All project resources
ILO Voices | Disability inclusion
I faced my hardships, and it made me stronger
Leena Penildas Thatkuras was injured during the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, which left her with a permanent disability. She now runs a sewing business and supplements her income by driving a three-wheeler for hire adapted for people who use...
Sri Lanka takes positive steps towards Ratification of ILO C188 – Work in Fishing Convention, 2007; Draft regulations presented to Minister...
Developed with technical support from the ILO, and funding from DFAT and Government of Norway
Crisis response in Sri Lanka
ILO supports crisis-hit Sri Lankan fishers
Vulnerable members of Sri Lanka’s fisher communities in the country’s northern province are gaining much-needed income at a time of economic crisis.
Livelihood support in Sri Lanka
We are earning an income, navigating a crisis and coming together as a farming community
As Sri Lanka faces its worst economic crisis, people with existing vulnerabilities have been pushed further into poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. With ILO support, vulnerable members of farming communities in the country’s northern...
The ILO’s LEED+ Approach
Strengthening women's economic empowerment and access to Decent Work in Sri Lanka's Northern province
At the core of women's economic empowerment is access and agency; while access to skills, resources, services, and market opportunities is one aspect of advancement, the other, agency is about the power of decision-making. This document provides a...
Our impact, their stories
Sowing seeds of change
It takes thick skin and hard work to succeed as a woman farmer in Sri Lanka. From cultivating her backyard to breaking norms, Raasarathinam Arulrahini shares her journey.
Rebuild Better Together – International Day of Cooperatives 2021
ILO Sri Lanka’s LEED+ Project is helping create livelihoods and build resilience for communities in the Northern Province through Cooperatives (Coops)
Our impact, their stories
Making a new wave
The growing demand for sea cucumber has paid dividends for Rasakulam and his community, but this burgeoning industry wouldn’t be where it is without some backing.
Local economic development
Breaking barriers: Amirthalingam Ranjana's story
Women and girls are key agents of development, with gender equality and women's empowerment having the potential to accelarate progress towards the sustianable development goals. Rajana's story, and that of countless others like her, continue to...
New study
Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No.188): Netting Gains for Sri Lanka
This study was commissioned to identify how the ratification of C 188 convention by the Government of Sri Lanka would impact on different stakeholders. Working in the agriculture and fisheries sector, the ILO's LEED+ project has a strong focus on...
Our impact, Their voices
Coconuts, commitment and changing circumstances
Coco chips are widely used by farmers and gardeners. The ILO’s LEED+ project works with the private sector and local communities in Sri Lanka to develop coco chips as a mutually beneficial business.
Coco chips: New business opportunities for local communities
This photo slideshow tells the story of Mr Nadaraja's coco chip business, supported by the ILO's LEED+ project in the north of Sri Lanka.
News update
International Cooperative Day 2020: COOPS for Climate Action
The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on the first Saturday of July every year.
New study
Assessment of the Key Bottlenecks for Private Sector Investments in the Northern Province
This publication ‘Assessment of the Key Bottlenecks for Private Sector Investments in the Northern Province’ is the result of the assessment carried out under the Local Empowerment through Economic Development and Reconciliation" - LEED+ project of...
Local Empowerment through Economic Development and Reconciliation (LEED+) Project
The LEED+ project builds on successes of the Local Empowerment through Economic Development (LEED) Project. From 2011-2018, LEED has helped to reduce poverty, create sustainable jobs and build the peace in northern Sri Lanka.