The “Improving Rural Livelihoods, Enhancing Food Security, and Building Climate Resilience in Sri Lanka” program, launched in January 2023, is a significant initiative implemented by Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC and is set to run through December 2027. This project is spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera, the National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC.
The core focus of the program is on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, with a special emphasis on home gardening as a key strategy. By encouraging households to adopt these practices, the program seeks to improve food production at the local level, which, in turn, will strengthen food security across the country. The initiative spans across Sri Lanka’s 25 districts, aiming to reach diverse rural communities and build climate resilience.
In addition to improving food security, the program is designed to enhance rural livelihoods by empowering local communities with the knowledge and resources needed to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. This includes training on climate-resilient crops, water management, and soil conservation techniques.
Ultimately, this initiative is expected to create long-term positive impacts by enhancing the self-sufficiency of rural households while contributing to the broader national goals of sustainability and climate resilience.
In 2024, Caritas Colombo made a significant impact in combating hunger and poverty in urban areas, particularly within the Colombo Diocese, through its Organic Home Gardening initiative with the leadership of Rev. Fr. Nilantha Heshan Fernando, Director – “Seth Sarana” Caritas Colombo.
The program supported 411 smallholder farmers and 57 persons with disabilities (PWDs), intending to promote food security by teaching sustainable agricultural practices. These included cultivating a wide range of crops, from vegetables, fruits, and herbs to spices, along with the production of homemade jams.
A key feature of the program was its focus on climate change adaptation, especially in urban environments with limited space. Techniques like potted agriculture were introduced, making it possible to grow food in confined areas.
The training was comprehensive, combining both theoretical and practical elements of sustainable farming. Farmers learned how to produce their fertilizers—such as liquid fertilizers and compost—and use natural pest control methods, including Neem and Gliricidia solutions. To further incentivize the success of the program, the best-performing home gardens were rewarded with cash prizes and farming tools, encouraging continued growth and productivity.
This initiative reflects Caritas Colombo’s dedication to improving food availability and empowering vulnerable communities through education and sustainable farming practices.
On December 17, 2024, a prize distribution ceremony for the Home Garden Competition, supported by Caritas Norway, was held at the Archdiocese Social and Economic Development Center in Raddolugama. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, attended the event and presented awards to the dedicated farmers and PWDs. Also in attendance were Mrs. Nilani Tissera, the National Coordinator of the Food Security Project, and Mrs. Amali Shamini, the Regional Coordinator of the Food Security Project.
This initiative is part of Caritas Sri Lanka’s broader mission to strengthen food security and build climate resilience in Sri Lanka, empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
