Sewalanka Foundation

Sewalanka prides itself on being a learning organization. We continue to evolve as we incorporate 'lessons learned' and adapt to changing circumstances. Sewalanka was founded in 1993 with a mission to work with the most vulnerable communities in the most neglected and disadvantaged regions of Sri Lanka. At the time, conflict was raging in the north... and east of the country, and the communities caught in the middle of this war were clearly among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Although we were founded as a development organization, the instability of conflict and displacement provides few opportunities for long-term planning. We started our work in the north and east as a humanitarian agency, providing emergency assistance to the Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim communities that were being displaced by conflict. As the situation changed, some areas stabilized, and we continued to work with the same communities as they resettled. Over the years, we developed a process for helping displaced communities transition from dependency on relief aid to self-reliance and sustainable development.Read More