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    30Nov, 2021
    Meeting with the Zonal director of Education

    The visiting delegate met  Zonal Director of Education (ZED)  of Trincomalee and discussed with regards to the educational programmes of Muslim Aid carried out in the zone also the achievement and  impact created through the intervention.  The ZED appreciated the MASL support to uplift the educational level in the zone and highly commented in regard to its support through provision of the SMART board and IT equipment where more than 35 schools and students were covered in the pandemic period and will continue it services for the development of the rural underprivileged students in the area.

    30Nov, 2021
    Meeting with the Secretary of Education – Eastern province

    The delegate along with the country director met the Provincial Education Secretary to the Eastern Province, Mr. M.C.L. Fernando.  The delegate discussed Muslim Aid’s education projects of the past 15 years and the impact it has created and achieved, while also elaborating on current and future education projects in the district.

    Muslim Aid’s education projects have improved the infrastructure of schools, provided trainings to teachers and principals on child-friendly teaching methodologies; conducted awareness sessions and career guidance for parents and students, and provided study materials for school children. The overall aim of MASL’s “Education for All” programme has consistently been to enhance the quality of education and increase access to educational resources for students and schools.

    9Nov, 2021
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s courtesy visit to the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka

    The officials of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka made a courtesy visit to the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, on the 8th of November, 2021. They met the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency, Mr Tanvir Ahmed, at the High Commission premises.

    During the visit, the Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, Mr. Faizer Khan highlighted Muslim Aid’s fifteen (15) years of dedicated service in Sri Lanka to the Deputy High Commissioner. He also recollected the partnership between Muslim Aid Sri Lanka and the Pakistan High Commission, through which a substantial number of development and aid programmes were conducted. Muslim Aid then expressed their interest to resume the partnership with the High Commission.

    The Deputy High Commissioner described the High commission’s programmes; especially those supporting higher education and educational scholarships of Sri Lankan students every year. His Excellency also highlighted the Pakistani Government’s assistance to Sri Lanka through   community-based household livelihood programmes.

    Furthermore, His Excellency, Mr.Tanvir Ahmed mentioned the strategy adopted by the High Commission in implementing the projects in Sri Lanka, where the projects focus on cultivating and establishing social cohesion and coexistence among the communities in the country.

    The Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka was accompanied by Business Development Manager, M. Mohamed Jaleel and Business Development Officer Fahim Iqbal on this courtesy visit.

    5Feb, 2020
    Muslim Aids supports refugee returnees and vulnerable children to start their first day at school

    On request of primary schools of Sanmuga and Sindu in the resettled village of Pallikkudiyiruppu, Muslim Aid supported 20 children with school packs to start their first day at school.

    The event was held today (03.02.2020) at the T/Mut/
    Kalaimahal Hindu College with the participation of the principal, teachers and
    staff of Muslim Aid.

    Although the literacy rate in Sri Lanka is approximately 94%, in remote and underdeveloped villages, children are still facing severe hardships to start and continue their education. One of such villages is Pallikudiyiruppu, a resettled village in Trincomalee district where the villagers had to face multiple displacements due to the war that lasted for three decades and ended only in 2009.

    There are five preschools in five small communities in the Pallikudiyiruppu resettled village. All the families from this region were displaced to Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts and a few families took refuge in India around 10-15 years backs. All the families are poor and lost everything during the displacement.

    The parents and the preschool teachers sent
    their request through the District Secretary in Trincomalee to the Muslim Aid
    field office, five days prior to today’s event; and The Assistant Government Agent
    facilitated the process. After the assessing the situation, Muslim Aid Sri
    Lanka allocated funds and arranged the school packs for distribution promptly.
    This activity falls under the ‘Education for All – Up for School’
    programme.

    The new preschool kids were ceremonially welcomed by grade one kids and the teachers. A school teacher spoke at the event saying,

    “We made many requests to different circles to support these kids in the past. However, this is the only time we received this kind of support. Our deep thanks to Muslim Aid and the staff of GA office for making this happen”. 

    In December last year, Muslim Aid distributed school packs to students from three ethnic communities, starting from Vilankulam of Trincomalee and reaching out to three other Sinhala schools from the Kuliyapitiya region.

    Muslim Aid celebrates 15 years of dedicated service in Sri Lanka this year. It has been operating in Sri Lanka since 2005 as a humanitarian and development agency working in five strategic areas including economic empowerment, humanitarian support; education development, health, water and sanitation. Muslim Aid’s programmes are combined with peace-building and social cohesion among communities in the country.

    15Nov, 2019
    Students and Staff of the Vocational Training Authority honoured at the Youth and Community Resilience Project Showcase & Active Citizen Certificate Awards Ceremony 2018/19.

    In September 2018, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka supported by the British Council teamed up with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka to instigate the Youth and Community Resilience (YCR) Programme – an initiative that aimed to reach youth engaged in technical education by providing social skills development training that have been identified as essential to perform as an effective Employee, Entrepreneur and overall as a responsible “Active Citizen’ of the country.

    The purpose of the programme was to enable students to understand different cultures, communities and their norms and values through group work and activities under social skill development. The YCR programme has succeeded in this regard, as stories from the active citizens serve to prove so. Students who were part of the programme have become socially aware and this is a promising development; as it has the potential create a paradigm shift in their communities regarding socio-political issues. The programme has thus created a network among students and provided them an invaluable platform to build professional relationships among them

    Ms.Gill Caldicott, Country Director of British Council and Mr.Faizer Khan,
    Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka
    lighting the Oil Lamp designed by the students of the VTA. — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies

    Ms. Amy O’Brien,
    1st Secretary, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Adviser – British High Commission of Sri Lanka and Dr.Yousuf K. Marikkar, Vice Chairman, Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Hundred youth who were enrolled for technical education courses at Vocational Training Centers, and twenty five VTA lecturers from different religious and cultural backgrounds were trained through the Active Citizens Training Framework & Toolkit used in the British Council’s Global Active Citizens (AC) programme by the British Council. To honour and celebrate the completion of the training and successful implementation of Social Action Projects by the VTA Staff and Students, an Awarding Ceremony and Project Showcase was held on the 29th of October at the BCIS Olympus Auditorium, BMICH. The occasion was graced by Mr. Ravi Jayawardana, Chairman – Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka as the chief guest , and other distinguished guests; Ms. Gill Caldicott, Country Director – British Council, Mr. Faizer Khan , Country Director – Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, Ms. Amy O’Brien, 1st Secretary, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Adviser – British High Commission of Sri Lanka; and Mrs. Chulangani Perera, Director General – Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka The event featured a video documentary, depicting the journey of the YCR programme participants and its impact. Followed by a 6-chair panel discussion; moderated in all 3 languages, which was a sharing of experiences by students and an instructor of the Vocational Training Authority Sri Lanka; an Active Citizen Master Facilitator and a parent of one of the students. Ms. Vinoja, a VTA student from Batticaloa, who successfully implemented a community project and attended the awards ceremony expressed her thoughts on the programme saying “I was a shy and quiet person, but through the Active Citizens Training I have gained leadership skills and improved my ability to communicate effectively. At the same time was given the opportunity to build good relationships with other youth and communities who follow a different faith, particularly the Muslim Community”. 


    Panel discussion – Project journey – sharing experiences :
    VTA lecturer sharing his thoughts on the impact of the Active Citizens programme on Youth and Community Resilience
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Panel discussion – Project journey – sharing experiences : VTA student from Anuradhapura
    sharing her AC journey
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    A showcase of 10 community projects conceptualised, developed and delivered by the VTA Active Citizens from 3 districts (Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee) was later declared open for viewing, where guests were able to witness the efforts of Active Citizens, their immediate achievements and the outreach of social initiatives that had potential to resolve community issues in the long run. Speaking at the event, Mr Faizer Khan Country Director MASL said: “I believe that by building community resilience, the youth will emerge as leaders and be able to adapt to changes and face any challenges they may face. This will create community cohesion and positively contribute to the sustainable development process of the country”


    Special guests and other invitees walk through the community project showcase

     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.
    Active Citizen explaining her project to Director General of VTA
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Ms Amy O’Brien from the British High Comission has a closer look at the projects on display — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Following the success of Phase One, the YCR programme is expected to extend its reach beyond the three districts of Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. This customized social skills development programme using the active citizens core methodology (with additional input sessions) is projected to be institutionalised at Vocational Training Centers to reach almost 35000 youth in 212 centers of by the Vocational Training Authority in Sri Lanka as a complementary learning module to the technical skills curriculum.


    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Chairman of the VTA delivering his speech — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.


    Ms.Gill Caldicott, Country Director of British Counciil delivering her key note address — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.



    9Jul, 2019
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka hands over goodwill contribution to His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

    The senior management team of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka paid a courtesy visit to His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo at the Archbishop’s House on the 12th of June 2019.The team handed over their goodwill contribution to His Eminence, to be utilized for assisting the victims of the Easter Sunday Attack.

    His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith was also briefed on Muslim Aid’s activities in Sri Lanka since its inception in 2004; as well as the joint project between Muslim Aid and Sri Lanka Red Cross – funded by Muslim Aid USA. The Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka – Mr. Faizer Khan highlighted that that the main aim of this intervention is to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims through Livelihood support, Educational scholarships for affected students, Medical support, Psycho-social Care and promoting Social Cohesion between communities. His Eminence then expressed his encouragement and gratitude to the team and requested us to coordinate our efforts with other stakeholders on the ground, while stating his vision for a united & peaceful country.

    4Jul, 2019
    High Commissioner of Britain visits Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s project site in Muthur, Trincomalee

    His Excellency, The High Commissioner of Britain, James Dauris paid a visit to Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s Field Office premises in Muthur, Trincomalee.

    As a British based relief and development agency, Muslim Aid welcomed the envoys as a show of solidarity with the British High Commission and presented the organization’s staff and Muslim Aid’s role in Sri Lanka to the delegation. The meeting was arranged during the High Commissioner’s official visit to the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka on Monday, 01st of July 2019.

    The assembly served as a platform to highlight some of Muslim Aid’s important work and its commitment to the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The High Commissioner was accompanied by Colonel Ashman, the Defense Adviser to the British High Commission and Jovita Arulanantham, Political Officer at the British High Commission. Muslim Aid’s stake holders, including beneficiaries, partner organizations’ representatives and community & faith leaders, offered their testimonies and reviewed activities and challenges faced by Muslim Aid in the new context of renewed tension in the country. They discussed how the organization is looking to revive social cohesion and reconciliation in the country, through peace-building and co-existence programmes.

    4Jul, 2019
    Muslim Aid distributes Dry Ration packs & Stationery packs to indigenous families in Batticaloa

    As part of our interventions, Muslim Aid (MASL) recently embarked on a journey to a rural tamil village in Batticaloa. Our volunteer workforce – Team Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, joined hands with Gandhi Global Foundation (GGF) Sri Lanka to distribute Dry Ration packs to 70 families; and Stationery packs to 50 children living there.

    The village is home to Sea-faring Indigenous Tamil Tribes, typically lead by a recognized leader. For decades this tribe has been living in extreme poverty. The project aimed to alleviate the struggles of these families to an extent.

    The distribution event was graced by the respected Officers, The Colonel and other senior officers from the SL Army 233 Brigade, who gave their fullest support to the team and facilitated everything from safety to transport – and Muslim Aid is grateful for the utmost assistance extended to us. With their encouragement Muslim Aid can work towards promoting and establishing social cohesion and peace in the country.

    MASL hopes to provide clean water (WASH) facilities and Livelihood Support in Phase II of this project; establishing sustainability through our interventions.

    4Jun, 2019
    Muslim Aid partners with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to aid victims of the Easter Sunday attacks

    Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a programme that will support the victims of the Easter Sunday Attacks. The MOU was signed by the Director General of SLRCS – Dr. Mahesh Gunasekera and Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka – Mr. Faizer Khan. The main aim of this intervention is to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims through Livelihood support, Educational scholarships for affected students, Medical support and Psycho-social care.

    On Sunday the 21st of April 2019, Sri Lanka witnessed one of its darkest days in history. Six explosions ripped through the three churches and three luxury hotels in the country – namely Katuwapitiya Church, Kochikade Church, Church in Batticaloa, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, Cinnamon Grand hotel & the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo. The bombings were a result of a heinous suicide attack – which was later revealed to have been carried out by a radical islamist terrorist group who carried out coordinated suicide bombings. The attack took the lives of 321 people & injured over 500.

    MASL will work through this partnership with the Gampaha Branch of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to reach the victims of this violence in Katuwapitiya, Negombo. The project, funded by Muslim Aid USA, will channel its assistance to meet the medium and longer-term needs of the victimized families. The project will take a holistic approach in assisting our beneficiaries in that not only the material benefits will be provided to regain their lives, but it will also cater to their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The project is a targeted plan of response for these families and intends to bring the necessary assistance to 100 such families

    There are many children who lost their parents or families who lost their breadwinners. Therefore, this relief project has encompassed both the provision of educational assistance by way of scholarships and livelihood assistance through the facilitation of self-employment, to alleviate their suffering. Both MASL & the SLRCS will also make use of this opportunity to develop social cohesion among different ethnic communities in the area, through the strengthening of interfaith initiatives – since the long run, both organizations plan to work towards peace building and coexistence among communities in Sri Lanka.

    23May, 2019
    Food Vouchers distribution for families from all communities

    Muslim Aid reached out to 69 vulnerable families from Sinhala, Tamil & Muslim communities in a poor village.

    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka recently distributed Food vouchers to 69 families in a poor village in the Trincomalee District.The village is home to Sinhala, Tamil & Muslim communities.These families are living in extreme poverty, but coexist and live in harmony.

    They received valid cash vouchers worth LKR 4000, for purchasing of dry ration packs that will last a month.

    The event was graced by the respected Gramasevaka Officer, Police Officer and the Area Development Officer. Among the beneficiaries were poor women from 20 families who are working in the Kappalthurai Handloom Centre, which is run by Muslim Aid.

    The Police Officer addressed the crowd saying “Helping all 3 communities is very good work, I wish for Muslim Aid to get more strength and support to continue their humanitarian work. You all have to get together to protect this village , specially because of our country’s current situation.”

    This village still doesn’t have access to many basic facilities such as transport, schools, and religious institutions. They have to travel to other villages to fulfill these needs.

    It’s people practise Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. They have coexisted for many decades , and continue to be supportive of each other. Muslim Aid and it’s workforce have also been part of this village. Having implemented free Water & Sanitation (WASH) projects last year for 20 families, inclusive of all communities.Muslim Aid has also supported the village with the provision of School Packs that included shoes, uniforms, school bags and exercise books for all schooling children.Muslim Aid’s presence has helped increase solidarity among the communities.

    The village’s Gramasevaka Officer, stated, “In my point of view this function helps to unite the communities, and means much more than just distributing dry ration packs. This show of solidarity is very important especially because of the present situation.”

    The event served to further establish unity among the communities in the village; enabling Muslim Aid to bring about sustainable development in rural villages with the help of the whole community.