Sri Lanka

Inspiring Change

The Cash for Work, Debris Cleaning and GBV training carried out in Gal Amunu, Mahaweva, has resulted in many positive changes for the community. Carried out with the help of Oxfam and partners, the projects were supported by the START Fund in response to recent flooding in Puttalam, Sri Lanka.

Oxfam Dry bags being put to use during the floods

Oxfam's Dry Bags are being put to the test as they successfully help vulnerable familes transport their valuables in the midst of the floods.

A home away from home

Most of the families residing at the Geekiyanakanda camp have lost their homes, nearly all of their belongings and are patiently waiting to be relocated. Yet their positive spirit is contagious.

The Resilient Matriarch

Despite losing nearly everything she owned, Gunawathie (60) remains hopeful. This resilient matriarch insists that unwavering hope has helped her overcome many difficulties.

Women from Batticaloa now earn more by selling rice based products instead of unprocessed paddy. Photograph: Nipuna Kumbalathara/Oxfam

Successes in Achieving Economic Justice

Oxfam supported approximately 30,000 families in 12 districts in Sri Lanka (Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa and Monaragala). We targeted the poorest and marginalised women and men from the Sinhalese,...

Woman flipping through a receipt book. Photo credit: Sheshadri Kottearachchi

Economic Justice

Oxfam works to ensure that poor and vulnerable women, girls and their families can own and use land and water. These vital natural resources are necessary for resilient and sustainable income generation. When farmers own their land, they have a bigger incentive to invest in them. We target the...

Women cheering in agreement at the #16Days of Activism against GBV event in Batticoloa

Gender Justice

Oxfam wants poor and vulnerable women and girls to be able to exercise their rights and live free from violence. There must be more women in positions of leadership influencing structures, processes, and action for equitable social change.

This community in Batticaloa worked together to renovate the bund which also doubles as the main access road to the village. Photograph: Nipuna Kumbalathara/Oxfam

Making Communities Safer

We work to strengthen communities to be better prepared for disaster, to work together to reduce the impacts and to hold the government authorities to account for disaster preparedness and response. We support non-governmental and community-based organisations to respond to emergencies and fill...

By working together, poor and disadvantaged communities can speak louder. Photograph: Oxfam

Right to be Heard

The right to be heard is the foundation for achieving Oxfam's vision, widespread impact and sustainable change in Sri Lanka. A strong, independent platform for addressing injustice emerges when citizens speak up for their rights, participate in democratic action and take advantage of...

Children at play. Young people from different ethnic groups have been keen to get to know each other. Photograph: Oxfam

Peace Building

Oxfam takes a practical approach to peacebuilding that is both sensitive to the ground realities and takes advantage of opportunities available. All our work is conflict sensitive; they will not in any way worsen divisions and tensions or cause conflict amongst communities.

The future is equal