WUSC in Sri Lanka

As one of the largest Canadian non-governmental development agencies in Sri Lanka, WUSC is active throughout the country with a focus on delivering vocational training in conflict and tsunami-affected areas as well as reducing poverty and social exclusion in plantation communities.

The volatile political and military situation in Sri Lanka creates unique challenges for organizations like WUSC.  Nevertheless, since we first began working there in 1989, WUSC has built a record of success by:

• respecting the specific situation of each community in which we work
• maintaining strict impartiality in the country's civil conflict
• delivering quality programming to people from all ethnic groups regardless of where they live
• being transparent in our operations and reporting
• ensuring our funds are used solely for development activities.

Current Programs
Our work in Sri Lanka is focused in the following sectors:

• Sustainable livelihoods - including vocational training and private sector development.
• Governance - including strengthening civil society and community empowerment.

Project for Rehabilitation through Education and Training: We work with local partners to deliver vocational and life-skills training to thousands of poor or marginalized Sri Lankans that equips them to work in high-demand fields.

Plantation Communities Project: Through WUSC, workers, managers, unions, local NGOs and government officials come together to help improve the quality of life of the workers and their families living on tea and rubber plantations. 

Uniterra: Our volunteer cooperation program places Canadian and southern volunteers with local partner organizations working in private sector development. Uniterra is a joint initiative of WUSC and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI).

Tsunami Youth in Transition: WUSC is reaching out to teenagers in tsunami-affected areas, offering training in leadership skills, health and safety, and skills development. 

Women Defining Peace: This new program will address violence against Sri Lankan women including the social, political and economic circumstances leading to gender violence.