We work across Sri Lanka to help support lasting change in the lives of children, focusing on child protection, children's rights, education and empowering women.
In partnership with local organisations, our programmes focus on child protection, education, children's rights, humanitarian response and improving livelihoods
Three decades of fierce civil war left thousands of Sri Lankan children vulnerable and traumatised. Although the conflict officially ended in 2009, many children and families still bear deep physical and emotional scars.
Better care for children
With reports of child abuse rising, we're working hard with the government, police and local communities to tackle the problem. We're setting up community child protection groups and empowering children to put a stop to abuse.
We're also working to help reunite children placed in institutional care with their families. We've helped draft new guidelines on adoption to put Sri Lanka in line with UN standards, and we've pushed the government to ban corporal punishment.
Getting an education
We're investing in children's early learning to ensure they get the best possible start in life. Our Early Childhood Care and Development programme includes teacher training, curriculum development and working with communities.
We're also helping children who have dropped out of - or never been to - school to access education. We promote child-friendly school systems where children's views are listened to and they're involved in decision-making.
Emergency response
After the 2004 tsunami, we provided emergency aid and education to 130,000 children, created safe places to play for 88,000, and rebuilt 21 schools.
As the climate warms and disasters become more likely, we're working with the National Disaster Management Committee on contingency planning for future emergencies.
Page updated November 2021
