In a bustling industrial zone where assembly lines rarely pause and production targets never wait, the quiet strength of women often goes unrecognized. In the Katunayake Export Processing Zone (EPZ), where thousands of women form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s industrial workforce, the challenge of balancing work with maternal health needs had not been adequately
In March 2023, 21-years-old Ahamad arrived in Sri Lanka, not with neatly packed belongings, but with hurriedly gathered possessions and a heart burdened by fear, displacement, and vulnerability. A native of Pakistan, Ahamad was a well-educated young man with a promising future as a website developer. However, being a member of a minority Muslim community
In a small village called Sinnikkulam in Kebithigollewa, Damayanthi Rajagguru lived with a heavy heart. As a mother of three, she dreamed of building a better future for her children and completing their half-finished home. Faced with severe financial struggles, she made a difficult decision that she would leave her family and work overseas. “I
Lakmal Dinesh, a laborer from a small village in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka, spends his days hand-beating cinnamon to provide for his family. As his work is seasonal during the flowering season, when work becomes scarce, Lakmal faces economic hardships. Despite his tireless efforts, making ends meet has always been a struggle. As the sole earner
The Nallathaniya Emergency Health Center plays a critical role in providing healthcare services in an area with significant demand during the Sripada pilgrimage season. Every year, the pilgrimage attracts an average of 750,000 visitors per week for six months. Despite its significance as a pilgrimage hub, the local healthcare centre has long been in a
The Kayts Medical Officer of Health (MOH), located on the island of Kayts off the northern coast of Sri Lanka, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, the upgraded infrastructure, enhanced sanitation, and improved medical spaces provide a welcoming and efficient healthcare environment. Expectant mothers and new mothers with their children who once hesitated to seek
In the remote village of Vankalai, situated in the Mannar District of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, expectant mothers struggled to access proper maternal care due to the long-abandoned maternity ward at the Divisional Hospital. Years of neglect had left the facility in a state of disrepair, with water stagnation, cracked walls, a leaking roof, broken
In the heart of Sri Lanka, from Homagama belonging to the Colombo District, amidst the trials of an economic crisis, Nandani Weerarathne (52), a resilient mother of two, found herself grappling with adversity. With a blind son and an ailing health, while battling illnesses, their once-stable livelihood crumbled under the weight of economic turmoil and
In the heart of Sri Lanka, nestled within the Kumana Wildlife Sanctuary, lies a path of spiritual significance. Every June, this path becomes a sacred journey for thousands of pilgrims on their way to worship at the Holy Hindu Temple in Katharagama. Acknowledging the challenges faced by these devotees during their arduous trek, Sri Lanka
Image: Munidasa in front of his newly constructed vegetable plot “With the sum of LKR 75,000 that was given to us, we were able to recover from the financial crisis we have been facing,” Munidasa (78) shares, his voice resonating with relief and gratitude. The funds became the cornerstone for their journey towards stability and
