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    12Sep, 2022
    The UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency in partnership with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) and the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) distributed dry rations packs to selected vulnerable families at the Divisional Secretariat Office in Negombo.

    Sri Lanka continues to experience an unprecedented economic crisis with high inflation, rising commodity prices, power shortages and lack of fuel. The situation has taken a toll on everyone inhabiting in the country including temporary refugees from various neighboring countries who are currently living in our country till they get resettled in a third country. Not only did the crisis make it difficult for them to carry out day to day activities like travel and cook, it also negatively impacted their mental health. Fortunately, their host communities comprising of Sri Lankan locals have been highly supportive during these tried times. Whether it be providing the refugees with food and water or just being there to talk to them about how their day went, our locals made sure they felt at home and treated them like family irrespective of their ethnicity.

    Although , Sri Lanka may not be the most powerful or the most important country in the world but it is the kind hearts of our locals that make our country even more beautiful and special. In order to show gratitude towards the immense help and kindness the locals have shown on refugees and to help them to steer through this economic crisis, supported by the UNHCR UN Refugee Agency in partnership with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) and the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) distributed dry rations packs (each worth around LKR 7,000.00) to selected 700 vulnerable families on 09th September 2022 at the Divisional Secretariat (DS) office in Negombo with the presence of UNHCR, NAFSO, MASL representatives and officials from the DS office.

    Although everyone in the country is suffering , Muslim Aid believes that even helping a small vulnerable community of people would go a long way. Selection of beneficiaries families was done with the help of the Divisional Secretariat in Negombo, preference was given to pregnant, lactating others, single mothers and elderly members in the community. Also it should be highlighted that in the last month, Muslim Aid with the support of UNHCR has distributed 500 ration packs in the Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia divisional area and is planning to distribute another set of dry ration in the coming weeks as well. Muslim Aid would like to thank UNHCR for its continuous support to help the vulnerable families in the selected areas.

    5Sep, 2022
    Muslim Aid distributed Agriculture, Fishing and Self-Employment equipment to poor families and promoted Model Agriculture Farm in schools

    With the objective of improving the livelihood of disadvantaged families living in villages in the Kuchchaveli DS Division in the district of Trincomalee, an event was held on the 25th of August at Nilaveli A-Fathah Maha Vidyalaya. Muslim Aid provided various equipment and tools for agriculture, fishing, and self-employment worth millions of rupees to different groups of beneficiaries. Muslim Aid Sri Lanka has been implementing this program for the last two years in the villages of the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat.
    The District Secretary of Trincomalee – Mr. Arulraj graced the event as chief guest, along with special invitees; Mr. Kunanathan – Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary, Mr. Siridharan – Trincomalee Zonal Education Director, Mr. Parameswaran – Agricultural Department Deputy Director and Mr. Faizer Khan – Muslim Aid Sri Lanka Country Director.
    With the aim of promoting diversified agricultural activities based on schools, agricultural equipment and long-term crops were distributed to a few select schools in the Kuchchaveli division to promote model agriculture farms. This event was organized by the school community and Muslim Aid staff, along with the support of beneficiaries. While overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis and the nationwide economic crisis, these livelihood development projects are being successfully carried forward with community participation and the cooperation of government agencies.
    Muslim Aid’s continuous 17 years operation and provision of humanitarian services to affected communities has helped introduce modern methods in local production sectors and raise the income level of poor farmers, fishermen and youth and lead them to live dignified and healthy lives.
    While introducing the project, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s National Director, A.C. Faizer Khan stated that Muslim Aid’s main objective is to reduce the poverty level of beneficiary families and increase their income by using modern techniques that are suitable for the country.
    In his speech, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. M. Parameswaran remarked that “Muslim Aid is encouraging farmers to implement new methods and introduce modern technology in the production of farming and training the farming families in methods of income generation so that not a single piece of land is left as a homestead.”
    Mr. Kunathan, the Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary said “The 13,500 families living in this Divisional Secretariat depend on the income from the three main sectors. Among these, Muslim Aid is making an outstanding contribution in two areas. The organization should also concentrate its attention on the income-generating sectors such as tourism and we should all be involved in promoting local food. I am requesting the director of Muslim Aid to work with everyone to eliminate malnutrition among children.”
    “Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s current support is timely and invaluable. Beneficiaries should make progress by using this support properly,” said Additional Chancellor Arul Raj, appreciating the continuous contribution by Muslim Aid in Trincomalee District.