Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC had the honour of welcoming Ms. Ingrid Rosendorf Joys, Secretary General of Caritas Norway, and Ms. Maria Knutsdotter Langas, Program Advisor at Caritas Norway, to Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC. Their extraordinary generosity has made a lasting impact on the mission, and it was inspiring to witness firsthand how their support is transforming the lives of marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. The visit took place from February 12th to 23rd, 2025, and was graced by the presence of National Director, Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera. Mrs. Nilani Tissera, National Program Coordinator, along with the Regional Coordinators from Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC, Mr. K. Hershanth, Ms. Amali Shamani, and Ms. Deepthi Jayakody.
Since 2018, the Caritas Sri Lanka network (13 Diocesan Centres) has successfully implemented the island-wide Food Security program, a testament to the strong collaboration between Caritas Norway, the Government of Norway (NORAD), and Caritas Sri Lanka. The primary goal of the visit was to observe the activities carried out by beneficiaries under the Food Security program at various diocesan centres across Sri Lanka. It provided Ms. Ingrid and Ms. Maria an opportunity to witness firsthand the progress achieved through their generous support for the program, which aims to “Improve rural livelihoods, enhance food security, and build climate resilience in Sri Lanka.”
During their visit, Ms. Ingrid and Ms. Maria went to diocesan centres in Chilaw and Colombo, interacted with beneficiaries, and learned about the positive changes they’ve been able to make in their communities. Directors of Diocesan Centers and Diocesan Field staff from the Food Security program organized field visits to showcase home gardens established by program participants, village knowledge centres, school gardens, and fish ponds created under the initiative. They also had the privilege of meeting members of the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to gain insights about their lifestyles and community dynamics.
The heartfelt welcome from the villagers was a clear reflection of their gratitude toward Caritas Norway. The ability to consume organic vegetables and fruits, as well as access to balanced and nutritious diets, was deeply appreciated by the community. Engaging with farming families provided valuable insights into the tangible, positive impact of the Food Security program on their lives.
On February 17th, a gathering was held at Caritas Chilaw, with participation from staff representing Caritas Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kurunegala, Mannar, Rathnapura, Trincomalee, and Vanni. Representatives from each diocesan centre presented the project’s outcomes, shared the success stories of program participants, and discussed the challenges they encountered.
During the visit, Ms. Ingrid and Ms. Maria also attended the “Partners’ Forum – 2025,” organized by Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC on February 18th at the Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC Auditorium. The forum aimed at strengthening partnerships among global partners of Caritas Sri Lanka. Additionally, they participated in the 20th Tsunami Commemoration on February 19th, 2025, at the BMICH in Colombo 07, honouring the lives lost in the devastating Tsunami of December 26th, 2004.
Ms. Maria continued her field visits to Caritas Galle, Caritas Badulla, and Caritas Kandy from February 20th to 22nd, 2025, during which time she interacted with program stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, schoolchildren, mothers of preschool children, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), to observe the positive changes in their lives.
In conclusion, the visit from Caritas Norway was an unforgettable experience, highlighting the remarkable success and profound impact of the Food Security program in Sri Lanka. This partnership serves as an exemplary model of humanitarian work and sustainable development, restoring hope and improving the quality of life for communities across the country.
