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    30Nov, 2021
    Meeting with the Zonal director of Education

    The visiting delegate met  Zonal Director of Education (ZED)  of Trincomalee and discussed with regards to the educational programmes of Muslim Aid carried out in the zone also the achievement and  impact created through the intervention.  The ZED appreciated the MASL support to uplift the educational level in the zone and highly commented in regard to its support through provision of the SMART board and IT equipment where more than 35 schools and students were covered in the pandemic period and will continue it services for the development of the rural underprivileged students in the area.

    30Nov, 2021
    Meeting with the Secretary of Education – Eastern province

    The delegate along with the country director met the Provincial Education Secretary to the Eastern Province, Mr. M.C.L. Fernando.  The delegate discussed Muslim Aid’s education projects of the past 15 years and the impact it has created and achieved, while also elaborating on current and future education projects in the district.

    Muslim Aid’s education projects have improved the infrastructure of schools, provided trainings to teachers and principals on child-friendly teaching methodologies; conducted awareness sessions and career guidance for parents and students, and provided study materials for school children. The overall aim of MASL’s “Education for All” programme has consistently been to enhance the quality of education and increase access to educational resources for students and schools.

    30Nov, 2021
    Meeting with District Secretary /Government Agent (GA)

    The visiting delegation also met the Trincomalee District Secretary /Government Agent (GA) Mr. Saman Darshana Pandikorala at the district secretariat of Trincomalee.

    During the meeting they were able to discuss at length about the number of projects being implemented in the Trincomalee district and its impact on sustainable development of the region and improving the quality of the life of the communities. The representatives of Muslim Aid shared ideas about future projects in the district and the ideal outcomes they hope to achieve through the while receiving support and cooperation from the GA. The delegate appreciated and thanked, the GA for his continuous  support and guidance to implement the programmes in the district.

    9Nov, 2021
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s courtesy visit to the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka

    The officials of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka made a courtesy visit to the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, on the 8th of November, 2021. They met the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency, Mr Tanvir Ahmed, at the High Commission premises.

    During the visit, the Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, Mr. Faizer Khan highlighted Muslim Aid’s fifteen (15) years of dedicated service in Sri Lanka to the Deputy High Commissioner. He also recollected the partnership between Muslim Aid Sri Lanka and the Pakistan High Commission, through which a substantial number of development and aid programmes were conducted. Muslim Aid then expressed their interest to resume the partnership with the High Commission.

    The Deputy High Commissioner described the High commission’s programmes; especially those supporting higher education and educational scholarships of Sri Lankan students every year. His Excellency also highlighted the Pakistani Government’s assistance to Sri Lanka through   community-based household livelihood programmes.

    Furthermore, His Excellency, Mr.Tanvir Ahmed mentioned the strategy adopted by the High Commission in implementing the projects in Sri Lanka, where the projects focus on cultivating and establishing social cohesion and coexistence among the communities in the country.

    The Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka was accompanied by Business Development Manager, M. Mohamed Jaleel and Business Development Officer Fahim Iqbal on this courtesy visit.

    13Jan, 2020
    Muslim Aid Sri Lanka celebrates 15 years of service in Sri Lanka with their first event – a Blood Donation campaign

    Blood Donation campaign organized by the Sri Jayawardenapura University Muslim Association in collaboration with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka

    This marked the first activity of Muslim Aid’s 15th year anniversary celebration

    The blood donation campaign organized by Muslim Aid Sri Lanka and the Sri Jayawardenapura University Muslim Majlis (Association) was launched today at 9:00 am at the management faculty building of the university, with the participation of interfaith leaders, university staff, the National Blood Bank department, students of Sri Jayawardenapura University and staff of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka. This activity is one of many, including a tree-planting campaign and beach clean-up that are planned to be implemented in celebration of Muslim Aid’s 15 years of service in the country.

    The Muslim Majlis of Sri Jayawardena University joined with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka to organize the blood donation event with the approval of the university management. Rev. Fr. Rajiv Alexander welcomed this joint effort and expressed that helping others is the prime duty of human beings. Ash-sheik Arkam Nooramith, who also graced the event, pointed out in his blessing note that sacrificing one to another is human responsibility. Also present at the event was Fathoum Zaleeha Issadeen, Bronze Medal winner for Squash at the SAG (South Asian Games) 2019.  


    “This event is one of our national development programmes” said senior lecturer Dr. Roshan Ajwad. At the inauguration of the event, senior staff member and Head of HR and Administration of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka Mrs. Indika Abeysuriya, welcomed all the stake holders and participants and thanked the student association of the Sri Jayawardenapura University.

    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.



    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.