With funds from the Canadian government under its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CLFI), NPC distributed dry rations to 22 children’s homes, 15 elders’ homes and seven centres for the differently-abled in the Colombo district. The District Secretary of Colombo, Pradeep Yasaratne, participated in the events along with other government officials and members of NPC.

NPC was guided by the Colombo District Secretariat in selecting beneficiary institutions.

NPC ran similar distribution schemes in 23 other districts for institutions and also for marginalised families in consultation with government authorities on the ground through its network of District Inter Religious Committees, Human Rights First Aid Centres and partner organizations.

Ms. K.T.K. Ranjani, Matron of the Romiyel Alwis Memorial Elderly Home in Polgasowita, said, “This is the first time we have received a contribution; no one has come to help us during this difficult time. We have elders with special needs and we find it hard to get their supply of medicines. We had donors on daily basis to provide meals, but now they cannot come to help us because of the curfew.”

CFLI has contributed Rs. 1.3 million to fund relief efforts in Colombo.