job. The other students have also been successful in their endeavors.
© 2025 87 Initiative | All Rights Reserved | Website Developed by EchoPx.com
87 Initiative was formed in 2009, with the intention of improving the standard of Education in the under resourced areas of Sri Lanka
© 2024 87 Initiative | All Rights Reserved | Website Developed by EchoPx.com
