Anusha David introduces a fundraiser in aid of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka, where Fashion, Art, and Compassion for Rescue Animals come together.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

For over 25 years, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS) has stood as a beacon of compassion for the voiceless. The driving force behind the organisation is Anusha David, who began her animal welfare journey at just eight years old when she rescued two flea-ridden pups on her way to school and hid them in her class handwork cupboard. What began as a childhood act of kindness has since grown into a lifelong mission of advocacy for all creatures—dogs, cats, elephants, monkeys, farm animals, birds, and reptiles.

Today, the RAS shelter in Sri Lanka houses 92 dogs and 18 cats, lovingly cared for by three full-time staff members. Beyond sheltering, RAS campaigns for animal rights across the board, speaking for the voiceless and giving dignity to animals in distress. This enormous effort is funded entirely through donations, partnerships, and special events like the upcoming Gabriel’s Charity Auction.

The event is named in memory of Gabriel, one of Anusha’s beloved rescues, who touched her life deeply. Gabriel’s story embodies what RAS stands for—love, resilience, and the belief that every animal deserves a chance at happiness. Through this auction, Gabriel’s name and spirit live on, helping countless others find comfort and care.

On 31st October, Cinnamon Grand Colombo will host the auction at The Mahogany, with the evening featuring cocktails, a four-course dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a fashion show with some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated designers. We spoke to Anusha David about the event, the story of RAS, and why support for animal welfare has never been more important.

Q: Anusha, what inspired Gabriel’s Charity Auction, and what do you hope it will achieve?

A: Gabriel’s Charity Auction was inspired by the belief that fundraising can also be joyous, memorable, and creative. It is named in honour of Gabriel, one of my beloved rescues, and it reflects the spirit of love and compassion that drives our work. We wanted to create an evening where people can enjoy themselves—cocktails, dinner, music, fashion—while also giving back to a cause that desperately needs support.

The event will feature a silent auction with a wonderful variety of items: paintings, jewellery, pottery, designer clothing, and more. We are also hosting a fashion show with some of the country’s most talented designers—Aditi, Brian Kerkoven, Charini, Dhammika Amarasekara, Jai by Aashkii, LIMAK by KAMIL, and RADISI. Add to that live entertainment by En Route and the setting of Cinnamon Grand’s Mahogany, and I think guests will agree it will be a truly unforgettable evening.

But more than anything, what I hope to achieve is awareness and funds. Every rupee raised will go directly to RAS, helping us to feed, house, and care for the 92 dogs and 18 cats at our shelter, as well as to support our wider advocacy work across Sri Lanka.

Q: Rescue Animals Sri Lanka has been around for decades. Could you tell us more about its history and mission?

A: RAS was formally incorporated as a trust over 25 years ago by D. L. & F. de Sarams, but my personal journey with animal welfare goes back to my childhood. From the moment I brought those two sick puppies home from school, I knew this was what I was meant to do. Since then, I have devoted my life to speaking for the voiceless—because they cannot speak for themselves.

Our mission is broad but simple: to protect and care for all animals, whether they are dogs and cats on the streets, or farm animals, elephants, monkeys, birds, and reptiles, who also face abuse and neglect. The shelter itself is just one part of our work—we also raise awareness, push for better welfare standards, and try to change hearts and minds.

The reality is heartbreaking: there are countless stray dogs and cats in Sri Lanka, many of them sick, starving, or injured. Without organisations like RAS, these animals would have nowhere to go. We cannot save them all, but for those who come under our care, we can make a world of difference.

Q: This event has brought together many partners from across Sri Lanka’s corporate and creative communities. How important are these partnerships to RAS?

A: They are absolutely vital. Without partnerships, we could not survive. We are so grateful to our Hospitality Partner, Cinnamon Grand, who has supported us in so many ways over the years, even opening a cattery at the hotel. Wijeya Newspapers, our Print Media Partner, have been incredible in giving us visibility, while Gravitas and Zelus have given their expertise in advertising and social media.

Fashion has also played a huge role, with designers like Aditi and Brian Kerkoven stepping up to support our cause. In fact, Aditi was one of the first corporates to partner with us, and they continue to be wonderful champions for animal welfare. Their Managing Director, Mahika Weerakoon, has often said that animal welfare and environmental protection are as much a part of corporate social responsibility as caring for people—and I couldn’t agree more.

We’re also thrilled to have Lanka IOC as a partner, who are showing real leadership in incorporating animal welfare into their CSR ethos. Their Managing Director, Dipak Das, has expressed the hope that other corporates will follow their lead—and I share that hope. If every company in Sri Lanka contributed even a little to animal welfare, the difference would be extraordinary.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to give readers who may be inspired by your story to support RAS?

A: My message is simple: compassion costs nothing, but it can change everything. The animals in our care—and the thousands more still on the streets—rely on us to be their voice and their protectors. Every donation, whether large or small, helps us buy food, provide medical care, and keep our shelter running.

Events like Gabriel’s Charity Auction are not only about raising funds, but also about raising awareness. If we can touch someone’s heart and inspire them to adopt, foster, donate, or even just show kindness to a stray on the street, then we are succeeding.

Sri Lanka has a long way to go in terms of animal welfare, but I truly believe change is possible. And it starts with each of us choosing compassion.