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    6Dec, 2019
    Disability Action Forum 2019

    Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 3rd December.

    The Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, and the British Council Sri Lanka hosted a Disability Action Forum 2019, to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo 7.

    The Disability Forum 2019 was the extension of Active Citizen Priyankha Jeyaraj’s social action project Nethraloka, which began as a project to empower and bring awareness about the visually impaired. Priyankha is an Active Citizen and Facilitator of British Council’s Active Citizens programme; and the Head of Volunteers for Muslim Aid Sri Lanka.

    Team Muslim Aid, the organization’s dedicated volunteer team, under the leadership of Ms.Priyankha and support from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka and British Council Sri Lanka, organized the forum featuring wonderful performances by participants from two schools that serve the needs of disabled persons, especially children, by providing special education, rehabilitation and vocational training. The forum served as a platform for the youth from these institutes to showcase their talents.

    The event started off with a registration process designed to be inclusive for disabled persons, and everyone had to go through a voting scenario that included use of a wheel chair, cane etc to show how the disable are included in the process of voting and how their rights can be exercised and preserved.It also reinforced the message that inclusion is paramount in every aspect of life, in every building, workplace, homes and even on the roads, if we are to uphold and preserve their rights.

    Mr.Tikiri Kumara, Development Officer of the Disability Unit of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, speaks on the role of inclusion in the voting process and about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    Election Commissioner and Chairman of Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr.Mahinda Deshapriya, graced the event and delivered his keynote speech on the significance of the day and inclusion in the elections process and empathy.

    Participants performing a song and dance
    Participants performing a dance routine

    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka has supported disabled persons and their families through income generation, water and sanitation and volunteer projects, since 2015. Speaking at the event Mr. Faizer Khan, Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka said
    “We need to think about ways of supporting persons with disability in better ways than welfare and charity. We need to provide them access and space, but change the way of approaching them with sympathy. We must include them into our mainstream society by action, and empower them in ways to be independent financially and socially; so that they will be part of our society, rather than be welfare receivers or depend on others. They could become tax payers to the country and their productivity will be added to the country’s economy”.

    6Dec, 2019
    Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities(3 December)

    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, and the British Council Sri Lanka hosted a Disability Action Forum 2019, to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December).

    The Disability Forum 2019 was the extension of Active Citizen Priyankha Jeyaraj’s social action project Nethraloka, which began as a project to empower and bring awareness about the visually impaired. Priyankha is an Active Citizen and Facilitator of British Council’s Active Citizens programme; and the Head of Volunteers for Muslim Aid Sri Lanka.

    Election Commissioner and Chairman of Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr.Mahinda Deshapriya, graced the event and delivered his keynote speech on the significance of the day and inclusion in the elections process and empathy.

    Source : Ada Derana

    15Nov, 2019
    With the funding support of the UNHCR, Muslim Aid hands over 4.3 million worth of hospital equipment to two hospitals

    Hospital and computer equipment handed over to
    Wathupitiwala base hospital and Meerigama base hospital in the Gampaha district.

    With the funding support of the UNHCR, Muslim Aid handed over 4.3 million worth of hospital equipment to two hospitals namely Wathupitiwala base hospital and Meerigama base hospital in the Gampaha district.

    Wathupitiwala base hospital is the third largest hospital in Gampaha District and is one of the oldest hospitals in the country with a 110 year old history. The hospital operates with 600 bed strength and human resources of 17 Medical consultants, 143 medical officers, 03 dental surgeons,333 nursing officers, 50 paramedical staff 200 health care assistants and 20 office staff.Muslim Aid handed over 2.1 million worth of computer equipment to enhance their digital radiography programme.

    Meanwhile Meerigama base hospital received essential hospital equipment worth 2.2 million for smooth running of their services. It included apparatus such as medicine and dressing trolleys, ECG monitor and oxygen cylinder stands, cabinets and other items needed in the operating theater.

    The event was graced by Ms. Shirani Wickremasinghe, Senior Programme Associate – UNHCR, Mr.Faizer Khan, Country Director – Muslim Aid Sri Lanka; Mr.Shaheel Thajudeen, Senior Protection Assistant – UNHCR , Deputy Directors of the hospital; as well as consultants, staff and nurses.

    15Nov, 2019
    Students and Staff of the Vocational Training Authority honoured at the Youth and Community Resilience Project Showcase & Active Citizen Certificate Awards Ceremony 2018/19.

    In September 2018, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka supported by the British Council teamed up with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka to instigate the Youth and Community Resilience (YCR) Programme – an initiative that aimed to reach youth engaged in technical education by providing social skills development training that have been identified as essential to perform as an effective Employee, Entrepreneur and overall as a responsible “Active Citizen’ of the country.

    The purpose of the programme was to enable students to understand different cultures, communities and their norms and values through group work and activities under social skill development. The YCR programme has succeeded in this regard, as stories from the active citizens serve to prove so. Students who were part of the programme have become socially aware and this is a promising development; as it has the potential create a paradigm shift in their communities regarding socio-political issues. The programme has thus created a network among students and provided them an invaluable platform to build professional relationships among them

    Ms.Gill Caldicott, Country Director of British Council and Mr.Faizer Khan,
    Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka
    lighting the Oil Lamp designed by the students of the VTA. — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies

    Ms. Amy O’Brien,
    1st Secretary, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Adviser – British High Commission of Sri Lanka and Dr.Yousuf K. Marikkar, Vice Chairman, Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Hundred youth who were enrolled for technical education courses at Vocational Training Centers, and twenty five VTA lecturers from different religious and cultural backgrounds were trained through the Active Citizens Training Framework & Toolkit used in the British Council’s Global Active Citizens (AC) programme by the British Council. To honour and celebrate the completion of the training and successful implementation of Social Action Projects by the VTA Staff and Students, an Awarding Ceremony and Project Showcase was held on the 29th of October at the BCIS Olympus Auditorium, BMICH. The occasion was graced by Mr. Ravi Jayawardana, Chairman – Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka as the chief guest , and other distinguished guests; Ms. Gill Caldicott, Country Director – British Council, Mr. Faizer Khan , Country Director – Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, Ms. Amy O’Brien, 1st Secretary, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Adviser – British High Commission of Sri Lanka; and Mrs. Chulangani Perera, Director General – Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka The event featured a video documentary, depicting the journey of the YCR programme participants and its impact. Followed by a 6-chair panel discussion; moderated in all 3 languages, which was a sharing of experiences by students and an instructor of the Vocational Training Authority Sri Lanka; an Active Citizen Master Facilitator and a parent of one of the students. Ms. Vinoja, a VTA student from Batticaloa, who successfully implemented a community project and attended the awards ceremony expressed her thoughts on the programme saying “I was a shy and quiet person, but through the Active Citizens Training I have gained leadership skills and improved my ability to communicate effectively. At the same time was given the opportunity to build good relationships with other youth and communities who follow a different faith, particularly the Muslim Community”. 


    Panel discussion – Project journey – sharing experiences :
    VTA lecturer sharing his thoughts on the impact of the Active Citizens programme on Youth and Community Resilience
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Panel discussion – Project journey – sharing experiences : VTA student from Anuradhapura
    sharing her AC journey
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    A showcase of 10 community projects conceptualised, developed and delivered by the VTA Active Citizens from 3 districts (Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee) was later declared open for viewing, where guests were able to witness the efforts of Active Citizens, their immediate achievements and the outreach of social initiatives that had potential to resolve community issues in the long run. Speaking at the event, Mr Faizer Khan Country Director MASL said: “I believe that by building community resilience, the youth will emerge as leaders and be able to adapt to changes and face any challenges they may face. This will create community cohesion and positively contribute to the sustainable development process of the country”


    Special guests and other invitees walk through the community project showcase

     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.
    Active Citizen explaining her project to Director General of VTA
     — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Ms Amy O’Brien from the British High Comission has a closer look at the projects on display — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Following the success of Phase One, the YCR programme is expected to extend its reach beyond the three districts of Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. This customized social skills development programme using the active citizens core methodology (with additional input sessions) is projected to be institutionalised at Vocational Training Centers to reach almost 35000 youth in 212 centers of by the Vocational Training Authority in Sri Lanka as a complementary learning module to the technical skills curriculum.


    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Students of the VTA receiving the certificate for successful completion of the Active Citizens social leadership training — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

    Chairman of the VTA delivering his speech — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.


    Ms.Gill Caldicott, Country Director of British Counciil delivering her key note address — at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.



    8Aug, 2019
    Programme Development and Institutional Funding Coordinator

    We are recruiting and this is your opportunity join our workforce !

    Muslim Aid is an international humanitarian and development agency based and registered in the UK. Muslim Aid works through 11 field offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In 2006, Muslim Aid started its operation in Sri Lanka working on humanitarian relief and development programs across the country. Our programs include emergency relief including food, shelter and medical support; capacity building through water, sanitation and health programmes; education and skills training; micro-financing and income generation in 5 districts. We are currently recruiting for an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Programme Development & Institutional Fundraising Coordinator.

    Purpose of the Post

    The main purpose of the position is to lead the process of proposal development and donor liaison and other country- and HQ-level communications to grow and develop Muslim Aid’s programme in Sri Lanka.

    Main Responsibilities

    • Country funding and Strategy

    · In consultation with the Country Director shape the development of a Country Office strategy including communication and funding plans and position papers.

    • Donor Management and representation

    · Represent where delegated, Muslim Aid to the government, Embassies/Delegations, the UN and other international agencies, donors and partners and other bodies including the media and the public.

    · Develop donor engagement strategies for prioritized institutional donors and design and update a donor mapping and database to enable the appropriate development of the programme.

    · Cultivate, maintain and develop strategic relationships with potential and existing donors, agencies, business contacts and other I-NGO partners to advance Muslim Aid’s profile

    • Programme Development and grant management

    · Lead on prospect researching and proactively identifying new funding opportunities from new and existing donors by monitoring calls for proposals and funding updates, for solicited and unsolicited opportunities and through in-country and external relationship building with donors and the submission of programme initiatives

    • Required Qualifications & Experience;

    · Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification in the relevant field, master’s degree will be an added advantage

    · Minimum of three years’ experience in a programme fundraising capacity, preferably in the INGO sector.

    · Proven experience of programme design, development and implementation

    · Have knowledge and experience of working with institutional donors such as ECHO, EU, UN and DFID etc.

    · Experience of grant management and reporting to institutional donors.

    · Excellent proposal development, reporting, writing, communication and presentation skills.

    Please send your CV within 7 days with names of two non-related referees to

    Human Resources Department, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka Office 22, School Lane, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya or email to hr@muslimaidsl.org

    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer

    6Aug, 2019
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, supported by the British Council, joins hands with the Vocation Training Authority (VTA) of Sri Lanka

    Muslim Aid, with the backing of British Council Sri Lanka joined hands with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) of Sri Lanka to launch the Youth Community Resilience Programme in the districts of Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. As such Muslim Aid and the VTA entered into a MOU to implement the programme where selected youths from three vocational training centers in the three districts would be trained using the British Council Active Citizens framework. The programmes commenced in April 2019.

    Muslim Aid have been partners with the British Council since 2013, where Muslim Aid are delivery partners for the Global Active Citizens (AC) programme where youth are trained and educated to take a lead role in resolving issues in their communities and villages. In Sri Lanka, the youth studying with the VTA are talented, skilled and eager to learn but often lack social competency and understanding of their communities. After rounds of discussion with the VTA, about how to fill this gap, Muslim Aid teamed up with the VTA to build their capacities by using the Active Citizens Training Framework and Toolkit. This however, has been carefully reviewed and then re-formulated by the VTA and Muslim Aid to complement the curriculum of the VTA.

    The purpose of the collaboration and the programme, is for Muslim Aid and the VTA to use the British Council Active Citizens programme to train youth to be socially skilled and be able to establish social justice, community resilience and social cohesion in their regions. Muslim Aid has incorporated the Active Citizens programme into the Youth Community Resilience project whose main component will be focusing on Peace, Reconciliation and Social Justice as well as Strong Institutions. This falls into one of Muslim Aid’s areas of work which focuses on inclusiveness of peace and co-existence, keeping in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) -16.

    The project aims to reach a 100 or more young people, aged 18-29 years old, who are currently engaged in technical education, by providing social skills that are required to perform as an employee, entrepreneur and overall, as a citizen of the country. The programme hopes reach other Technical Education Institutes such as NAITA, Technical Colleges, National Youth Corps (NYC) to provide social skills to students who follow at least 6- month technical courses.

    2Aug, 2019
    Muslim Aid Wins NGO Leadership Award

    At the prestigious CMO ASIA – SRI LANKA CSR LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2019

    The CMO ASIA – SRI LANKA CSR LEADERSHIP AWARDS are the highest recognition of corporate organisations that have a significant and positive impact on the lives of people around them. CSR programmes consider company’s commitment to and respect for communities, environment and the people. As such, Muslim Aid was awarded the NGO Leadership Award 2019 and was presented at a ceremony on 17th of July at the Taj Samudra. Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Muslim Aid is a British relief and development agency working in more than 20 countries with 12 Country Offices. The Sri Lanka Country Office was established in 2005 and works with all communities irrespective of faith, ethnic origin or political affiliations.

    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka has been active in Sri Lanka over the last fourteen years supporting Education, Nutrition, Shelter, Peace & Reconciliation and Income Generation projects. The Sri Lanka Field Office was set up in May 2005, in the aftermath of the tsunami, to primarily address tsunami relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation work. Keeping in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 01 which is to end poverty, Muslim Aid focuses on Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Support to increase the income of vulnerable families in the country. At the same time Muslim Aid also implements the provision of clean Water and Sanitation (WASH) in line with SDG 06. Muslim Aid’s third thematic area of work is Humanitarian assistance and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) well as immediate response and relief/recovery efforts during the event of major disasters in the country. Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Relief has been a primary thematic area of work for Muslim Aid Sri Lanka since its inception.

    Endorsed by the World CSR Congress and CMO Asia, the Sri Lanka CSR Leadership awards stands among the most prestigious platforms for the recognition of corporate efforts to positively impact the environment, individuals, communities and countries they operate in.

    We are deeply honoured to have been selected as winners of the CSR NGO Leadership Award 2019, and are delighted to be recognized for the outreach and impact of Muslim Aid’s work in Sri Lanka. The award is a great source of encouragement to the team and has pushed us to work harder to uplift and enrich communities and the people of Sri Lanka.

    9Jul, 2019
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka hands over goodwill contribution to His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

    The senior management team of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka paid a courtesy visit to His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo at the Archbishop’s House on the 12th of June 2019.The team handed over their goodwill contribution to His Eminence, to be utilized for assisting the victims of the Easter Sunday Attack.

    His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith was also briefed on Muslim Aid’s activities in Sri Lanka since its inception in 2004; as well as the joint project between Muslim Aid and Sri Lanka Red Cross – funded by Muslim Aid USA. The Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka – Mr. Faizer Khan highlighted that that the main aim of this intervention is to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims through Livelihood support, Educational scholarships for affected students, Medical support, Psycho-social Care and promoting Social Cohesion between communities. His Eminence then expressed his encouragement and gratitude to the team and requested us to coordinate our efforts with other stakeholders on the ground, while stating his vision for a united & peaceful country.

    4Jul, 2019
    High Commissioner of Britain visits Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s project site in Muthur, Trincomalee

    His Excellency, The High Commissioner of Britain, James Dauris paid a visit to Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s Field Office premises in Muthur, Trincomalee.

    As a British based relief and development agency, Muslim Aid welcomed the envoys as a show of solidarity with the British High Commission and presented the organization’s staff and Muslim Aid’s role in Sri Lanka to the delegation. The meeting was arranged during the High Commissioner’s official visit to the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka on Monday, 01st of July 2019.

    The assembly served as a platform to highlight some of Muslim Aid’s important work and its commitment to the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The High Commissioner was accompanied by Colonel Ashman, the Defense Adviser to the British High Commission and Jovita Arulanantham, Political Officer at the British High Commission. Muslim Aid’s stake holders, including beneficiaries, partner organizations’ representatives and community & faith leaders, offered their testimonies and reviewed activities and challenges faced by Muslim Aid in the new context of renewed tension in the country. They discussed how the organization is looking to revive social cohesion and reconciliation in the country, through peace-building and co-existence programmes.