On the invitation of Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilleke, National Director, H.E. Trine JØranli Eskedal, Ambassador of Norway visited the Food Security program field location in Galaha, Kandy on 17 October 2019 accompanied by Malraji Wanniarachchi, Seniour Advisor, Development and Thilini Kahandawaarachchi, Political Advisor, from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
As a result of the strong partnership between the Government of Norway (NORAD), Caritas Norway and Caritas Sri Lanka, the island wide program on Food Security is being implemented successfully by the Caritas Sri Lanka network. The main objectives being community empowerment, promotion of organic farming practices, animal husbandry and pond fish culture enabling more than 26,000 farmer families to consume healthy and nutritionally balanced diets besides helping to enhance their domestic economy. The program also benefits 52,000 school children and 26,000 mothers of pre-school children.
Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera and his staff of Food Security program at Caritas SETIK Kandy arranged for the Ambassador to see firsthand the progress made by some of the CBO members and their organic produce in a very remote village in Galaha, Kandy. She was very happy to meet the members of the farmer families and chat with them. The villagers heartily welcomed Her Excellency as this was the first time an Ambassador from a foreign country has visited their village.
Overall, it was a very memorable day as the Ambassador’s visit culminated with a courtesy call on Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, Bishop of Kandy.
