Causes
The Withanage Foundation donates its earnings to accredited organisations that work in the following areas:
Sustainable Development
The Withanage family supports several philanthropic and development orientated initiatives. The family is engaged in the development of environmental reserves for the preservation of delicate environments such as mangroves and primary rainforests. The family works with local communities to develop sustainable businesses to promote livelihoods in a manner that preserves cultural and indigenous beliefs. The family also sponsor healthcare initiatives in Asia which fund lifesaving operations on a daily basis.
The Arts
The Withanage family is currently working to support the arts, across music, art, literature, film and television, and to conserve important cultural assets. The family is engaged in promoting the careers of aspiring artists and preserving the legacy of modern masters. The family feels strongly that the arts are a crucial part of life, and should be sustained and energised for future generations.
Research & Exploration
The Withanage family supports navigation work by land and sea to cover a number of fields of study. Fellows work with prominent universities and foundations to advance research for approved post graduate work and raise money for worthy causes. The family works for the advancement in the fields of earth sciences, oceanography, geography, and archaeology. Rahul R. Withanage is particularly passionate about the exploration & preservation of Borneo which is home to the world’s oldest rainforest and incredible cultural and biological diversity.
Healthcare
The Withanage family supports healthcare initiatives that expand access to essential treatment and improve outcomes for individuals and communities in need. Its activities include helping to fund lifesaving operations in Asia, supporting medical institutions and encouraging sustainable models capable of delivering high-quality care over the long term. The family believes that access to effective healthcare is fundamental to human dignity, social resilience and the fulfilment of human potential.
Education
The Withanage family supports educational initiatives that broaden access to knowledge, develop human potential and strengthen the institutions upon which future generations depend. Its interests extend from scholarships and academic research to skills development, cultural education and partnerships with schools, universities and other centres of learning. Particular emphasis is placed on education that encourages intellectual independence, responsible leadership and a deeper understanding of society, culture and the natural world.
Comparative Religion
The Withanage family supports scholars and religious leaders in promoting the study of comparative religion, which is the branch of the study concerned with the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices of the world's faiths. The comparative study of religion yields a deeper understanding of fundamental philosophical concerns such as ethics, metaphysics and the nature and form of salvation. The goal is a richer and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual and divine. The Withanage family are partners with Faith in the Commonwealth, a global citizenship education program for young citizens of all faiths and none across all the nations of the Commonwealth.
Advocacy & Activism
Withanage trained as a lawyer and political scientist with a focus on predictive regime dynamics between authoritarianism and democracy. His postgraduate study in the field was particularly focused on counter-hegemonics and democratization. Withanage established BMB Islamic in 2006 as a leading think tank on Shariah compliant finance which was responsible for significant innovation and reformation of Shariah Law. BMB Islamic advised the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office and the Organization of Islamic Countries on the development of charitable initiatives for socioeconomic equality. Rayo De Alwis Withanage has been a proactive advocate, working with religious, intergovernmental and world leaders to promote inclusion and equality on the basis of race, gender and sexual orientation.
The Withanage family also supports the development of commercially sustainable, for-profit institutions that create enduring economic and social value. A portion of the proceeds generated through these activities is donated to support the causes outlined above.
From ignorance, lead me to truth; From darkness, lead me to light; From death lead me to immortality
