Impacting futures in Anuradhapura

In north Sri Lanka, The Salvation Army is working with communities on a range of projects to establish safe water and promote economic empowerment.

A young child drinks from a Salvation Army cup

It is well...

In the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the country’s dry zone, people face difficult climatic conditions and limited access to clean water. So, The Salvation Army established a safe water project with wells built in the districts of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, which has greatly helped to reduce the incidence of kidney disease.

The project has led to the development of livelihood schemes in these same areas, aiding long-term sustainability for communities. The Salvation Army has partnered with individuals and local government to offer help in the form of equipment or agricultural services.

Mango cultivation

In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, which provided expertise, The Salvation Army gifted 200 mango saplings, specially designed to withstand drought conditions, to families in order to start their own plantations.

This variety of mango is in high demand locally and internationally, and fruit production is very high per tree. A Salvation Army team based locally in Anuradhapura District regularly visits the recipients to encourage and support them.

People in Salvation Army uniform hold a sapling

Beekeeping

With an ever-increasing demand for honey, the Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka approached The Salvation Army to help establish beekeeping as a livelihood project.

Families using the safe water wells are among those picked as beneficiaries, educated and trained by the department, and The Salvation Army provides the equipment needed (hives, gloves, netted hats and smokers). To date, around 180 families have been helped.