Tags: INDECOS

For many, the day started early at 6:30 am as we headed to the beach to snorkel with turtles and fish. It was a first-time experience for many, and a great way to start the day! We even had the chance to touch the turtles and feed them seaweed.

After we swam with the turtles, we attended lectures by Dr. Dushmanti Silva and Dr. Chandika, who shared valuable insights into the country’s challenges and recovery efforts.

Dr. Dushmanti Silva focused on women’s empowerment and the barriers they face in Sri Lanka. Many women are limited by cultural and social expectations, often depending on male family members for financial support. She explained that empowerment means giving women the freedom to make their own decisions, both in their personal lives and in the economy. Reducing discrimination and creating opportunities for women is essential for the country’s progress. Dr. Chandika’s lecture explored Sri Lanka’s economic recovery after the 2022 crisis. Years of overspending and mismanagement left the country in debt, but efforts are now focused on restructuring loans and improving government spending. He also emphasized the importance of diversifying industries to reduce reliance on vulnerable sectors like tourism and agriculture.

After lunch, we visited Institute for Development Strengths (INDECOS) in Matara. The organisation has been working in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka since 1991, and was created to support communities in need. They work irrespective of race, religion, caste and party politics. Also, they are registered as a Non profit organisation. Further, we learned about one of their current projects; Women Entrepreneurship Program (WEP), which started in 2005 to assist Tsunami affected women. The program has helped over 7600 women develop business skills and access loans, enabling them to build their own sustainable businesses.

Group 4 - Venera, Oliwia, Any, Kaja