World Vision Sri Lanka

In many poverty stricken communities in Sri Lanka, education remains a privilege rather than a right of the child, and children are easily pulled out of school and into the labour force.

Although there is a gradual drop in the unemployment rate in Sri Lanka, a large percentage of the 7.588 million who are employed do not have a stable income. Another disturbing fact is that within this labour force are a large number of children who are economically active, mainly due to poverty at household level. It is estimated that about one-fifth of the population lives below the poverty line.

Water is the most essential of basic needs. Despite being surrounded by water and with many water sources within the country, 18% of Sri Lanka’s population has no access to clean water, and a large percentage of children suffer from water-borne diseases every year. Approximately 14% of the population has no access to sanitation facilities, and many lack the necessary knowledge and awareness on hygiene.

The Health of the country is its wealth, and the well-being of the child is closely linked to that of the mother. However, maternal and child health problems, continue to be the most pressing issues in Sri Lanka, and malnutrition continues to be most serious of them all along with wide disparities in the health and nutritional conditions of children living in difficult areas.

Interwoven throughout World Vision’s work are central themes that are an integral part of every project: respect for the environment, protection of children and their rights, gender equality, HIV/AIDS, dignity for people living with disability, and peace building and conflict sensitivity.