In 2019, the Sri Lankan economy sank into crisis. The situation was made even worse when COVID struck in 2020. With inflation soaring, millions of Sri Lankans struggled to afford food and other necessities.

In 2022, ABM AID provided AUD $10,000 to the Anglican Diocese of Colombo to support relief distributions and medical assistance for 234 families in poor neighbourhoods in Vavuniya, a city in northern Sri Lanka. The Diocese also organised nutrition supplements to children attending a diocesan-run kindergarten in Vavuniya. The diocese also provided school stationery to 30 vulnerable children around Moratuwa, a fishing community in Colombo, and to 18 children in Vavuniya.

Here are the voices of some who benefitted from the project:

I’m living in Omanthai village. My name is Kanakaletsumi. My son has been undergoing kidney treatment for 5 years. I am a daily wage earner. Your help helped me a lot. Thanks.”

I’m Sumathipala. I’m a very old person, neglected by my children. I was suffering without proper food and medicines. My neighbours looked after me. Through the help of my neighbours, the priest brought me food packs. It helped me a lot. My neighbours cooked for me.

I’m Ajith from Ampara Salvation Army. My son was admitted in the hospital due to illness. I didn’t have money. I was struggling to buy him food and medicine. Through the Grace of God, I received the help … to buy medicines and nutrients food for my son.

AID acknowledges the hard work of Colombo Diocese and thanks our supporters for their care for those affected by Sri Lanka’s continuing economic crisis.

AID now supports an ongoing project of the Diocese of Colombo, the Women and Children Resilience Project, which you can read about here.