Michael Iruthayam

Deputy National Director of CERI Sri Lanka

How It Started: 

My passion for helping vulnerable children navigate their future brought me here. 

Why CERI? 

I admired CERI’s one-to-one care structure and that it helped children in orphanages to flourish in a family environment. 

Behind the Scenes

I am part of the Christian Societies at my local church, where I facilitate bible studies, capacity building, small retreats, and more. I also support environmental development practices through local organizations. At home, I love to cook new recipes with my wife. 

What Protecting Childhood Means: 

It means ensuring that children experience life in all its fullness.

Favorite Childhood Memory:  

There is a Tamil cultural practice called “Nila Soru”, or “Moon Dinner”, where families gather outside to eat dinner together under the full moon.  

During the full moon, my family and I would sit on the sand outside, under the moonlight, gathered in a circle. My mother would take all the leftover rice, curries, and gravy, and mix them all together. She would make small portions to feed everyone – my father, siblings, neighboring friends, and herself – by hand. I can still remember the taste of the food and the happiness of this childhood moment.