A delegation from Caritas Korea, led by Executive Director Fr. Francis and Program Coordinator Ms. Agnes, recently concluded a four-day visit to Sri Lanka to evaluate ongoing projects and strengthen partnerships with Caritas Sri Lanka. The visit, which took place from March 26 to 29, 2025, included meetings with all 13 diocesan partners and field visits to three dioceses where Caritas Korea is funding crucial development projects.
The visit commenced with a half-day meeting at the Caritas Sri Lanka auditorium in Colombo, which brought together directors, project coordinators, and field officers from all 13 dioceses across Sri Lanka. The National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, along with program and finance coordinators from the national center, participated in these discussions focused on project implementation, challenges, and future opportunities.
On the first day, the delegation visited Rambepitiya preschool in the Diocese of Chilaw, which receives support under the Primary Education for Poor & Vulnerable Children Project. The team met with preschoolers, parents, teachers, and the parish priest, witnessing firsthand how educational support is making a difference in this community.
The second day featured a visit to Caritas Ratnapura, where the delegation evaluated two major initiatives: the Primary Education project and the Child Nutrition & Well-being project. The team engaged with key stakeholders, including the Principal of Sri Abeythissa School, the Plantation Development Officer from the Divisional Secretariat, and an Ayurveda Medical Officer. The delegation visited two preschools in plantation areas: Venmadi Preschool in Galahitikanda Division, Sapumalkanda and New Star Preschool in Clunes Upper Division. In both locations, they interacted with children, parents, and estate management to understand the impact of these educational initiatives in plantation communities. The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Rt. Rev. Antony Wyman Croos of Ratnapura and former Caritas Ratnapura Director, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando.
On the third day, the delegation traveled to Mannar Diocese to evaluate the Civic Dialogue Special Project and the Educational Assistance program for crisis-affected children. In a moving gesture of appreciation, Caritas Korea representatives were honored with traditional golden shawls, symbolizing the community’s gratitude for their support. The team visited several community-based organizations (CBOs), including Pesalai CBO, where they met community members and children’s groups; Shanthipuram CBO, where they observed a candle-making Self-Help Group and their multi-purpose building; a beneficiary family in Gimbrown Nagar receiving educational support; and the Veddayamurippu group under the Indian Returnees Project, meeting five beneficiary families. A particularly significant moment came during discussions with 25 students and their parents who are receiving educational assistance, as they shared how this support is transforming their academic opportunities despite economic challenges.
The partnership between Caritas Korea and Caritas Sri Lanka encompasses several vital initiatives: the Civic Dialogue & Cross Community Activities project implemented in Batticaloa, Chilaw, Jaffna, Kandy, and Kurunegala Dioceses; the Civic Dialogue Special Project in Mannar Diocese; Supporting Primary Education for Poor & Vulnerable Children in Chilaw, Galle, Ratnapura, and Kandy Dioceses; Educational Assistance to economic crisis and war-affected poor children in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee, and Vanni Dioceses; and the Child Nutrition & Well-being project in Anuradhapura, Badulla, Trincomalee, Ratnapura, and Vanni Dioceses.
The delegation observed that all 13 diocesan partners are actively engaged in project implementation with strong community participation. The preschool programs showed enthusiastic involvement from children, teachers, and parents, while productive exchanges with school principals, government officers, and medical professionals highlighted effective collaboration between Caritas and local institutions. While the Child Nutrition & Well-being Project demonstrated positive outcomes in school settings, the delegates noted that some areas might benefit from additional support. Similarly, the candle-making initiative at Shanthipuram, though well-organized, could explore expansion opportunities for long-term sustainability.
The visit reinforced the longstanding partnership between Caritas Sri Lanka and Caritas Korea, with beneficiaries expressing profound gratitude for the support that comes directly from the people of Korea. Their testimonies highlighted how these projects are empowering communities and creating sustainable development pathways across Sri Lanka.
