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VISION :

Our mission is Empowering people through animation and being in Solidarity in their

efforts for integral human development.

MISSION:

Our vision is the Realisation of a Just Sri Lankan Society

based on Gospel Values of Love, Forgiveness, Peace, Unity, Equality - Lived, Promoted and Protected irrespective of race, caste and religion.

Table of Contents

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15

21

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06

12

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Directors Message

Integral Human Development

Disaster Risk Management

Food Security

Social Justice & Sustainable Peace

Financial Report

Network of Caritas Sri Lanka

Safe Migration

Appreciations

Caritas Sri Lanka Annual Report - 2016/17-1-

Today we live in a world with unimaginable turmoil – death & destruction due to poverty, under-development, war and conflict among peoples & nations, natural calamities and man-made disasters. Everywhere, we encounter suffering, persecution, sadness and isolation.

Yet, the world continues to advance in technology and through modern split-second communication we are kept well informed of the events of daily life. Our thoughts, thinking patterns and even human behaviours have gone through radical transformation creating a void in humanity, compassion, peace, dignity & love, virtues which the world is in need so desperately.

In such a context, God’s mercy & compassionate love is more than ever needed in fulfilling the eternal desires of humanity. Therefore our visions, goals and objectives for creating a better world of peace, harmony and equality must be transformed into meaningful action. I am so delighted to present this Annual Report highlighting the accomplishments and contributions we at Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC have created for peace, hope and prosperity to all those whom we serve, especially those who are among the poor, vulnerable and the marginalized.

It has been a year of encouraging progress for Caritas in the midst of growing & unexpected challenges and opportunities in the midst of the ever changing socio-economic, political and ethno-religious context of our country.

We are grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of our donors and partners and the dedication and hard work of our staff including the sacrificial contribution of the network of Caritas Directors who have all contributed immensely towards the well-being of those whom we serve. We thank all our community partners for their commitment and perseverance to journey with us, in their development.

We look forward to continuing this journey with renewed hope, spirit and overwhelming enthusiasm as we prepare for the Jubilee Year of Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC to celebrate its 50 years of journey in reaching out to the needy in Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, let me quote His Holiness Pope Francis on the day of canonization of St. Joseph Vaz, the apostle to Sri Lanka: “In Saint Joseph Vaz we see a powerful sign of God’s goodness and love for the people of Sri Lanka. But we also see in him a challenge to persevere in the paths of the Gospel”.

Let us all be inspired by the mission and hardships of St. Joseph Vaz reverberating consistently in testifying to the true spirit of the Holy Gospel.

Rev. Fr. Shanthi Kumar WeliwitaNational Director

Director’s Message


Integral Human Development GGH Plantation Programme

“Empowerment of the Green Gold Harvesters by Strengthening of Workers’ Rights Programme” has been implemented in four (Galle, Kandy, Badulla, Ratnapura) Dioceses focusing 8 estates (2 estates in each diocese).

The programme mainly focused on reducing the gap between the estate management/government authorities and the people which will eventually make the plantation communities to have increased access to government administrative services.

16 Vigilant groups are formed and guided to work for the betterment of Health & Sanitation, Child Education, Alcohol & Drugs Prevention, Domestic Violence and livelihood development in the plantation community.

Further, 14 CBOs are also formed to identify their problems and address those issues through community led actions to voice for their rights as a community.

The government officers also actively participated in the scheduled activities. The Divisional Secretariat and religious leaders have been very supportive towards the entire programme implementation. Overall more than 684 families have benefited through this Plantation community empowerment programme.

A Voice on behalf of the ‘Plantation Community’

A Position Paper on “The Social Concerns of the Catholic Church towards the Plantation Community in Sri Lanka” was developed and endorsed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka for submission to the relevant government authorities.

The aforementioned Position paper focuses on the policy issues pertaining to the plantation sector, highlighting the issues that need to be expeditiously addressed by policy makers to restore the dignity of the Plantation Community. The recommendations contained in the paper were identified through a consultative process. It also positively complements the actions proposed in the National Plan of Action (NPA) for the Social Development of the Plantation Community 2016-2020, developed by the Ministry of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development in March 2016.


SPICE Plantation project

“Inclusion of Marginalized Estate Labour Communities with Access to Government Services” Programme has been implemented in three Dioceses (Galle, Kandy, Ratnapura) focusing on 4 estates. The programme mainly aimed at creating leadership among estate workers to claim their rights and to establish/ strengthen community institutions to work for the betterment of the community.

Residential Training Workshops were conducted for plantation community leaders and Diocesan Staff developing their skills on communication, gender mainstreaming, Advocacy & lobbying and networking with likeminded organizations. The training also focused on the emerging issues in the plantation community and gave guidelines to address such issues very systematically, without giving room for any misunderstanding and conflicts in society.

CBO leaders and Vigilant Group members were also trained on the above subjects.

Family Livelihood Support through Micro Finance

Under the “Family Livelihood Support through Micro Finance Scheme” project, seed capital amounting to Rs 60,000/= per Self Help Groups (SHG) was given to form part of the groups’ Revolving Loan Fund and enabled members to obtain small loans to start or further develop their income generation activities. This project was implemented in Galle, Kandy and Rathnapura Dioceses.

In total, the program has enhanced the livelihood of 2,111 beneficiaries who met the selection criteria. 60% of families under low income category were assisted while 3% are female headed families.

The families who were supported to start or improve their income generation activities are currently earning a monthly income of approximately Rs 8,000/= to 12,000/=.

Integral Human Development-Civic Dialogue and Cross Community Activities

The above mentioned programme has been implemented in four Dioceses with the objective to:-1. Strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) and form 20 Community Based Organizations

(CBOs) to help them secure their rights for community development


2. Facilitate the formation of 5 District-level Federations and strengthen them towards sustainability

3. Uplift 5,000 members to lead a dignified life in poor and marginalized communities including the war affected

Most successful CBOs have established linkages with government stakeholders and also with the organizations, and societies at their village level. These linkages have been useful as they address village level issues. With CBO revolving funds group loan schemes are implemented providing opportunities for livelihood and micro business development. Most of the women have engaged in income generating activities such as poultry, production of food items, embroidery, envelop making with the support of the CBO revolving fund. CBOs have been successful in building good relationships/networking with Govt /non-governmental/private sector organizations.


“I had the strength to do all these….”My name is Perumal Shamila and I am 25 years old. I live in the Cullen Estate, Badulla. I am a pre-school teacher. I am also the secretary of the community based society named “Kalar Udeer”, which is under the GGH project (Green Gold Harvesters) implemented by the USCOD Caritas Badulla.

Under the GGH project, we have carried out different activities in our estate. However the community of the Cullen estate has many problems. Under the VGs (Vigilant Groups) activities, we have identified the problems that we could intervene.

During one of these observations, we saw that the Cullen Tamil School did not have the drinking water facility. Even in the primary section, there are about 89 estate children studying. Not only for drinking, even for the teachers’ toilets, there is no water. Without water, everyone has faced with numerous difficulties.

In fact, children drank water from a place which was a muddy pit. Once our CBO (Community Based Organization) found out this issue, we thought to intervene.

I can never forget that day we started the work, to give safe drinking water to the children. On that day, early in the morning, as we were informed earlier, we, the community leaders, parents of the children came to the school. We cleaned the muddy pit and dug the well deeper. Everyone worked with a lot enthusiasm and joy. Those who did not come made tea for us. Even the principal and the teachers worked hard with the community.

The VG (Vigilant Groups) provided us with 4 concrete rings. Fortunately the manager of the Cullen estate agreed to provid us the estate lorry to transport the concrete rings from Badulla town to the estate. Everyone worked tirelessly. By the end of the day, we had made a beautiful, small well with 4 concrete rings fitted. Though together we made the well, there was no way, we could supply water to the school yet.

Meanwhile Fr. Priyalal Cooray, the Director of Caritas Badulla-USCOD came to see the estate and seeing our work, he was very happy. He provided us with the water pump, water tank and other necessities to carry out the rest of the work through the GGH project. Using the materials given, we were able to provide safe drinking water to the children.

Now, there is enough clean water for drinking, toilets and for other sanitary needs. It is a great privilege and an achievement of the “Kalar Udeer” CBO which could complete this important task on behalf of children.

Everyone in the estate thanked us immensely for this. Personally I feel very happy, that I could partake in this crucial work.

Even in the future I will do my best to assist the people and children in my estate. I thank USCOD as well as GGH project wholeheartedly for giving us an opportunity of this nature.


The Caritas Sri Lanka Disaster Risk Management Programme addresses the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable communities affected by both natural & man-made disasters in Sri Lanka. Its activities have focused on providing relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to communities to recover and rebuild their lives after such disasters.

Relief support for flood & landslide affected families in Sri Lanka.

Severe floods affected several parts of Sri Lanka in May 2016. About 63,000 families consisting of 450,000 persons were affected by this disaster. In this context, Caritas Sri Lanka with the support of 08 Caritas Member Organizations provided approximately 7,194 families (28,727 persons) with dry rations, non food items and water and sanitary support in 09 Diocesan Centres. The assistance was given to all communities irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliations with the participation especially of the Buddhist and Catholic clergy.

In order to support some of the families where livelihoods were affected, with the support of Caritas Italiana 261 low income families in the districts of Ratnapura and Colombo were given Rs. 25,000 each to rebuild their livlihoods. Further with the support of Misereor 45 families were assisted in the Chilaw and Ratnapura districts to rebuild their livelihoods.

Resettlement support for families displaced by Tsunami and War.

A total of 71 houses were constructed in the Maruthengkerni DS division in the Jaffna district and Muthur DS division in the Trincomalee district. Of the 51 houses in Trincomalee, Caritas Sri Lanka was able to obtain the support of local private donors to plaster and paint 44 houses. The above houses were built with the funding assistance from Caritas Swiss.

In the Jaffna district, with the support of Caritas Australia 08 new houses were constructed. Under the same project; 15 houses were repaired while 115 families were provided with livelihood assistance.

In the Mannar and Trincomalee districts, a project to strengthen community institutions and to provide livelihood assistance was implemented with funding from CAFOD UK. Under this Women Rural Development Societies in 03 villages were strengthened while 80 war affected families were provided with livelihood support after basic entrepreneurial capacity development trainings.

In the Mullaitivu district, 244 families and as of 31st May 2017, another 184 families have been provided with livlihood support. Meanwhile, Misereor has provided 264 families

Disaster Risk Management


with livelihood assistance. 108 houses have been repaired while 04 new houses are being constructed. These families are being provided with capacity development trainings in areas such as disaster risk reduction, animal husbandry, organic farming, bee-keeping and income & expenditure management.

In all these Caritas led projects women-headed and families with disabled members have been prioritized. The selection of beneficiaries has been done in consultation with local government offices.

D) Promotion of the use of Renewal Energy

With the sole objective of promoting the use of alternative energy sources 30 solar systems have been installed in the districts of Anuradhapura, Polannaruwa, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Kurunegala. Many of the systems are located in rural areas with the objective of supporting community activities. School children have greatly benefitted through this project intervention.


“ Making house to a home...”Ms. Bhavani has a sister and two brothers, one of whom is a mason while her younger brother is a good electrical wiring technician. The family lost their parents during the Tsunami disaster of December 2004 and was looked after by relatives for a short period until a benevolent Catholic sister, Sr. Arul took them under her care. Both Bhavani and her sister Kamala Devi were able to study up to the GCE Advance Level (University entrance level) while the two brothers after leaving school have been able to develop their respective skills in masonry and house electrical wiring and earn an income for the family.

Through the efforts of Sr. Arul from the Holy Family Convent, a well wisher known to the family was able to obtain 1 acre property for the family which has now been divided into four sections with a quarter of an acre for each sibling. Caritas Jaffna-HUDEC selected Bhavani as one of the recipients of a new house. The whole family has contributed to build the house. The two brothers have contributed their labour which enabled them to save on construction costs. In addition to the Caritas contribution, the family has spent an additional Rs. 150,000 using their own savings to add value to their house. The family has been able to tile a portion of the floor area and also built a portico in the front section of the house. The house has also been wired for electricity which was completed entirely by the two brothers.

“In addition to my brothers’ contribution, both, my sister and I work in the nearby coconut fibre making factory. We earn about Rs. 500 each per day which is our contribution to the household,” Bhavani said with a lot of pride. She was also given livelihood assistance of Rs. 40,000 which she used to purchase a water pump with accessories and also some coconut seedlings which they have planted in their land. The two sisters attended most of the training

programmes including the programme on coconut cultivation which has helped them to develop their coconut gardens. “I use the water pump to irrigate the coconut seedlings and I have plans to grow vegetable soon” says Bhavani with confidence.


Caritas Sri Lanka (CSL) commenced implementing the project “Substantiation of Community Institutions for Sustainable Agriculture to ensure food Security” in 2013 aiming to safeguard food security for 5,500 subsistence farmer households in the Dioceses of Kurunegala, Anuradhapura and Batticaloa with the funding assistance of Caritas Norway & Norad.

At the end of December 2016, CSL mobilized 5,043 subsistence farmer families in 172 selected villages and motivated them to cultivate their own home gardens using sustainable agricultural techniques.

Under the project altogether 273 training programs have been conducted both at Caritas National Centre and in three Dioceses to promote organic home gardens.

With the knowledge and skills gained, the farmer families engaged in cultivating vegetables, fruits, herbal plants etc, and started inland fisheries, small scale livestock production units such as poultry, cattle, goat, ducks, pigs, rabbits, turkey and bee keeping. Presently, more than 20,000 farmer family members are able to consume a nutritionally balanced diet in the respective areas.

The communities were mobilized and formed into 482 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and strengthened on leadership, financial management, group dynamics and motivated the members to switch over to organic farming from agro-chemical usage in their cultivation practices. The SHGs coalesced into 120 local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) with average 76% women assuming active leadership roles in most of the CBOs.

In addition farmers are made aware of the hazard impact of the usage of agro chemicals and capacitated on organic farming techniques such as compost fertilizer preparation methods, liquid fertilizer production, preparation of vermi-compost and vermi-wash, preparation of pest repellents and special training given on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). As result of the project intervention about 75% of the farmers’ daily food comes from their own home gardens and save approximately Rs.3, 000/- per month on their food bill. Majority of them use these savings for children’s education or save for emergency expenses.

Drought and floods are the main challenges for the continuous crop production in Sri Lanka. The flash flood situation during the month of May in certain districts, has created grave problems for farmers, and their livelihood activities.

Food Security


Sri Lanka suffered its worst drought in 2016 in four decades according to officials, with more than a million people experiencing acute water shortages. The lack of rain last year has lowered water levels in rivers in many parts of the country. Farmers have been badly hit by the dry spell and they have managed to plant only a third of the usual 800,000 hectares of paddy fields - the lowest in 30 years.

Therefore, farmers were given refresher training on climate change, traditional and novel techniques to cope with future challenges. The trainings covered farm water management, multiple cropping systems, and protected agriculture.

With the support and guidance received from Caritas Norway and the growing demand from farming communities in other Caritas Dioceses, it is planned to replicate this experience in all parts of the country.


“We enjoy a good meal with...”My name is Ranjani Gunawardana and a mother of two. In 2014 Caritas Anuradhapura-Sethsaviya came to our village and formed a SHG. I came to know that Sethsaviya was educating the locals to cultivate their home gardens without using poisonous agro-chemicals. However by then I was not a member and simply staying at home, as a housewife.

Later I got the membership of SHG and I was convinced that it was possible to cultivate a home garden while staying at home easily.

Meanwhile Sethsaviya conducted training on organic farming techniques which we did not know before.

I started doing multi-cropping farming and I have a variety of vegetables and green leaves in my garden now.

Caritas Sethsaviya also told us the importance of consuming a nutritionally balanced diet including organic vegetable and fruits, as there are many Kidney patients in our area.Then we realized what we could do to avert this situation.

Now we enjoy a good meal with vegetables from my home garden. I get a weekly income of Rs. 1500.00 by selling leaves and we have raised a CBO fund of more than Rs. 600,000.00 which we utilize to take loans for our agricultural activities. It is a great strength for us.

In addition Sethsaviya made us familiar with the cultivation of indigenous brands of paddy and today we have a collection of traditional rice varieties cultivated. I also rear milk cows. We educate my children, help others and lead a happy life from the income I derive from these sources.

I wish and pray that with the blessings of God they would be able to help others too.


The Social Justice and Sustainable Peace Programme of Caritas Sri Lanka has been set up to work with multi – ethnic, multi – religious and multi – cultural groups in all 13 Dioceses to promote peaceful co - existence and harmony. During the period 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017, the following key activities were implemented in collaboration with Diocesan Caritas and their co – groups at village level. The two main programmes implemented were funded by Caritas Australia through the Australian NGO Cooperation Programme (ANCP), Misereor Germany and Caritas Norway through Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

Key Achievements:

• DiscussiononLLRCrecommendationsanditsdevelopmentsImplementing the recommendations of “The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)” is the responsibility of the Government of Sri Lanka. Caritas Sri Lanka is implementing two main programmes aligning with LLRC and a series of workshops and awareness programmes were organized at National and Diocesan level to make the community aware of its recent developments. Two national workshops were held in May 2016 at SEDEC Conference Hall in Sinhala medium and in June at Seva Lanka Foundation, Vavuniya in Tamil medium. A total of 96 Villages Peace committees and Inter – religious groups gained knowledge on LLRC. The workshops were facilitated by Rev. Fr. Reid Shelton Fernando, Mr. Rukshan Fernando – Human Rights Activist, Mr. M.A.M. Fazal - Trainer of CCT and Mr. Ainslie Joseph – Communication Officer.

• Inter–ethnicVillagePeaceCommitteeReconciliationDayThree “Reconciliation Day” programmes were organized by Caritas Sri Lanka in collaboration with 13 diocesan centers under the theme of “Bringing Hearts and Minds together for National Reconciliation”. These programmes were held regionally in three locations namely, Mannar, Badulla and Kurunegala. There were nearly 350 participants. These programmes lasted for two days and created avenues for the members of the Village Peace Committees from Sinhala and Tamil villages to meet each other, share their experiences while setting a platform to discuss their issues, difficulties and challenges at the village level in conducting peace activities. Religious leaders and government officials also took part in these events which added value for the events.

• Inter–ethnicVillagePeaceCommitteeReconciliationDayAn Inter – Ethnic Women’s Interactive Session was organized with the participation of 39 participants representing the Village Peace Committees. The main objective of the

Social Justice and Sustainable Peace


programme was to create a platform for the women in North and South to share their grievances among the other women and to discuss how they could be a role model to be a messenger of peace and harmony in their own villages. This programme was held in March 2017 at Caritas Chilaw Centre.

• OrientationonRighttoInformationAct(RTI)Caritas Sri Lanka organized an awareness on Right to Information Act (RTI) in March 2017 to a group of 65 persons from the Diocesan Centers, Civil Society, priests, academics and peace activists. This programme was chaired by Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, the Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka with the inputs of Ms. Kishali Pinto Jayawardena – a Commissioner to RTI and Ms. T. Mathuri – Legal Researcher attached to RTI Commission. This was a very good orientation for the participants to know the key areas of RTI and how it is important in their dealing with the Government agencies and other Institutions in the country. Caritas Sri Lanka expects to create further awareness programmes at the grassroots level in collaboration with the respective diocesan centers.


“I have a new chapter in my life...”I am Mary Anitta, 27 year old living with my parents. I have two younger sisters and a brother displaced due to the war. We lost everything including my secondary education. When I returned to Maniyamthoodam after the war, there was nothing left. With the little support given by the Government and NGOs, we were able to continue our life. As a young girl, I underwent so many hardships due to the war and displacement.

Therefore, I developed a kind of prejudice against Sinhalese and other religious people. However from my teenage, I have been keen to take part in community activities.

When Caritas HUDEC introduced Peace and Reconciliation Programme back in 2014, I took the major role and became the secretary for the Maniyamthoodam Peace Group. Through this we had awareness programme on peace building and good governance. Due to the mutual discussion and dialogues, I was able to understand that the ordinary innocent people are only tools before the people who have power. We were lucky to have Sinhala language classes and that made us realize that there is a link between Sinhala and Tamil languages.

During the exposure visit to Kurunegala, I had an opportunity to cooperate and live with a Sinhala family. This helped me to go beyond what I have been thinking in my little brain. Hence I understood their culture and found that there is nothing strange in what we go through and share in our day today lives.

Now I am relaxed and my feelings of prejudice against Sinhalese or other religious people have been forgotten. It is like I have opened a new chapter in my life. I would like to thank Caritas HUDEC for providing opportunities to cooperate with other ethnic and religious people.

Now I am trying to change the attitude of our village community as well, towards peace and reconciliation. I know my efforts are like, only a small drop in the ocean but it also heals my scars and the also the wounds of others around me.


The Safe Migration Programme of CSL has actively supporting Sri Lankan labour migrants, their families in collaboration with the relevant government departments and other civil society groups for more than a decade. During the period 2016/17, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) funded this project. The goal of this project is to ensure that labor migrants and their families receive social and economic benefits without any prejudice with improved and enhanced access to services offered by the Government agencies at different levels.

The project covers the direct interventions and policy making spheres such as:Strengthening grievance and redress mechanisms

Access to legal and other services by returnee migrants to reintegrate smoothly with their families and society

Contributing to national and international policy dialogues on ethical recruitment, through experience sharing and good practices lessons learnt

Within the first year of the project CSL has facilitated and assisted number of persons to seek redress on migrant issues from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) & Ministry of External Affairs Consular Division (MEA). In addition CSL Project officers provide a number of services including logistics support to families of migrant workers to access the SLBFE & MEA for follow-up, complaint lodging and case inquiries while providing assistance in obtaining necessary legal documentation such as birth/death certificates, affidavits etc.

CSL also witnessed a 10% increase in the number of complaints/legal cases filed by the migrant workers and their families after a series of awareness sessions conducted by the Caritas Sri Lanka’s Safe Labour Migration Unit. During the reporting period CSL has observed an average 18% monthly increase in complaint handling cases.

Key Achievements • Provided inputs to the Shadow Report of the UN Committee on the Protection of the

Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW)• Assisted Community Development Services (CDS), Centre for Human Rights and

Community Development (CHRCD Kurunegala) through advocacy to bring back 122 female migrant worker victims from Kuwait with Ministry/SLBFE intervening.

• Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC is in the process of pursuing the possibilities with Caritas Lebanon, Amel Association and with Najla Tabet Chahda (Expert consultant on migration and human trafficking in Lebanon) in bringing back irregular Sri Lankan

Safe Migration


migrant workers from Lebanon as a result of general amnesty granted by the government.

• Conducted a 5-day TOT for paralegals Training from in November 2016 in Sinhala and Tamil Language. CSL has trained about 400 paralegals to support migrants and their families at the local level.

Advocacy, Capacity Building and Guidance for Safe Migration

The Project funded by Caritas Japan aims to capacitate the individuals who work towards safe labour migration in Sri Lanka both in private and government sector organizations.

To attain the above project objectives, Caritas National Center conducted three well-designed training workshops enhancing the knowledge and skills of the participants about the current context of the labour migration business and issues that Sri Lanka migrants face. They were also made aware how to resolve issues faced by the migrants and how to help them to resort to assistance when in need. The participants included Caritas Diocesan coordinators, development officials, pre-school teachers and other networking groups involved in the safe labour migration activities at grass root levels. 57 participants who completed the entire series of workshops successfully received certificates.


Searching for Meriam Kumari….On 16th February 1993, Meriam Kumari migrated to Kuwait to work as a housemaid. When she migrated her daughter was 3 years old. Till 1995 she had regular contact with the family in Sri Lanka, however after 1995 the communications stopped.

Meriam Kumari’s husband, Piyasena had given up hope on his wife as there was no news from her or about her whereabouts.

In 2016 Piyasena approached Caritas Colombo-Seth Sarana and requested assistance to look for his wife. The request was passed on to Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC National Centre. Piyasena had only the National Identity Card (NIC) number of his wife with him.

On 6th December 2016, he visited Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) with the Caritas Project Officer and while inquiring they found out that Meriam has migrated through an irregular migration process and the SLBFE was unable to locate her whereabouts.

Afterwards, Caritas assisted Piyasena in getting her passport number from the Immigration Department.

Meanwhile Meriam’s daughter, Kanchana learnt that the communication between her mother and the family had stopped due to a family dispute then and even though she tried to contact her mother, she was unable to do so.

However, the daughter had a vague memory of talking to her mother when she was very small. The daughter had got married five years ago. She claims, she needs her mother more than ever before.

Meanwhile Meriam’s daughter, Kanchana and Caritas Migration Project Officer went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Division and logged a complaint on 19th April 2017.

The local Consular Division immediately contacted the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait and informed of the missing person’s details and was asked to locate Meriam Kumari’s whereabouts. By Coincidence, Meriam having an expired visa had come to the Sri Lankan embassy in Kuwait to renew it during the same period. Immediately the officials informed Meriam that her family in Sri Lanka was desperately looking for her.

Within a month Meriam Kumari contacted her daughter, Kanchana.

Caritas learnt that the family would be re-united in December 2017 as Meriam Kumari is returning to Sri Lanka after almost 23 years.


PROJECTOVERVIEW-1stApril2016to31stMarch2017(PartnerWise)

Agency Programme Supported Amount (LKR)

Total (LKR) %

Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia

Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 2,185,800 2,185,800 0.89%

CAFOD

CAFOD 289 - Helping People Towards Reconciliation 5,300,400

13,804,400 5.62%Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 8,504,000

Caritas Australia

Resettlement programme in Jaffna District 16,012,755


Promoting, Healing and Reconciliation for Sustainable Peace 34,914,264

Caritas Germany Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 8,089,023 8,089,024 3.29%

Caritas ItalianaMicro Project - MP 461/16-MP 473/16 10,698,936


Caritas Japan

Advocacy, Capacity Building & Guidance for Safe Migration 4,400,639


Caritas Norway

Substantiation of Community Institutions for Sustainable Agriculture to Ensure Food Security 113 -191

12,238,94629,503,071 12.00%

Creating a Conducive Environment for Religious Amity -213-332 17,112,885

Caritas Slovenia With work towards a decent life support for poor families in Sri Lanka 344,203 344,203 0.14%

Caritas Swiss Housing for War Widows in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka -P150097 24,642,355 24,642,355 10.03%

Catholic Relief Services - USCCB

Relief assistance for families affected by flood & landslide - EA 15/2016 5,821,775 5,821,775 2.37%

KindermissionEducational Support for Poor Children with Special Needs and Livelihood Assistance to War Affected Women

3,125,715 3,125,715 1.27%

Misereor

Empowerment of the Green Gold Harvesters by Strengthening of Workers Rights -322-900-1086

9,089,700

46,552,466 18.94%Resettlement for IDPS affected by War - 322-009-1028 25,041,070

Education for Tea Pluckers 55,545

Solar Lighting Unit for Pre-Schools & Community Centres - 322-900-1114 z 12,366,150

SCAIF Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 2,119,000 2,119,000 0.86%

SPICE/USAID Promoting the Rights of Marginalized Estate Labour Communities 5,128,915 5,128,915 2.09%

Swiss Development Coorporation

Safe Labour Migration project - National 8,833,624 20,333,625 8.27%

Safe Labour Migration project - Gampaha 11,500,000

Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore

Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 2,109,259 2,109,260 0.86%

TROCAIRE Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016 3,262,000 3,262,000 1.33%

Wilde Ganzen Livelihood Project - Trincomalee 2,111,011 2,111,011 0.86%

245,764,860 245,764,860 100%

Financial Report


PROJECTOVERVIEW-1stApril2016to31stMarch2017(ProjectWise)

Programme Supported Agency Amount (LKR)

Total (LKR) %

Advocacy, Capacity Building & Guidance for Safe Migration

Caritas Japan 4,400,639 4,400,639 1.79%

CAFOD 289 - Helping People Towards Reconciliation CAFOD 5,300,400 5,300,400 2.16%

Creating a Conducive Environment for Religious Amity -213-332 Caritas Norway 17,112,885 17,112,885 6.96%

Educational Support for Poor Children with Special Needs and Livelihood Assistance to War Affected Women

Kindermission 3,125,715 3,125,715 1.27%

Education for Tea Pluckers Misereor 55,545 55,545 0.02%

Empowerment of the Green Gold Harvesters by Strengthening of Workers Rights -322-900-1086

Misereor 9,089,700 9,089,700 3.70%

Housing for War Widows in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka - P150097 Caritas Swiss 24,642,355 24,642,355 10.03%

Livelihood Project - Trincomalee Wilde Ganzen 2,111,011 2,111,011 0.86%

Micro Project - MP 461/16 - MP 473/16 Caritas Italian 10,698,936 10,698,936 4.35%

Promoting , Healing and Reconciliation for Sustainable Peace Caritas Australia 34,914,265 34,914,265 14.21%

Promoting the Rights of Marginalized Estate Labour Communities SPICE/USAID 5,128,915 5,128,915 2.09%

Relief Assistance for Families Affected by Flood & Landslide - EA 15/2016

Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia 2,185,800

CAFOD 8,504,000

Caritas Australia 4,270,092

Caritas Germany 8,089,024

Caritas Italiana 4,890,554

Caritas Japan 1,445,000

Caritas Norway 151,239

Catholic Relief Services - USCCB 5,821,775

SCAIF 2,119,000

Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore

2,109,260

TROCAIRE 3,262,000 42,847,743 17.43%

Resettlement for IDPS affected by War -322-009-1028 Misereor 25,041,071 25,041,071 10.19%

Resettlement programme in Jaffna District Caritas Australia 16,012,755 16,012,755 6.52%

Safe Labour Migration project - Gampaha Swiss Development Coorporation 11,500,000 11,500,000 4.68%

Safe Labour Migration project - National Swiss Development Coorporation 8,833,625 8,833,625 3.59%

Solar Lighting Unit for Pre-Schools & Community Centres - 322-900-1114 z Misereor 12,366,150 12,366,150 5.03%

Substantiation of Community Institutions for Sustainable Agriculture to Ensure Food Security 113 -191

Caritas Norway 12,238,946 12,238,946 4.98%

With work towards a decent life support for poor families in Sri Lanka Caritas Slovenia 344,203 344,203 0.14%

245,764,860 245,764,860 100%

Financial Report


Financial Report

Fund Receipts 2016/2017

Emergency Relief 17%

Food Security, Agri culture

5%

Migration 10%

Livelihood 7%

Peace & Reconciliation 23%

Resettlement 27%

Human Rights, Justice

6%

Community 5%


Appreciations

• ApostolicVicarofSouthernArabia

• CAFOD

• CaritasAustralia

• CaritasGermany

• CaritasItaliana

• CaritasJapan

• CaritasNorway

• CaritasSlovenia.

• CaritasSwiss

• CatholicReliefServices-USCCB

• Kindermission.

• Misereor

• SCAIF.

• SPICE/USAID

• SwissDevelopmentCoorporation

• TitularRomanCatholicArchbishopofSingapore

• TROCAIRE

• WildeGanzen

Caritas Sri Lanka and the Diocesan Centres appreciate the cooperation, assistance and encouragement we received from all the Patners who support our endeavours:


Network of Caritas Sri Lanka -SEDECANURADHAPURARev. Fr. Chrisantha Srilal FernandoDirector - Caritas Anuradhapura (Seth Saviya)A9 Road, Maradankadawala. Telephone : +94 25-2265295, Fax no. : +94 25-2265295, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

BADULLARev. Fr. Priyalal CoorayDirector – Caritas Badulla (USCOD)Bishop Leo Technical Institute, Peelipothagama Road, Badulla. Telephone : +94 55 – 2222635, Fax no. : +94 55 - 223574, E-mail : [email protected], [email protected]

BATTICALOARev. Fr. Geron De LimaDirector - Caritas Batticaloa (EHED)Kumarathan Kovil Road, Jeyanthipuram, Batticaloa.Telephone : +94 65 – 2222125, Fax no. : +94 65 – 2227017, E-mail : [email protected]

CHILAWRev. Fr. Anton Wyman Croos Director – Caritas Chilaw (Sedec)Kurunegala Road, Old Town, Madampe.Telephone : +94 32 - 2247638, Fax no. : +94 32 - 2247638, E-mail: [email protected]

COLOMBORev. Fr. Lawrence Ramanayake Director - Caritas Colombo (Sethsarana)Paul VI Centre, Level 8, 24, Malwatta Road, Colombo 11. Telephone: 094 11 2445312, Fax No : 094 11 2445316, E-mail : [email protected],[email protected], [email protected]

GALLERev. Fr. Lalith FernandoDirector - Caritas SED GalleNo: 2/1, Templers Road, Mount Calvary, Kaluwella, Galle. Telephone No.: +94 91 -2244138, Fax no : +94 91-2233710, E-mail : [email protected]

JAFFNARev. Fr. S. Eugene FrancisDirector – Caritas Jaffna (HUDEC) No.14, Deogue Street, Mathew’s Road, Jaffna.Telephone: +94 21 - 2222571Fax no. : +94 21 - 2222571E-mail : [email protected], [email protected]

KANDYRev. Fr. Desmond PereraDirector – Caritas Kandy (SETIK)255/50, R. C.D.L. Fernando Mawatha, Katugastota Road, Kandy.Telephone : +94 74 - 471613 Fax no : +94 81 - 2222775E-mail : [email protected]

KURUNEGALA Rev. Fr. Jamika PereraDirector - Caritas Kurunegala (Janasetha) St. Anthony’s Church, Pallandeniya, Maspotha, Kurunegala.Telephone : +94 37 - 2237147 Fax no. : +94 37-2237147E-mail : [email protected], [email protected]

MANNARRev. Fr. M. JeyabalanDirector –Caritas Mannar (Valvuthayam)Main Street, Mannar.Telephone : +94 23 - 2232140Fax no. : +94 23 - 2232893E-mail : [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]

RATNAPURARev. Fr. B. A. Sriyan FernandoDirector – Caritas Ratnapura (Seth Mini)Hospital Road, Eheliyagoda. Telephone : +94 36 - 2258410Fax no. : +94 36- 2258495E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

TRINCOMALEERev. Fr. G. NithidasanDirector - Caritas Trincomalee (EHED)295, Dockyard Road, Trincomalee.Telephone: +94 26 – 2222204 Fax No : +94 26 – 2222474E-mail : [email protected]

VANNIRev. Fr. Joseph FrancisDirector – Caritas Vanni(Hudec)Hudec Office, Kilinochchi.Telephone : +94 21-2285805Fax : +94 21-2285805E-Mail : [email protected]

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