From the 27th of May to the 9th of June 2025, Caritas Sri Lanka had the privilege of hosting Mr. Gerard Chitty and Mrs. Shivanthi Chitty from the Irasil Foundation on a partner visit across several diocesan centres and affiliated institutions. This important visit was aimed at assessing the progress, impact, and sustainability of projects supported by the Irasil Foundation, promoting direct engagement with diocesan leadership and beneficiaries, and exploring future opportunities for collaboration and development.

The visit covered a wide range of locations, including Caritas Anuradhapura, Badulla, Colombo, Kurunegala, Mannar, Rathnapura, Trincomalee, the SMI Child Care and Development Centre in Kelaniya, and the Don Bosco Technical Centre in Murunkan. At each site, meaningful discussions were held with Directors, project staff, Bishops, and local communities, providing the Irasil Foundation representatives with a first-hand understanding of the challenges and successes at the grassroots level. The visit further strengthened the longstanding partnership between Caritas Sri Lanka and the Irasil Foundation, reinforcing their shared commitment to integral human development.

Key Highlights from the Visit

  • Caritas Rathnapura: The delegation held fruitful discussions with the Caritas Ratnapura Diocesan Director, Rev.Fr. Emil Denis and staff visited poultry project beneficiaries in Gurugalla parish. Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Wyman Croos expressed strong encouragement for income-generating projects and praised the impact of current initiatives.
  • Caritas Badulla: A visit to the Diyathalawa parish included a discussion with Rev. Fr. Priyalal on launching a new tailoring initiative. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Jude Nishantha extended his full support for sustainable livelihoods, marketing, and future collaborations.
  • Caritas Trincomalee: Mr. and Mrs. Chitty reviewed completed projects and engaged in discussions on upcoming training sessions focused on small business management. They also visited the Caritas Food City and met with Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Noel Emmanuel underscored the importance of sustainability in community development.
  • Don Bosco Technical Centre, Murunkan: Discussions with Rev. Fr. William and his team offered insights into the progress of technical and vocational training programs aimed at empowering youth in Mannar.
  • Caritas Mannar: The team visited multiple sites, including highland crop projects in Veddayamurippu, paddy fields in Umanakari, and met with youth from the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) in Atchankulam. These interactions showcased the long-term impact of agricultural and youth empowerment projects.
  • Caritas Anuradhapura: Focused on reviewing past interventions and exploring the possibility of restarting the piggery project, while also identifying new areas for development.
  • Caritas Kurunegala: Mr. and Mrs. Chitty visited families involved in poultry and goat-rearing initiatives and held discussions with staff on strengthening these income sources.
  • Caritas Colombo: Met with Rev. Fr. Nilantha Heshan, Director of Caritas Colombo, to reflect on the outcomes of past projects and discuss future development opportunities within the region.
  • SMI Child Care and Development Centre, Kelaniya: A generous donation of seven laptops was made to support children from underprivileged backgrounds. Operated by the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, the centre expressed deep gratitude for the technological support that will significantly enhance children’s learning experiences.
  • Thanamalvila Parish: Additionally, three laptops were handed over to university students to support their higher education, symbolising Irasil Foundation’s commitment to youth development and education.

The overall feedback from the visit was overwhelmingly positive. Stakeholders across all locations expressed deep appreciation for the continuous support of the Irasil Foundation. The emphasis on sustainability and forward-looking partnerships was a recurring theme throughout the visit. Bishops and diocesan teams conveyed their gratitude and highlighted the critical role such partnerships play in uplifting marginalized communities. The visit not only reaffirmed shared values but also identified new opportunities for growth and collaboration, aligning closely with Caritas Sri Lanka’s vision for integral human development and sustainable transformation.