Latest News – IR – Sri Lanka

Islamic Relief Sri Lanka Hands Over Improved Smart Classroom and Library at Fayiza MV, Akkaraipattu

Narthanan Rajarethanam — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:49:38 +0000

The newly improved Smart Classroom and Library were officially handed over for student use at KM/AK/Fayiza Maha Vidyalayam, Akkaraipattu, Ampara, on 23 July 2026, under the 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 (𝐈-𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, funded by 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 and implemented by 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.

As part of the project, Islamic Relief Sri Lanka continues to support improvements to school infrastructure, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and school gardens to enhance students’ learning environments.

Under this initiative, renovation work was completed at KM/AK/Fayiza Maha Vidyalayam, including improvements to water access and sanitation facilities, as well as the renovation of a classroom into a Smart Classroom and Library.

The newly improved facilities are expected to provide students with a more supportive, inclusive and engaging learning environment. The Smart Classroom will offer enhanced opportunities for technology-assisted learning, creativity and the development of digital skills, while the library will encourage reading habits, knowledge development and a greater interest in learning.

The handover ceremony was attended by the Zonal Director of Education, Akkaraipattu, the School Principal, Mr. Z. M. Jaufar, current Country Lead and Programme Advisor, Islamic Relief Sri Lanka, Mr. S. Sivaraja, Project Manager – Education, the Chairman of the Akkaraipattu PS, Mr. Anas, Project Officer, Mr. K. Navaneethan, Technical Officer, as well as schoolteachers, parents and students.

The handover marks another milestone in the I-LEAD Project’s ongoing efforts to improve educational facilities and create better learning opportunities for schoolchildren in Sri Lanka.

I–LEAD Bicycle Distribution for Selected School Students in Polonnaruwa & Vavuniya

Narthanan Rajarethanam — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:16:54 +0000

The Islamic Relief’s Learn and Ride for Education Empowerment in Sri Lanka (I-LEAD) project, funded by Islamic Relief Canada and implemented by Islamic Relief Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a bicycle distribution programme for selected school students in the districts of Polonnaruwa District and Vavuniya District on 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th May 2026.

As part of the project activity titled “Distribution of Educational Materials & Kits and Bicycles for School Students,” a total of 350 bicycles were distributed to vulnerable students who travel long distances to attend school.

The distribution included:

* 90 bicycles for students of PL/Sungavila Muslim Maha Vidyalaya

* 67 bicycles for students of TK/Vijayaraja Maha Vidyalaya

* 119 bicycles for students of V/Nelukkulam Kalaimagal Maha Vidyalaya

* 74 bicycles for students of V/Bogaswewa Maha Vidyalaya

The initiative aims to improve school attendance, reduce transportation challenges, and support continued access to education for Underprivileged students. By providing bicycles, the I-LEAD project contributes toward creating safer and more convenient travel opportunities for children in underserved communities.

Islamic Relief Response – Cash Assistance for 2,000 Flood-Affected Families

Narthanan Rajarethanam — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:29:14 +0000

Cyclone Ditwah Flood Emergency 2025

Majeed puram village, located in the Trincomalee District, is one of the most severely devastated and affected areas following the recent floods and Cyclone Dithwa. The village is home to approximately 80 families, and nearly all households have been inundated, with floodwaters reaching up to five feet in many locations. As a result of this disaster, families have lost their livelihoods and sources of income, and extensive damage has been caused to homes, household items, and essential infrastructure. The affected community is currently in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Islamic Relief is already on the ground, actively assessing the situation and responding to immediate needs. The team has initiated cash assistance support in the area, and a team of five staff members has been continuously working in the village for the past one week following the floods. Access to some locations remains extremely challenging, as road networks are severely damaged and cut off.

Islamic Relief aims to provide cash assistance to approximately 2,000 affected families, with generous support from Islamic Relief UK and Islamic Relief Canada.

Cyclone Ditwah Emergency Response – Flood Impact in Muthur Division

Narthanan Rajarethanam — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:46:18 +0000

Cyclone Ditwah has caused a devastating national disaster, with a dam breach triggering severe flooding that submerged entire villages in Muthur. This has left the Muthur Division in the Trincomalee District in a critical state, forcing many families to flee their homes.

Islamic Relief’s Sri Lanka team is actively working on the ground to provide urgent emergency assistance. According to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) report dated 03.12.2025, a total of 9,530 families have been affected by the disaster, and in the Muthur Division alone, 4,752 families are currently taking shelter in 31 safety centers.

#IRSL #islamicrelief #staysafe #muthur #Cycloneditwah

I–LEAD Project Induction session with the Stakeholders (Polonnaruwa)

Supervisor — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 09:17:27 +0000

Project induction session with stakeholders events held on 20th June 2024 in the Hotel Mahanuge, Polonnaruwa. During this session the briefly explained regarding the project, IRSL and their activities to stakeholders by the project team.

The Chief Secretary Waruna Samaradiwaraka, Secretary to the Governor Wijaya Wanasinghe, Zonal Director of Education- Polonnaruwa Prasad Jayawardena Assistant Director Of Education (Planning) Kamal Karunanayake, Islamic Relief staffs Project Manager – Livelihood Hafleen, Project Manager – WASH Ibraheem, Senior Project Officer – I-LEAD Suhufan, Senior IT cum Communication office Narthanan were participated oin this event.

Islamic Relief’s Learn and Ride for Education Empowerment in Sri Lanka (I – LEAD) was funded by Islamic Relief Canada and Islamic Relief Sri Lanka is implementing this project

i-LIVE fourth batch of Livelihood Assistance Provision – Manmunai Pattu-Aarayampathi

Supervisor — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:44:47 +0000

Islamic Relief Sri Lanka distributed Livelihood Assistance to selected rightsholders of the i-Live Project in the Aarayampathi DS division at the Manmunai Pattu-Aarayampathi divisional secretariat on 14th May 2024.

During this event 02 sewing machine, 03 flour grinding machine, 01 flour grinding machine, 28 cash transfers were handed over to the selected rightsholders. on this day Protection and Inclusion and safeguarding session also conducted for the selected rightsholders

The Aarayampathi Divisional Secretary Mrs. Thedshanagowry Dinesh, Assistant Divisional Secretary Mrs.V.Loahini, Administrative officer of Grama Niladhari, Grama Niladhari, Economic Development officer Aarayampathi divisional secretariat, and Islamic Releif’s Staffs Project Manager – Livelihood & Climate Resilience Hafleen Fuad, Snr Project officer SHA Anas, P&I officer Jeeshan Imarath, Snr.IT cum Communication Officer Rajarethnam Narthanan, Project Officer Thambirasa Ramesh also participated in this event.

The Poverty Alleviation Project in Sri Lanka i-LIVE was funded by Islamic Relief Canada and Islamic Relief Sri Lanka is implementing this project.

Launching the ‘AquaBoost’ WASH Project in Polonnaruwa and Pottuvil, Sri Lanka

Supervisor — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:53:39 +0000

Islamic Relief Sri Lanka is currently engaged in the implementation of a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative in the Welikanda and Pottuvil Divisional Secretariats. This impactful project is funded by the esteemed International WAQF Fund. Under the banner of the project ‘AquaBoost – Empowering Communities with Safe Water in Polonnaruwa and Pottuvil, Sri Lanka,’ our goal is to significantly augment the availability of clean and secure water resources within these designated regions.

A pivotal advancement of this initiative was the commencement of a comprehensive project induction session, meticulously organized by Islamic Relief – Sri Lanka, specifically aimed at engaging the local community and essential stakeholders in Pottuvil. This enlightening session was successfully conducted on the 11th of August, 2023.

Water purification plant built by Islamic Relief brings hope to Madurangala village

Supervisor — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 05:46:07 +0000

Islamic Relief Sri Lanka has recently built a water purification plant under its project, i-Empower, and handed it over to the Madurangala village community in Welikanda division, Polonnaruwa district. The project is aimed at providing access to purified clean drinking water to approximately 500 families. The inauguration ceremony was held on the 21st of March 2023 and was attended by government officials from the Polonnaruwa district.

The i-Empower project is part of Islamic Relief Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 Adaptation and Recovery program, which focuses on ensuring the well-being of vulnerable communities by providing essential services and facilities. The water purification plant is expected to greatly benefit the community, particularly in terms of improving their access to clean drinking water. This will not only improve their health and well-being but also reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, which are prevalent in many rural areas in the Country.

Students in Uhana Division receive bicycles from Islamic Relief

Supervisor — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 05:34:02 +0000

Islamic Relief recently distributed a second batch of bicycles to 30 students from Rajagalathenna School in Uhana Division, who were facing difficulties walking long distances to reach school. The bicycles were distributed under the project, Islamic Relief’s Catch-up & Return to Education through Better Learning Environment in Sri Lanka (i-CARES), which is funded by Islamic Relief Canada.

The i-CARES project aims to provide a better learning environment for students, particularly those who are facing challenges in accessing education due to poverty and other barriers. The distribution of bicycles to students is one of the ways in which Islamic Relief is working to address these challenges and ensure that students are able to attend school regularly. The distribution of bicycles not only helps students to reach school more easily but also encourages them to continue their education, leading to better outcomes for their future.

Students in Sammanthurai Division receive bicycles from Islamic Relief

Supervisor — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 05:29:13 +0000

Islamic Relief Sri Lanka recently distributed bicycles to 24 students from Sennal Zahira School in Sammanthurai Division, to help them overcome the difficulties they face walking long distances to reach school. The project was part of Islamic Relief’s Catch-up & Return to Education Through Better Learning Environment in Sri Lanka (i-CARES), which is funded by Islamic Relief Canada.

For many students in rural areas, walking to school can be a major challenge due to the distance and lack of reliable transportation. Providing bicycles can significantly improve their access to education and help them achieve better academic performance. Islamic Relief Sri Lanka is committed to promoting education and improving the learning environment for vulnerable children and youth in Sri Lanka, and initiatives like i-CARES are an important part of achieving that goal