Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country to receive a middle-income status. However, significant inequalities remain in the north, east, and rural south. In 2022, inflation increased by almost 55% with shortages in food, fuel, and medicine. Food inflation in particular rose to over 85%. The cost-of-living crises, and economic challenges overall have exacerbated mental health issues, and reduced economic opportunities for communities, particularly women and youth.
Our focus areas
Mental Health
The aftermath of the Civil War, the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, COVID-19 pandemic, and the more recent economic crisis has led to an increase in mental health issues in Sri Lanka. There is a shortage of service providers, and where they do exist, they need support. Women and girls in particular need greater access to mental health services.
Our work is focused on:
- increasing community awareness of mental health
- increasing capacity of mental health service providers
- accessible mental health services
Livelihoods
The political and economic crises has led to many businesses closing or scaling back operations, resulting in job losses across multiple sectors. Job creation is at an all-time low, and investment in infrastructure and development projects is limited, resulting in a shortage of new job opportunities. Unless new opportunities are provided, unemployment will continue to rise. Unemployment of young people is already over 26%.
Our work is focused on:
- providing skills training
- increasing income security through market linkages
What we are doing
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Emergency support
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Mental Health and Livelihoods
Key Projects
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Improving well-being and livelihood opportunities in Sri Lanka
