P. Manjula the 2nd batch Groundnut beneficiary has had a successful cultivation and marketing of her goods

COVID-19 relief items were distributed by the Puthukudiyiruppu DS office to the villages Valluvarpuram, Theravil and Manikkapuram

K. Karikaran the 2nd batch Groundnut beneficiary has gained a successful cultivation, following the new groundnut cultivation technique

A two-day training workshop on writing stories based on the real life of marginalized women, organized by the Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ), was held on the 11th and 12th of March 2023. SLCJ is a partner organization of the Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitationâ??s project â??Let the Women Decide the Marginâ?? implemented under the financial support of the European Union. Mr. Tissa Wijetunga, Executive Director of SLCDF was invited as the Chief Guest. Four staff of SLCDF attended the workshop as participants found it productive and useful.

Youth participants of the "No to Gender Violence in Sri Lanka" project conducted a Street Drama performance on 14th March, 2023, at Kalawanchikudi in Batticaloa. This is one of the project components and was observed by Ms. Janet Yates, Senior International Development Officer of the Global Affairs Canada and Ms. Linda Ehrichs, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka. Senior Programme Officer Ms. Savini Sirikumara accompanied Ms. Janet Yates on her project visits to all three projects districts of Batticaloa, Kilinochchi and Hambantota.

Mahashakthy Women's Federation (MWF) celebrated the International Women's Day on 18th of March 2023. Kilinochchi District Secretary/Government Agent Ms. Rupavathy Ketheeswaran, as the Chief Guest graced the occasion. Head of Legal Aid Commission/Lawyer Ms. Saranja and District Women Development Officer Ms. Uthayani were invited as the Special Guests for this celebration. In addition, Mahashakthy celebrated their 20th anniversary and the employees who served for 20 years were honoured with â??Community Activist Awardâ?? while other employees were awarded certificates of appreciation. The President of Mahashakthy (MWF) was present at this event. SLCDF is one of the organizations supported to make this celebration a success.

A Debate Tournament was organized by Dakshina Friendship Community Development Foundation under â??No to Gender Violence in Sri Lankaâ?? project on 19th of March, 2023. It was held at the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium with the support of SLCDF Hambantota GAC Field Project Office, Women Development Federation (WDF) and Hambantota Rural Organization Development Foundation (HRODF- Hambantota DC). The Chief Guest was Ms. Lakmali Kodithuwakku, the Officer-in-Charge of Police Children and Womenâ??s Bureau, Tangalle Division. The topic of the debate was â??Does the social media and internet increase the Gender Based Violence in the society?â??. There were 160 people in this programme. The team led by Ms. Imali Kolambahewa won the tournament and the team led by Mr. Sathya Imesha was the Runners-up.

ABHIMANI Self Help Group (SHG) in Kekirawa, Mankadawala was formed by Rajarata Praja Kendraya (RPK) our partner organization. Under the European Union (EU2) project named â??Let the Women Decide the Marginâ??, ABHIMANI SHG successfully launched a drinking water project on 22nd of March 2023. Through RPK, the group was able to establish the necessary infrastructure and distribution network. The project provides purified drinking water to seven nearby villages of Kekirawa, Mankadawala in Anuradhapura district, at the rate of Rs. 2 per liter. It benefits hundreds of households and managed by ABHIMANI SHG. While providing a basic need for the community, ABHIMANI SHG project also serves as a sustainable income generation activity. The launch of the project was celebrated by members of the ABHIMANI SHG and RPK with the surrounding communities. The project is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact that can be achieved through collaboration and support.

The National Youth Services Council (NYSC) organized a Two-day coaching programme for youth trainers on 31st of March and 01st of April, 2023 at the Devi Rest Training Centre in Mirijjawila, Hambantota. Six trainers participated in the programme, conducted by Ms. Gayathri Gamage, an expert in the field. The coaching programme covered a variety of topics, including Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender mainstreaming, power, law, and other issues, that are essential for creating awareness among the youth. The programme aimed to equip the trainers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively address these issues and raise awareness among the youth. The coaching programme was well-received by the attendees and they appreciated the opportunity given to enhance their skills in this special field.

The Hambantota District Consortium organized a training programme for Government Officials working with women and children at the Women Development Federation Training Centre on March 30, 31, and April 01. This 3-day programme was attended by 24 participants, including Women Development Officers, Child Rights Protection Officers, Counselors, and Child Protection Officers. Ms. Udeni Therawapperuma and Dr. Danushka Ganegoda were the resource persons of the programme, imparting their knowledge and expertise it. The Global Affairs Canada (GAC) project staff team in Hambantota provided support for the program. The training program aimed to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with issues related to women and children effectively. Those participants appreciated the opportunity availed to them to learn and develop their abilities in this field.

The National Youth Services Council (NYSC) organized a No to Gender Violence village level awareness programme for Youth in Mylambaveli, Chenkalady in Batticaloa district on April 1, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The programme was aimed at raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its impact on society. District Trainers are Mr. Lavan Raj and Ms. Amuthavili led the programme, while Youth Leaders and other District trainers Ms. Gukanapriyanka and Ms. Sarmila provided support. 13 male and 12 female youth and a Youth Service Officer participated. The programme highlighted the importance of preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality. This project is supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through Developing World Connections (DWC).

EU02 - Let the Women Decide the Margin (LWDM) organized a sensitization programme successfully for 70 rural youth club leaders at the GOGO Hotel premises in Dodamgaslanda on 2nd of April 2023. The program aimed to raise awareness about marginalized women and gender issues prevalent in Sri Lanka. The day-long event started at 9.00 am and continued till 4.45 pm. The participants were engaged in interactive discussions on the challenges faced by marginalized women in accessing basic rights and services, such as education, healthcare, and employment. The programme also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality and creating safe spaces for women in rural communities. This project is funded by the European Union (EU).

Agreement signed between NLEAP and SLCDF under the Food Relief Initiative which is designed and implemented to provide relief to the populations affected by the Economic Crisis of Sri Lanka to enhance the Government of Canadaâ??s support towards the people of Sri Lanka in addressing an immediate and urgent humanitarian need. SLCDF will be providing food relief packages in Moneragala and Anuradhapura. The eligible beneficiaries are differently-abled persons, senior citizens, low-income families, single-parent families, women-headed households, families with lactating and pregnant mothers, families with children 14 years of age and below, people with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, people suffering from mental disorder, and those severely affected by the economic crisis. A total 280 families will benefit through this programme. SLCDF signed the agreement with Monaragala District Consortium on 7th April, they being the local organization taking the responsibility of the total food distribution in Monaragala. Plans underway for distribution to take place on 11th and 12th April for 150 families in Monaragala. National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP), implemented by Alinea International, is a bilateral project between the Government of Canada and Sri Lanka designed to respond to Sri Lanka's need for strengthening implementation of Sri Lankaâ??s Official Languages Policy (OLP).

On April 20th, 2023, we organized a partner meeting to discuss the progress of the "Let the Women Decide the Margin" project, funded by the European Union. The aim of the project is to empower marginalized women, including Deserted Women, Female Sex workers and Single Women in selected districts. The meeting was attended by project partners, including the Centre for Women's Research (CENWOR), Rajarata Praja Kendraya, Anuradhapura (RPK), Federation of Social Development Organization, Vavuniya (FOSDOO), Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Colombo (SLCJ) and Community Strength Development Foundation (CSDF). During this meeting, the partners shared their challenges, and future plans for the project. They discussed the progress made thus far and exchanged their ideas on how to overcome challenges in implementing the project. They also discussed about their plans for the future and ways to ensure the sustainability of the project.

The National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP) Food Relief Initiative which is designed and implemented to provide relief to the populations affected by the economic crisis of Sri Lanka to enhance the Government of Canadaâ??s support towards the people of Sri Lanka in addressing an immediate and urgent humanitarian need. Under the NLEAP project, SLCDF successfully provided food relief packages in Moneragala on 11th and 12th of April, 2023 for 150 families with the support of Monaragala District Consortium. The beneficiary families included those with differently-abled persons, senior citizens, low-income families, single-parent families, women-headed households, families with lactating and pregnant mothers, families with children 14 years of age and below, people with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, people suffering from mental disorder, and those severely affected by the economic crisis. SLCDF staff and officials of NLEAP project & several government officials joined along with the Monaragala district consortium for the distribution. The next batch of food relief packages will be distributed among similar communities in the district of Anuradhapura on 2nd & 3rd of May.

National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP) through Global Affairs Canada funded a humanitarian food relief initiative for 130 poorest of the poor families in the Anuradhapura District. SLCDF facilitated Anuradhapura District NGO Consortium in engaging in food distribution as a local NGO. The beneficiaries selected were from villages of Talawa, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Minhintale, Rambewa, Kekirawa, Nuwara Palatha East, Kebitigollewa and Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat Divisions, identified with the help of the Grama Niladhari Officers to provide food ration parcels. A criterion was prepared to give priority to families with Women headed households, those with no permanent income, persons with disabilities, lactating and pregnant mothers, more than 3 children and families with prolonged diseases when choosing beneficiaries to support under this programme. Food rations pack containing Rice, Chilli Powder, Coconuts, Salt, Wheat Flour, Dhal, Soya Meat, Sugar, Tea Leaves, Cooking oil, Milk powder, Tinned Fish, Chickpeas and Green Gram were given to each family. One hundred and thirty food rations parcels were distributed on the 2nd and 3rd of May in the presence of NLEAP staff and Local Government officials who also participated in the distribution of the goods. A similar programme was already carried out on April 11th and 12th in Monaragala District prior to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year for 150 families.

National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP) through Global Affairs Canada funded a humanitarian food relief initiative for 130 poorest of the poor families in the Anuradhapura District. SLCDF facilitated Anuradhapura District NGO Consortium in engaging in food distribution as a local NGO. The beneficiaries selected were from villages of Talawa, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Minhintale, Rambewa, Kekirawa, Nuwara Palatha East, Kebitigollewa and Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat Divisions, identified with the help of the Grama Niladhari Officers to provide food ration parcels. A criterion was prepared to give priority to families with Women headed households, those with no permanent income, persons with disabilities, lactating and pregnant mothers, more than 3 children and families with prolonged diseases when choosing beneficiaries to support under this programme. Food rations pack containing Rice, Chilli Powder, Coconuts, Salt, Wheat Flour, Dhal, Soya Meat, Sugar, Tea Leaves, Cooking oil, Milk powder, Tinned Fish, Chickpeas and Green Gram were given to each family. One hundred and thirty food rations parcels were distributed on the 2nd and 3rd of May in the presence of NLEAP staff and Local Government officials who also participated in the distribution of the goods. A similar programme was already carried out on April 11th and 12th in Monaragala District prior to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year for 150 families.

National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP) through Global Affairs Canada funded a humanitarian food relief initiative for 130 poorest of the poor families in the Anuradhapura District. SLCDF facilitated Anuradhapura District NGO Consortium in engaging in food distribution as a local NGO. The beneficiaries selected were from villages of Talawa, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Minhintale, Rambewa, Kekirawa, Nuwara Palatha East, Kebitigollewa and Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat Divisions, identified with the help of the Grama Niladhari Officers to provide food ration parcels. A criterion was prepared to give priority to families with Women headed households, those with no permanent income, persons with disabilities, lactating and pregnant mothers, more than 3 children and families with prolonged diseases when choosing beneficiaries to support under this programme. Food rations pack containing Rice, Chilli Powder, Coconuts, Salt, Wheat Flour, Dhal, Soya Meat, Sugar, Tea Leaves, Cooking oil, Milk powder, Tinned Fish, Chickpeas and Green Gram were given to each family. One hundred and thirty food rations parcels were distributed on the 2nd and 3rd of May in the presence of NLEAP staff and Local Government officials who also participated in the distribution of the goods. A similar programme was already carried out on April 11th and 12th in Monaragala District prior to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year for 150 families.

A donation of childrenâ??s play equipment for the counseling centers of Hambantota District Secretary's office and 12 Divisional Secretariesâ?? office counseling units was held on 10th May, 2023 at the Hambantota District Secretary's office. This was initiated by the District Secretary and the donation was made by SLCDF in response to a request from the Counselling Unit of the District Secretaryâ??s office. Many victim women come with children when they need counselling service and it is difficult to properly manage the counselling sessions with the children. The counselling sessions can be challenging when women seeking services bring along their children. This donation was done under the psycho-social support by â??No to Gender Violence in Sri Lankaâ?? project funded by Developing World Connections (DWC). Here the children play equipment containing story books, toys, drawing books, pens, pencils, pastel were symbolically donated to the District Secretary (Government Agent) Mr. H.P Sumanasekara. District Women Development Officer Ms. Chandani, Hambantota District NGO Coordinator Ms. Nirosha, SLCDF Field Manager Mr. Ruwan Satyawardana, Women Development Federation Field Officer Ms. Saroja, Dakshina Friendship Community Development Foundation Field Officer Ms. Chamila and Hambantota Rural Organization Development Foundation (Hambantota District Consortium) Field Officer Mr. Pubudu participated in this event.

The project, "Let the Women Decide the Margin," funded by the European Union and implemented by Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation (SLCDF) and partner organizations Centre for Women Research (CENWOR), Community Strength Development Foundation (CSDF), Rajarata Praja Kendraya (RPK), Federation of Social Development Organization (FOSDOO) and Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ) have been successful in transforming the lives of the marginalized women. One inspiring story is that of D.M. Thilakawathi, a 55-year-old resident of Maradankadawala, Pallekagama in Kekirawa area who embodies the true spirit of resilience. Born without the left arm, Thilakawathi faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Thanks to RPK she was provided with a transformative opportunity through the project. Thilakawathi's passion for sewing, which she had nurtured since childhood, became her path to empowerment. When RPK, discovered her remarkable talent, they provided unwavering support to develop her skills and business, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown period when she had no source of income. With the assistance of the project, Thilakawathi obtained an impressive NVQ Level 3 certificate in sewing through the RPK. Recognizing the value of her own expertise, she now offers training opportunities to new trainees at her tailoring shop and has become a beacon of hope for others. With the income from her thriving business, Thilakawathi was able to construct a permanent home for herself and her 76-year-old mother staying with her. RPK has been her constant source of strength and support, playing a crucial role in her success. At a momentous Women's Day celebration, RPK honored Thilakawathi in the presence of a large gathering on International Womenâ??s Day as the â??Empowered Woman of the Year.â?? The significance of this recognition cannot be understated, as it provided her with an immense boost to elevate her business to new heights. Thilakawathi realized her worth as a valuable member of society, and this newfound sense of self has propelled her forward on her remarkable journey. Today, Thilakawathi's achievements extend beyond her personal growth. As a proud member of the Kekirawa Trade Association, she has created job opportunities for others, proving that disability is not a barrier to success. Her selflessness and dedication inspire all who know her. Through the "Let Women Decide the Margin" project, marginalized women like Thilakawathi have found a pathway to a brighter future, where skills and talents are nurtured, transforming lives and communities. The European Union's support, along with the dedication of SLCDF and its partner organizations, has paved the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society.

SLCDF, along with the District Consortium of Kegalle, visited Welikanda Primary School in Rambukkana, Kegalle, to initiate a school building construction project. This building activity where Canadian volunteers too are participating will facilitate community upliftment by improving the quality of education of the students. The project is an effort by SLCDF and funded by Developing World Connections (DWC). It is scheduled to begin in June, and the building is expected to be handed over to the students by November, 2023.

On June 6th, 2023, SLCDF held a partner meeting to review the "Let the Women Decide the Margin" project, funded by the European Union. The project aims to empower marginalized women, including Deserted Women, Female Sex Workers and Single Women in selected districts. Attendees included project partners: Centre for Women's Research (CENWOR), Rajarata Praja Kendraya, Anuradhapura (RPK), Federation of Social Development Organization (FOSDOO), Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Colombo (SLCJ) and Community Strength Development Foundation (CSDF). During the meeting, partners discussed the upcoming National Workshop, addressed project challenges, and planned for the completion of the project. They exchanged ideas to overcome implementation hurdles to complete the project on time while exploring ways to ensure its long-term sustainability

We are thrilled to share the success of the "Let the Women Decide the Margin" project! In collaboration with esteemed partner organizations Rajarata Praja Kendraya (RPK), Community Strength Development Foundation (CSDF), Federation of Social Development Organizations (FOSDOO), Centre for Womenâ??s Research (CENWOR) and Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ), we organized an incredible symposium at Waters Edge on 16th of June 2023. Over 150 amazing individuals participated in this inspiring event, including Ms. Sewwandi Yapa and Ms. Dharshani Premaratne from the European Union, Ms. Chamila Jayasundara, Chief Inspector of Police of the Women and Child Abuse Prevention Unit, and Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of Policy Analysis and Development, Ministry of Health. We were honoured to have representatives from donor organizations Dr. Ramya Jirasinghe (Kindernothilfe) and Ms. Dharshani Abeykoon and Ms Anuradhi Perera (The Asia Foundation), along with many other passionate individuals representing NGOs/INGOs. This event created an opportunity to showcase the remarkable achievements of our project, which focuses on mobilizing, organizing, and empowering marginalized groups of women, particularly Single Women (SW), Deserted Women (DW), and Female Sex Workers (FSW) in eight districts of Sri Lanka. We emphasized the positive transformations in their lives, including advancements in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and efforts to combat discrimination and violence. A highlight of this Symposium was the presentation of the Policy briefs by Dr. Ramani Jayatilaka, based on the three action researches conducted on Single Women, Deserted Women and Female Sex workers by Centre for Womenâ??s Research (CENWOR). Our project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Target 16.2, Target 5.2, and Target 16.1. Together, we are working towards ending abuse, violence, exploitation, trafficking and discrimination against children, women and girls on a global scale. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, partners, and supporters who made this symposium a resounding success! Let's continue to empower women and create a brighter, more equal future for all.