On September 1, 2008 ADRA Sri Lanka launched the second phase of the LIGHT Project. This project is the continuation of LIGHT I which started on September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008. The purpose of Project LIGHT II is to assist the community with basic needs of additional income, nutrition, clean water and sanitation so that they are healthy and economically secure enough to be able to develop strong CBOs (community based organizations) in each estate that can lead to future improvements.

Due to current situation of rise in world food and fuel prices, along with the high internal inflation rates in the country, the plantation community has found it very difficult to survive. The Department of Census and Statistics show that nearly 80% of the plantation sector lives below the poverty line.

ADRA is uniquely positioned in the tea plantation by having created successful CBOs in each of the target estates. In 2003 ADRA helped the CBOs to form into a cooperative society and in 2006 this society was able to register with the Sri Lanka Government Cooperative Department. The government has closely monitored the actions of the co-op during the duration of the projects. The co-op makes many of the decisions involving project implementation, including beneficiary selection, construction supervision and collecting dues and operating water, sanitation, and waste disposal schemes. The initial phase of the Project LIGHT laid the groundwork through developing clean water sources, building latrines and providing hygiene education and introducing income generating activities such as cattle and goat farming. This started to improve the living conditions and built a relationship of trust and sparked hope and motivation within the community to change their situation.

Project LIGHT’s main objective will be to increase household income among plantation families and that the plantation communities have access to health, water sanitation and proper hygiene. ADRA Sri Lanka hopes to benefit a total of 750 households in five estates composing of 1000 men, 1000 women and 1750 children approximately. Among these 750 families, 125 will also get assistance on income generation in areas like cattle farming, goat rearing, mushroom cultivation and home gardening.

To know more about LIGHT II please contact ADRA Sri Lanka at info@adrasrilanka.org