The guiding principles that inspire our work are based on Catholic Social Teaching.
Empowering vulnerable communities through education, livelihoods, and social protection.
Strengthening communities through sustainable agriculture and reliable food systems.
Building resilience through sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and eco-friendly practices.
Strengthening preparedness, early warning systems, and rapid response for disasters.
Promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and advocacy for justice and human rights.
Safeguarding migrant workers and supporting dignified reintegration for returnees.
DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF INTERVENTION OF CARITAS SRI LANKA
Over a four and a half year period from 2005, Caritas Sri Lanka provided 7,594 new houses and repaired 2,167 damaged houses, benefiting 9,761 families. Additionally, 24,000 beneficiaries received assistance through the Livelihood Assets Restoration Program, with micro-credit grants and loans totaling Rs. 167,106,205. Collaborating with various stakeholders including government bodies, NGOs, and health and counseling institutions, Caritas Sri Lanka conducted 814,592 house visits and provided psychosocial support.
Caritas Sri Lanka Diocesan centres in conflict-affected areas across Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, Trincomalee, and Jaffna provinces have undertaken extensive humanitarian efforts, including constructing 2431 permanent houses and 2440 transitional shelters. Additionally, they've provided over 10,644 livelihood packages, donated relief items to 81,564 families, and distributed non-food items to over 6000 individuals.
The "Enhancing Resilience" program by CSL in Sri Lanka has provided vital support to those affected by the prolonged economic crisis. It has reached 40,808 families with food ration packs, assisted 27,514 children with educational facilities, counseled 552 individuals, provided medical treatment to 4,709 chronically ill patients, offered psychosocial support to 1,250 individuals, and aided 9,750 people in organic food production across the island.
CSL has played a pivotal role in fostering a common vision of tolerance and harmony among all religions in Sri Lanka through initiatives aimed at changing public attitudes towards religious harmony for peacebuilding. CSL's exemplary approach to Religious Amity has garnered recognition, serving as a model for organizations and countries facing similar contexts. Sharing experiences with diverse groups like UNFPA, Agiamondo, and the University of Peradeniya, Caritas has fostered unity and dialogue.
Caritas Sri Lanka supports migrants at every stage—aspiring, in-service, and returnees—through legal aid, case management, and compensation facilitation. It addresses issues like contract violations, trafficking, and unpaid wages. Caritas also provides psychosocial support to migrant families and conducts awareness sessions on safe, legal migration. By collaborating with the Catholic Migration Commission, government bodies, and stakeholders, Caritas ensures rights protection and promotes informed migration practices for vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka.
CSL's proactive engagement with stakeholders and communities through initiatives like the 'Stepping Stone to Safeguarding Sri Lanka's Natural Environment Project' demonstrates a commitment to environmental awareness and action, as seen in their extensive clean-up, solidarity, and tree planting campaigns. Through collaboration and media outreach, Caritas continues to champion environmental conservation and climate justice, setting a noteworthy precedent for sustainable development.
As the National Secretariat of the Justice, Peace, and Human Development Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, Caritas Sri Lanka plays a vital advocacy and educational role. It conducts awareness programs, study sessions, and campaigns on critical national issues such as elections, the 13th Amendment, the Anti-Terrorism Act, human rights, and social justice. Through these efforts, Caritas fosters democratic values, informed civic participation, and dialogue, promoting peace, justice, and human dignity across communities in Sri Lanka.
Caritas Sri Lanka demonstrated its proactive and learning-oriented approach through its comprehensive response to the Easter Sunday attacks (21st April, 2019) offering psychosocial care, medical aid, financial and educational support, and interfaith healing. Simultaneously, it engaged in evidence-based advocacy, publishing research on plantation community welfare, migration challenges, and interreligious peacebuilding. By documenting lived realities and informing policy through data-driven insights, including the Sri Lanka country profile, Caritas advances sustainable development, social justice, and resilience-building across diverse and vulnerable communities.