Annual Report 2016 by NCEASL

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Economic growth

without investment in human development is unsustainable - and unethical Amartya Sen

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CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT 02

Journey of Hope

Country Situation Report

04-05

Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

06-07

Our Presence

08-23

Relief and Development

26-29

Business Development Unit

30-33

Media and Communications Unit

A JOURNEY

OF HOPE The Alliance Development Trust (ADT), the relief and development arm of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), began its relief initiatives in the aftermath of the ethnic riots in July 1983. Its social development activities were then centred on catering to the needs and social issues of the victims of the riot. In 2004 when the Asian Tsunami struck Sri Lanka, the ADT engaged in relief, reconstruction and development work while helping to rebuild and restore the lives of those who had lost everything; a dire need of the hour. Subsequently, the ADT extended its development work to uplift people whose lives and livelihoods were destroyed by the armed conflict. Over the years, the ADT has reached out to a broader group of marginalised people across Sri Lanka, irrespective of their race, caste or religion and works in the areas of Relief Assistance, Development Education, Sustainable Livelihood, Child Participation and Development, Water and Sanitation, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Leprosy. Through these sectors, the poor and vulnerable are rehabilitated, supported and empowered to transform their lives through long-term sustainable assistance. The ADT works with families displaced by the war, war widows, ex-combatants, victims of natural disasters and marginalised groups such as people living with HIV, AIDS and leprosy. The community-based Development Education programme seamlessly integrates the projects implemented by the various other sectors so as to ensure that the rural and impoverished communities it works with receive holistic development. All projects implemented by the ADT are geared towards empowering the beneficiaries to take ownership of the development taking place in their communities. The ADT is also sensitive to the mainstreaming issues of community mobilisation, gender, environment protection and human rights in all the projects it implements.

COUNTRY SITUATION

REPORT

2016

Sri Lanka continued to face several socio-political and economic issues in 2016, as the coalition government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe struggled to bring about the promised good governance political manifesto.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION Even though the dawn of good governance seems slow, the year 2016 saw many positive changes put in place as steps taken towards it. The prime minister proposed to appoint the parliament as a Constitutional Assembly towards formulating a new constitution for the country. The prime minister assured the public that this constitution will not affect the unitary nature of the country, attempting to calm fears that devolution of power would tear the country apart. Forums and public referendums too are held to gather expert opinions and the attitudes of the public towards the new constitution. Several positive steps were also taken towards assisting war-affected persons in the North and East in 2016, with promises been made to give housing, land, vocational training and employment opportunities for their benefit. However, the need for the demilitarisation of the North was reiterated when two university students lost their lives at the hands of policemen which raised much criticism and concern in the country. It is important to note that for the first time since the end of the war, an organised group – the Aava Gangsters – emerges in the North, declaring an agenda to avenge the crimes that have been committed to the helpless. Following his visit in February, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, called for stronger measures to be taken to enforce the transitional justice process in the country, requesting that as promised to the international community, Sri Lanka takes adequate measures to investigate the human rights violations that took place during the war and expedite the reconciliation process. It is hoped that

the government’s appointment of the Consultations Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms to investigate into such violations and redress issues that hinder reconciliation in the nation, is a positive step towards bringing about transitional justice. It is also important to note that for the very first time, the national anthem was sung in Tamil at the state celebration of the 68th Independence Day.

THE SL ECONOMY The poor economic growth in 2015 was seen to spill over into 2016, affecting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2016. However in the third quarter an economic growth of 4.1% was noted which is insignificant in comparison with the economic growth rate of the previous regime. The budget presented in November, was also not well received as the personal income tax saw a considerable increase. The government however seemed to take into consideration the welfare of the underprivileged as several essential consumer goods were exempted from taxation. It is further noteworthy that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 36-month Extended Fund Facility arrangement in June 2016 as a measure to support Sri Lanka’s agenda for economic reforms which includes increasing the tax ratio, reducing the budget deficit and improving foreign exchange reserves.

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE The year 2016 was a busy year for the Alliance Development Trust (ADT). The ADT continued to serve the people of Sri Lanka, staying true to its vision of “Uniting and empowering communities by dynamic action for social peace, public justice and economic sufficiency to transform the nation”. The highlight of its activities would definitely be the numerous lives touched through the various relief and development programmes conducted during this time period.

In 2016, the ADT conducted a comprehensive programme for 1,465 members of CommunityBased Organisations (CBOs) in Batticaloa with the aim of strengthening such rural communities. This programme which promoted good governance in their organisations and societies also equipped them with skills on leadership and communication, monitoring and evaluation and book keeping. The ADT also continued its support for the community poultry farm in Mullaitivu, the Change Markers

The ADT reached out to approximately 30,000 persons in 2016. The many recipients, both young and old, who benefited through the various programmes were those hailing from impoverished, marginalised and vulnerable communities from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

Clubs initiated in its selected villages and awareness programmes on HIV, AIDS and leprosy.

The ADT responded to the emergency situation brought about by the floods in the month of May. It distributed lunch packets, dry rations, first-aid and sanitary items, clothes and other basic needs among those who were worst affected by the floods. The ADT’s relief team went in search of those who had little or no access to other sources of assistance. The team went beyond merely distributing aid among those affected. The team cleaned a badly affected house and also provided nutritional and educational support for children affected by the floods. The ADT also carried out its development projects in the areas of Development Education, Sustainable Livelihood, Child Participation and Development, Water and Sanitation, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Leprosy.

The Business Development Unit of the Alliance Development contributed greatly during this period towards enhancing several projects conducted by the ADT through the funds the unit generates. We are extremely delighted that Mr. Mahesh Perera who is a Programme Coordinator for the Health Sector of the ADT was honoured in 2016 by the Sri Lanka Royal Foundation with the title of ‘Deshabandu Manawahitawadi’. Mr. Perera was recognised for his work with individuals and communities marginalised by HIV, AIDS and leprosy. All in all, the year 2016 was an eventful and exciting period and we are thankful for each opportunity we received to reach out to individuals and communities in need of our assistance. We are glad that we were able to impact so many lives during these past years and look forward to the years ahead in the hope that we will be able to continue to bring about social peace, public justice and economic sufficiency in our nation.

Mahesh De Mel Director Alliance Development Trust

Missions and Evangelism

RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT The relief and development projects for the year 2016 were focused on reaching out to marginalised and underprivileged communities with little or no access to other relief and development initiatives. The relief and development arm of the NCEASL – the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) – responded to the emergency situation which took place as a result of the continuous rainfall in May 2016 by reaching out to those affected through the distribution of food and non-food relief packs. The ADT also continued to carry out its development projects for rural and urban slum communities in the period under review. Nationwide programmes were also conducted by the ADT’s Touch AntiLeprosy Campaign while the Sexual and Reproductive Health unit reached out to vulnerable and HIV affected persons living in various parts of the island.

Missions and Evangelism

Relief and Development

Relief Assistance The year under review saw a heavy rainfall which occurred in May resulting in devastating floods and landslides which affected a total of 418,274 persons, according to the records of the Disaster Management Centre. The ADT responded to the emergency situation which arose thereafter and extended their support to affected persons who did not have access to relief distributed by the government or other aid agencies. The ADT’s relief assistance was extended to the Kolonnawa and Kelaniya areas in Colombo where support was given to the slum dwellers on the bank of the Kelani River and those living in abject poverty who were most affected by the flooding. The ADT’s relief team walked great distances and forded through gushing flood waters with relief packs to reach those who were without access to assistance of any nature. The ADT distributed cooked meals, dry rations, clothing and underwear, sanitary items, first-aid items, candles, match boxes and mosquito coils among those who were affected by the floods. The students of CS/ Kotuwila Gamini Vidyalaya in Kolonnawa also received special assistance during the aid distribution. As many of these students hailed from slum homes in the area which were greatly affected by the floods, the ADT reached out to them by supporting them with dry rations for meals and stationery items.

The relief projects conducted during this period are as below • • • • •

Distribution of relief packs to 321 flood victims in Kolonnawa and Kelaniya Distribution of stationery packs to 308 students in Kolonnawa Donation of dry rations needed to provide breakfast for 2 weeks for 60 students in Kolonnawa Distribution of cooked meals for 250 flood victims in Kolonnawa and Kelaniya Cleaning of a house affected by the floods

“WE ARE EXTREMELY HAPPY TO RECEIVE THIS ASSISTANCE.”

Many still shudder when the rain clouds gather in the sky. They think of the rains in May which left them homeless for days and caused so much of destruction and damage. The families living in the slum areas in and around Colombo were those who were worst affected by the floods brought about by these rains. The rains which poured down day and night caused much distress to those living on the banks of the Kelani River who were forced to abandon their homes in search of higher ground. Most of them did not even have time to collect their valuables as the water levels were rising at an unexpected rate and hundreds of families fled their homes in the dead of the night in fear of their lives. For the next few days, these families took shelter under temporary roofs and in schools where they ate and drank whatever came their way. The ADT was among the first to respond to this emergency situation. Its relief team carried cooked meals, dry rations, first-aid and sanitary packs, dry

clothes and other necessities to affected families. The team took care to assist and support families that had no access to other ongoing relief efforts because of their interior location. The distribution of aid was focused on families living far from the main roads, those who were cut off from other aid by the high levels of flood water, displaced persons and persons from impoverished areas. The ADT went to great lengths to carry on its relief work continuously for several days with the team successfully raising both material and volunteer support towards the relief distribution. The ADT also continued to identify and support affected persons even after the flood waters receded. Students who had lost their school books and uniforms and received both stationery packs and nutritional support which was aimed at keeping them healthy at a time when sickness and disease were spreading.

Nilanthi who lives in the slums of Warugodawatte in the Kelaniya area was among the thousands of families whose homes were affected by the overflowing of the Kelani River. “The water levels rose so high that it flooded our home” she said, explaining the situation her family had faced. Fearing the safety of her young children, Nilanthi sent her two oldest children to a relative’s home while she stayed back at home with her husband and younger children who were still too young to be separated from their mother. For several days, the power supply to the homes in Nilanthi’s neighbourhood were cut off and most of these families were unable to even prepare a meal for themselves. Nilanthi was grateful to the ADT for bringing cooked meals and relief packs to their doorsteps. “We are extremely happy to receive this assistance” expressed Nilanthi. “Thank you for your support!”

Relief and Development

Development Education The ADT believes that it is the entitlement of every man to live a full and dignified life. Thereby, the assistance offered by the ADT aims at empowering its beneficiaries with knowledge on how to maximise the benefits they receive. Through the training programmes the ADT also aims at equipping entire communities to continue to lead healthy, wholesome and successful lives once the assistance discontinues. It is the projects conducted by the Development Education sector that tie together all projects conducted through the ADT’s other development initiatives. It is through the Development Education trainings that the community leaders are empowered to sustain the development taking place in their villages.

The ADT conducted the following projects during the year under review •

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6 capacity building trainings for 109 development committee members and volunteers from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Planning and progress monitoring meetings with 20 development committee members from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle An event to appreciate the support of 8 government officials towards the ADT’s development projects in Galle 7 trainings on capacity building and good governance aimed at strengthening CommunityBased Organisations benefiting 1,465 persons from 10 Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions of Batticaloa Support for 11 community-initiated projects benefiting 4,093 persons from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle An integral training for 40 students reading for their Masters in Social Work from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore

“THANKS TO THESE TRAININGS, I NOW HAVE AN IDEA HOW I CAN UPLIFT THE LIVELIHOODS OF THE PEOPLE IN MY VILLAGE.”

aim of enhancing their capacity to be more effective in developing their communities. The identified participants who represent CBOs such as development societies, youth societies, various producer groups, fishery societies and religious groups were trained and empowered on leadership and communication skills, good governance, monitoring and evaluation, book keeping, documentation as well as on writing business plans and project proposals. These trainings are conducted on a Training of Trainers (ToT) basis, so that the participants too are equipped to train the other members of their societies and villages. This comprehensive capacity building programme comprise trainings, symposiums and exposure visits in order to ensure that the participants are fully equipped to conduct their own training programmes and put to practice all which they have learnt.

Kamal is the President of the Rural Development Society (RDS) of Iyankerny in Batticaloa. Iyankerny is a small village which is still struggling to recover the prosperity which the war robbed them of. Every year, most of the 1,000 families which reside in this village face displacement for about 4 weeks due to the floods in the rainy season. The villagers, especially the 240 widows living in Iyankerny, approach Kamal with requests for loans to start or sustain their livelihoods. However, Kamal was greatly worried because most of these business ventures fail and the RDS is unable to recover their loans. As the President of the RDS, Kamal was identified to attend a training programme on good governance which was specially developed for Community-Based Organisations (CBO) and was facilitated by the ADT. The ADT identified Kamal and members of 29 other CBOs from 10 DS divisions in the Batticaloa area for this specially designed training programme with the

Kamal thought this programme too would be similar to the many other trainings he had attended in the past. “I arrived in the morning without much interest” confessed Kamal with a smile. “However I was extremely happy when I left for home at the end of the training because I had gained so much. I received training on how to be a leader and on how to write a business plan. It is only after these trainings that I understood how we should give loans to the villagers.” Kamal went on to explain that he looks forward to train the 13 other members of his development society on what he has learnt. He has also made up his mind to train those who need loans on how to prepare their business plan, project timeline and budget before distributing the loans. “Thanks to these trainings, I now have an idea how I can uplift the livelihoods of the people in my village.”

Relief and Development

Sustainable Livelihood The ADT supports marginalised, impoverished and vulnerable persons through the distribution of grants and microfinance loans. Those identified as potential beneficiaries of the grants and loans, initially receive training on mapping out the resources available to them and are also guided on how to prepare a successful business plan so as to ensure the sustained success of their livelihoods. During the year in review, the ADT continued to support the community poultry farm in Theravil, Mullaitivu. With the completion of the poultry farm construction, the farm now houses 800 chickens. An average of 150 kg of chicken meat is sold monthly, benefiting the widows, disabled and underprivileged persons who are employed to work on the farm.

The following projects were conducted by the Sustainable Livelihood Sector in 2016 • • • • • •

2 trainings on resource mapping for 41 persons from Jaffna and Kilinochchi 4 trainings on preparing a business plan for 70 persons from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee A business exposure visit for 12 persons in Jaffna Distribution of livelihood grants among 20 widows, ex-combatants and disabled persons in Mullaitivu Distribution of microfinance loans among 48 persons from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee Creation of employment for 6 underprivileged persons through a community poultry farm in Mullaitivu

“I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL TO THE ADT AS LONG AS I LIVE.”

Suganthi was caught in the heart of the crossfire which took place during the war as she lives in Puthukuduyiruppu in Mullaitivu. Her husband took her family to the safety of a village called Pokkana where he decided to build a bunker for his wife and young children. Suganthi ran out when she heard the Kfir fighter jets in search of her husband who had gone out to find food to store in their bunker. Her husband was on his way back to his family when he was shot dead, right in front of Suganthi. She was widowed; a young woman left alone to care for her aged mother and three young children. Following a harrowing stay at the camp for those displaced by the war in the Menik Farm, Chettikulam, Suganthi returned to her home in Puthukkudiyiruppu. For some time, she was able to sustain her family with her savings and with the support of her relatives. As she knew that she could not survive by these means forever, Suganthi walked in to the District Secretariat

one day and pleaded that they help her. She told them that she was a widow who was now the head of a young family. It was at the District Secretariat that Suganthi came to know that an organisation called Alliance Development Trust was assisting persons like herself. They soon told the ADT about Suganthi’s plight and requested that she be assisted. The ADT offered Suganthi a grant of SLR 25,000 which contributed towards the purchase of an automatic rice grinder and a chilli grinder. Suganthi is extremely happy that she now has a livelihood which does not take her away from home and

her young children. Her customers who want to grind their rice to flour and chillies to powder, bring their business to her doorstep. On certain days, Suganthi has several customers walking in and she charges SLR 20 for the grinding of 1kg of rice and SLR 60 per 1kg of chillies. “I am thankful to the ADT because after the war NGOs never came and inquired about how we are existing and as a widow what my mode of income is” said Suganthi, explaining that she is very happy that she was able to purchase these grinders. “The ADT was interested in my welfare and helped me a great deal. I will always be grateful to the ADT as long as I live.”

Relief and Development

Child Participation and Development The ADT recognises the importance of providing a safe and conducive environment for children to grow and develop their skills in leadership and their creativity. The ADT’s Children’s Sector thereby focuses its projects towards improving the access of children living in underprivileged communities to good health, education and recreational activities. The sector also creates awareness on the importance of child protection among parents, elders and community leaders so as to ensure that the children are safe from physical and psychological abuse and that they receive the love and nurturing they need. In 2016, the ADT continued to support the children of the ADT’s selected villages through its Change Makers Clubs. It also motivates children to be stakeholders of their communities’ development by supporting child-initiated projects where children identify needs in their community and initiate solutions to redress these issues.

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The following projects were conducted in 2016 •

8 medical examinations benefiting 1,117 children and adults in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle

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Distribution of nutrition packs to 91 children in Vavuniya and Trincomalee Programmes to promote good health and nutrition benefiting 1,300 persons from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Educational support for 11 children in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Awareness programmes on the importance of education for children’s clubs in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Support for extracurricular activities for children in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle 11 programmes to promote child protection among 489 participants from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Support for 8 children’s clubs benefiting 1,000 children from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Support for a child-initiated project in Mullaitivu 4 training programmes for 51 volunteers and committee members of the children’s clubs of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Colombo and Galle Donation of food items to an orphanage in Mullaitivu benefiting 100 children

“THE CHILDREN’S CLUB HAS BROUGHT ABOUT MANY POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE VILLAGE.”

When the ADT entered into the village of Kilikunjumalai in Trincomalee, it was just a hamlet that had found shelter at the foot of a rock quarry. Most of the families that lived in this village were victims of the war. They had lost their homes and had sought shelter in this village because they had nowhere else to go. Their situation was pathetic; they lived in makeshift houses with no access to water and sanitation and they were left out of all other aid and development programmes that were taking place around them. Understanding their plight, the ADT held meetings in Kilikunjumalai to teach the people that they can make their village a better place to live in. While assessing the needs of Kilikunjumalai, the ADT discovered that the parents in the village were uneducated and did not know how to adequately care for their children. It understood that this situation increased the children’s vulnerability to fall victim to the cycle of poverty and lose their chance for a brighter

future. The ADT formed a Change Makers Club for the children of the village and they taught the villagers to care for the needs of the children and to take interest in their welfare. At the onset, 35 children joined this club and as the number of club activities increased, the club membership too increased to 75 children. The children gathered weekly to learn crafts and play games in a safe environment while learning important lessons on leadership, good health and hygiene, nutrition and the importance of good habits. The little club members were also encouraged to contribute to the development taking place in their village. The ADT supported the projects initiated by the children and guided them throughout the years in their projects on dengue prevention programmes, shramadana community clean-up programmes and street dramas among other programmes. Dilaxshi who is a member of the village development

committee, volunteers with the Change Makers Club. She has watched the club’s progress with great pride as her own children are club members. “The children’s club has brought about many positive changes in the village” shared Dilaxshi who explained that the children are now empowered to identify social issues and bring them to the notice of the development committee. She also described the extent of successfulness of the child-initiated projects for 2016. The children had taken the initiative to clean the main roadway to the village and had also organised a wonderful programme to celebrate World Children’s Day together with World Elders’ Day. The little club members had made gifts for the elderly of their community who blessed the children for their thoughtfulness and for the loving gesture. “The adults of our village are now learning from the children to contribute to the village development projects” explained Dilaxshi. “They are learning to take responsibility and work hard towards achieving a better future.”

Relief and Development

Water and Sanitation The ADT understands that access to potable water and adequate sanitation is vital to lead a healthy and dignified life. Through its Water and Sanitation Sector, the ADT aims at enabling rural and impoverished communities to live in dignity by constructing toilets and water supply system. The ADT also gives much importance to raising awareness on good hygiene practices among the households and communities for which it constructs toilets. In the year in review, the ADT focused upon improving children’s access to clean water and toilets in order to safeguard children living in rural villages who are most vulnerable to diseases that spread due to bad hygiene practices.

The Water and Sanitation Sector conducted the following projects during 2016 • • •

Construction of 17 latrines benefiting 513 persons in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Galle Renovation of 8 latrines benefiting 320 persons in Kilinochchi and Galle Installation of 3 water supply systems at a community hall and a livestock farm in Mullaitivu and a school in Galle benefiting 800 persons

“BEFORE THESE TOILETS WERE BUILT WE HAD TO USE THE TOILET OF THE NEAREST HOME TO RELIEVE OURSELVES.”

Like most families of her village, Jegatheeswary too has lost great many possessions to the fires of the war that raged in the North and East of Sri Lanka for three decades. Jegatheeswary lost her home and the goats, cows and chickens that brought an income to her family. With nowhere to go, Jegatheeswary and her family moved to the rural village of Theravil in Mullaitivu where they built a new home for themselves. However, life in this new hometown was difficult. Theravil too was greatly affected by the war and its residents had no access to basic amenities such as electricity, clean water and sanitation facilities. It took several years before Jegatheeswary’s family was able to access these facilities. However, not all families in Theravil were as lucky as Jegatheeswary. Certain families still suffer with limited access to the amenities they need to lead a dignified life. Jegatheeswary is a beneficiary of the state’s Samurdhi welfare programmes and she regularly comes to the

newly constructed community hall where the welfare monies are distributed. Jegatheeswary who has to come a long way from home in order to attend the Samurdhi meetings and other programmes conducted at this community hall, carried a water bottle with her to quench her thirst. She also found it extremely difficult to stay for these meetings because there was no toilet in the vicinity. “I am happy that new toilets were constructed at this community hall” said Jegatheeswary. “Before these

toilets were built we had to use the toilet of the nearest home to relieve ourselves.” Jegatheeswary went on to explain that this situation was an inconvenience to them as well as to the people who live close to the community hall. She further said that the entire community which consists of 175 families gather at this hall twice a month for the Samurdhi programme and therefore the toilets and the water supply system constructed by the ADT in 2016 greatly benefit the villagers. “I am also happy that a water line has been constructed here. Now I don’t need to bring a water bottle from home!”

Relief and Development

Sexual and Reproductive Health Through its Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) desk – Project Positive – the ADT creates awareness among those who are vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) while caring for the needs of the destitute who are living with HIV and AIDS. During the period in review, Project Positive continued to conduct its awareness programmes in the ADT’s selected villages as well as in regions that report a higher vulnerability of contracting sexually transmitted infections. These awareness programmes were conducted in partnership with the local Public Health Inspectors and medical doctors affiliated to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme. Project Positive also conducted training programmes on SRH for the ADT’s staff and a community leader from the Monaragala District where several SRH related issues have been reported in the recent past.

In 2016, Project Positive conducted the following programmes • • • • •

A master training for a community leader from Monaragala and 12 staff from the ADT’s national and regional offices 2 trainings for 82 community leaders from Jaffna and Trincomalee Livelihood loan for an HIV infected person Distribution of school packs among 2 HIV infected and 3 HIV affected children 2 street dramas to raise awareness in urban slums in Dehiwala

Mahesh Perera Mahesh Perera, Programme Coordinator for the ADT was recently honoured with the title of ‘Deshabandu Manawahitawadi’ by the Sri Lanka Royal Foundation. He received this award for his work in the area of mobilising different communities to respond favourably to people living with HIV, AIDS and leprosy, which are stigmatised and discriminated by society.

“SINCE MY HUSBAND TOO IS SICK, I HOPE THAT THIS WILL HELP US SURVIVE.”

Shyama* leads a very hard life. She is the mother of three young children and her husband is very sickly. It was because her husband found it difficult to earn a living that Shyama began a small livelihood venture with the aim of supporting her family. She would purchase packs of murukku (a fried snack) in bulk, repack them into smaller quantities and sell it at grocery shops around her neighbourhood. Owing to her determination and commitment, Shyama’s business flourished and she was able to provide for the basic needs of her family. Shyama also made a down payment to purchase a motor bicycle which would help her transport the packed snacks to more markets, thereby widening her customer base. Unfortunately, it was at this time that Shyama fell terribly ill and came to know that she was HIV Positive. Shyama’s entire world seemed to come to a standstill. Her business collapsed because she was unable to continue it. With no mode of income to sustain them,

Shyama’s entire family went through a very hard time. It was while she was receiving medication at the hospital for infectious diseases that Shyama came to know about the ADT. The other patients and caregivers told her about an organisation assisting People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) that will help her in this time of dire need. On approaching the ADT, Shyama received the support she needed to rebuild her life and her livelihood. The ADT helped Shyama purchase the material she needed to restart her livelihood. Shyama received a loan worth SLR 25,000 to purchase 60kg of snacks and 5kg each of cardboard and polythene which are

needed to pack the snacks. “We are living on rent and even though my husband owns a property, we need money to build a home of our own” said Shyama, explaining what she hopes to do with the money she earns. “Since my husband too is sick, I hope that this will help us survive.” Shyama went on to explain that she will be able to earn SLR 1,400 from every kilogramme of snacks and thereby her earnings will total to approximately SLR 84,000. She is very grateful to the ADT for helping her get back on her feet. “I am very happy that I received help from this organisation” exclaimed Shyama. “I didn’t expect to receive a loan so easily.”

*Name has been changed to protect the beneficiary’s identity.

Relief and Development

Leprosy Daily, five cases of leprosy affected persons are identified in Sri Lanka, of which, 38% are reported from the Western Province. The ADT, through an integrated plan launched by the Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign, aims at creating awareness on leprosy so as to fight the spread of leprosy and the societal stigma formed against those affected by the disease. During the period under review, the Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign succeeded in completing the first phase of its campaign and was thus able to launch the campaign’s second phase. It is important to note that in 2016, the ADT was successful in reaching out to inter-faith groups all over the island which, once equipped, will in turn train other community leaders in collaboration with the local Physical Health Inspectors (PHIs).

The Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign continued to conduct its projects and trainings in close partnership with the national Anti-Leprosy Campaign (ALC). In 2016, the ADT supported the ALC in repealing the outdated Lepers Ordinance by providing the necessary assistance needed to draft a cabinet memorandum and prepare it for submission to the parliament.

During this period, the Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign succeeded in achieving the following • • • •

Mobilised 785 community leaders to raise awareness on leprosy and supported the local PHIs in all 25 districts Conducted 322 leprosy awareness Sundays reaching over 22,000 persons islandwide Trained 183 community leaders on integral mission and project management Reached out to 19 inter-faith groups to join the Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign

“I BELIEVE THAT I CAN NOW RAISE AWARENESS ON LEPROSY IN THE AREA ENTRUSTED TO ME.”

Pastor Thilakaratne of the Presbyterian Church – explained to the participants at the forum about what their respective religions taught on the importance of good health and on caring for the sick. The faith leaders all explained that their religious teachings expounded that caring for all living beings and especially sick persons was a meritorious deed. They also found common ground in explaining that it was good to eliminate the cause of illness. Ps. Thilakaratne who co-chairs the inter-religious peace foundation, was appreciative of the dedication of the Touch team. “Working with other religious leaders for the sake of the nation’s health is the bridge to bringing about peace” said Ps. Thilakaratne. As the co-chairperson of an inter-religious peace foundation, he offered the assistance of the foundation to the Touch Anti-Leprosy

The Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign of the ADT launched the second phase of its campaign in 2016. The team that worked with the Church in Sri Lanka to fight against the spread of leprosy and the societal stigma formed against those affected, met with religious leaders of all faiths in order to learn other religious teachings on the importance of health and on caring for the sick. They gathered at Sanctuary House on 14 July 2016 to listen to the teachings of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam as presented by teachers of these faiths. The ADT invited the leaders of an inter-religious peace foundation which pledged its support towards the Touch Anti-Leprosy Campaign by joining hands with the ADT to spread awareness on leprosy and supporting the members of the Touch steering committee which had a presence in all districts of Sri Lanka. The faith leaders who facilitated the session – namely, Venerable Badalkumbure Gunawansha Thero, Umar Moulavi, Pathma Niroja Sharma Kurukkal and

Campaign. “We have a presence in 12 districts. We can join you to take awareness on leprosy to others.” The ADT selected Ayoma Fonseka to carry out its antileprosy awareness campaign in the Kalutara District. Ayoma was greatly inspired by the inter-faith forum in conducting her campaign by reaching out to religious groups in her area. “I believe that this programme has laid the foundation towards working with those of all faiths” she explained. “I didn’t have much knowledge on working with other faith groups. I now want to do my flyer campaign with all religious groups in my village. I believe that I can now raise awareness on leprosy in the area entrusted to me.”

Missions and Evangelism

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UNIT The Business Development Unit (BDU) of the ADT is dedicated towards assisting marginalised persons living in absolute poverty. It supports those who are interested in improving their living conditions by assisting them to begin or revive business ventures. It is important to note that the projects conducted by the BDU are funded by the income the unit generates. During the period in review, the BDU continued to support vulnerable persons including war-affected widows, disabled persons and children, while supporting and enhancing other projects carried out by the ADT.

Missions and Evangelism

Business Development Unit

Projects carried out by the BDU which benefited impoverished and marginalised persons in 2016 • • • • •

Livelihood grants for a war widow in Mullaitivu to purchase a bicycle, repair a sewing machine and purchase vegetable seeds for cultivation Livelihood grants for 2 disabled persons in Kilinochchi to begin poultry farming and purchase bicycles Loans for 2 beneficiaries in Jaffna to start selfemployment ventures Educational support for a student in Negombo Nutritional support for a needy family in Colombo

The BDU also supported the following projects conducted by the ADT • • • •

Support towards the relief programmes conducted by the ADT Support towards enhancing the Change Makers Club activities Contribution towards purchasing an amplifier for a school renovated by the ADT Educational support for an HIV affected student

“I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO YOUR ORGANISATION FOR GIVING ME CHICKENS AND A BICYCLE IN MY TIME OF NEED.”

It was at a networking meeting held with the aim of connecting aid workers with those in need that Ehambaram heard about the ADT. On requesting for help from the ADT, Ehambaram’s plight was conveyed to its Business Development Unit. Taking into account Ehambaram’s inability to engage in heavy work, the BDU gifted him with a grant of SLR 2,500 to purchase poultry and SLR 10,000 to purchase a bicycle to help him market the eggs and meat he will get from the chickens.

The war that ravaged the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka is not a distant memory for Ehambaram. His loss is so great that he relives the painful past every day. Like so many war victims, Ehambaram too lost five members of his family and his entire house was destroyed. However, the day that is etched in his memory is 22 April 2009 – the day Ehambaram lost a part of his left hand. Just a month before the armed conflict ended, Ehambaram fell victim to gunfire in Puthumathalan which still to date, makes it difficult for him to engage in the mundane activities of day-today life. There are bullets lodged deep in Ehambaram’s spine and in his head that make heavy work difficult. To make matters worse, Ehambaram is the breadwinner of a young family and nobody is willing to employ him because of his disability. Like so many others who were handicapped physically and financially by the 30 year war, Ehambaram too is heavily burdened by loans. His only mode of income is the Samurdhi welfare measures which give him SLR 9,000 every 3 months. However most of this money goes towards paying off his loans.

Since the chicks are still too young to lay eggs, Ehambaram has started to plant manioc in his large garden. The bicycle he received from the BDU helps Ehambaran to transport the manioc to the marketplace in the town which is 10km away from his home. “I am sad because of what I lost in the war. I am finding it extremely difficult to find food for our daily meals” said Ehambaram, explaining the situation he is faced with. “There was no one to help us. When we ask organisations for help they would only collect our details and not help us in any way. I am very grateful to your organisation for giving me chickens and a bicycle in my time of need.”

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Missions and Evangelism

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT During the reporting period, the Media and Communications Unit continued to systematically report on the activities and achievements of the Alliance Development Trust.

Missions and Evangelism

Media and Communications Unit

REPORTING AND DISSEMINATION The Media and Communications Unit provided media coverage to the various events carried out by the ADT. The unit also carried out periodic field visits to meet its beneficiaries, gathering success stories which are reported on our websites, the Alliance News newsletter and other communications material.

PUBLICATIONS The Media and Communications Unit releases a quarterly newsletter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alliance News â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that reports on the activities carried out by the various sectors of the ADT. The Alliance News is also published online on ISSUU, a digital publishing platform and disseminated via email to reach a wider audience. During the third quarter of 2016, the newsletter was redesigned to be more reader-friendly, featuring more photographs of the various projects conducted.

Media and Communications Unit

TRAINING AND NETWORKING The Media and Communications Unit assisted in organising a workshop on Video for Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy which was conducted by a facilitator from WITNESS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an international organisation that trains and supports activists using video to advocate and lobby for the wider recognition and implementation of human rights. The workshop was attended by activists, civil society personnel and journalists who document human rights abuses and are interested in using creative mediums for their human rights campaigns. The unit also organised a Training of Trainers workshop for the ADT staff to introduce to them the eyeWitness to atrocities mobile application (app) through which one can report violations of human rights. The Media and Communications Unit also helped eyeWitness translate the guide on how to install and use the app to Sinhala and Tamil while also providing them with the Sinhala and Tamil audio files for their video tutorials.

OTHER PROJECTS The Media and Communications Unit contributed towards the renovation of a school hall for the Kahawathugoda School in Galle which was carried out by the ADT. The financial contribution of SLR 70,000 donated towards this project was raised through a Yard Sale held in 2014 which was also organised by the Media and Communications Unit.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GODFREY YOGARAJAH

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM GODFREY YOGARAJAH MAHESH DE MEL

PROGRAMME LEADERS THACIS THOUMIYAN RAVIKUMAR SARJEEVRAM PRAVEEN GOMEZ

REGIONAL TEAM LEADERS REGIONAL MANAGER - NORTH

ABRAHAM RAGULAN

ACTING TEAM LEADER CUM SIVALINGAM THIRUKKUMARAN PROJECT COORDINATOR - JAFFNA TEAM LEADER - BATTICALOA COORDINATOR - ANURADHAPURA COORDINATOR - GAMPOLA COORDINATOR - SOUTH PROJECT OFFICER - MANNAR

JEBASUTHAN SELVARETNAM BRIAN DE SILVA PETER JOY JOHNSON GURUSINGHA ARACHCHIGE MANEL JULIUS COONGHE

APPRECIATIONS We are grateful to our partners, donors and friends who have generously given of their resources and time. We thank the government authorities and other stakeholders who have cooperated with us and given their fullest support to carry out our programmes. We are indebted to our staff who have tirelessly and with great dedication, passion and commitment created an immeasurable impact on the communities we serve.

UN ITI N G AN D EM P OWERING COMMUNIT IE S BY DY NA MIC A C TI ON FOR S OC I AL PE A CE , PUBLIC J UST ICE A ND E CON OMI C S U FFI C I ENCY TO T RA NSF ORM T HE NATION The reach of the Alliance Development Trust has grown over the past years during which it assisted hundreds of persons affected by natural and man-made disasters, poverty and illness. The ADT, which was registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation in 2005, has come a long way today, working in the areas of Relief Assistance, Development Education, Sustainable Livelihood, Child Participation and Development, Water and Sanitation, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Leprosy.