Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Rebuilding Lives for Generations

In the heart of Sri Lanka, from Homagama belonging to the Colombo District, amidst the trials of an economic crisis, Nandani Weerarathne (52), a resilient mother of two, found herself grappling with adversity. With a blind son and an ailing health, while battling illnesses, their once-stable livelihood crumbled under the weight of economic turmoil and natural disasters. However, amidst the chaos, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) stepped in as hope.

When the waves of uncertainty threatened to engulf their family, SLRCS stepped in with unwavering support. As part of SLRCS’s Livelihood Development Initiative, SLRCS in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), extended a lifeline to over 2,000 families with LKR 75,000, including Nandani’s, through conditional cash grants and invaluable guidance on business proposals.

For Nandani, the assistance was not merely financial aid but a lifeline to rebuild shattered dreams. “We have been highly affected by the economic crisis…Sri Lanka Red Cross Society was with us through it all”, she recalls with gratitude. Amidst the turmoil, SLRCS became more than an aid organisation; they became family, offering transparent processes and unwavering support”.

With the cash assistance of LKR 75,000 received, Nandani’s Family ventured into poultry farming, a newfound opportunity amidst adversity. “Now we have commenced our own business with the money we received, bringing up chickens,” she beams with pride. The journey was not without its challenges, but with SLRCS’s guidance, they navigated the complexities of poultry farming, ensuring the safety and well-being of their newfound, feathered companions.

Nandani’s husband, ever the protector, stood guard over the fledgling chicks, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication. “My husband used to sleep in front of the coop, protecting them till they grow”, she recounts, a testament to their unwavering commitment to a brighter future.

Through perseverance and the guiding hand of SLRCS, Nandani’s family found hope amidst despair. Her story serves as a beacon of resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest time, the human spirit prevails, and with a helping hand, communities can rise above adversity, forging paths to prosperity and renewal.

(By Meleeza Rathnayake; Assistant Manager – Reporting and Communications)

Image: Nandani with her flock of chickens