News, stories and statements on cooperatives

  1. News update

    Putting down roots

    31 May 2021

    Groundnut cultivation supported by ILO’s SURAR Project is not only helping resettled communities to revive their livelihoods but also reintegrate with existing communities in the Mullaitivu District

  2. Our impact, Their voices

    Growing a field of dreams

    10 February 2021

    For the many first-time women farmers in the village of Chettikulam, black gram offers new opportunities. Through its work in the agriculture sector, ILO Sri Lanka’s LEED+ project is working with Coops, government officials, and private sector to create sustainable livelihoods, and empowered communities.

  3. News

    ILO supports the creation of market links through cooperatives in agriculture in Northern Sri Lanka

    10 December 2020

    Since its establishment in 2017, the ILO supported the Udayarkaddu Cooperative to establish a primary processing facility for fruits and vegetables, set up market linkages through private sector partnerships; and increase the production capacity of its member farmers through a series of capacity building initiatives. During COVID-19 the cooperative tailored ways to serve its members even during the lockdown.

  4. © Diomari Madulara 2022

    Our impact, Their voices

    Coconuts, commitment and changing circumstances

    07 December 2020

    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.

  5. ILO COOP 100 Interview

    ILO COOP 100 Interview with Mr. Upali Herath, a cooperative practitioner from Sri Lanka

    04 August 2020

    Established in March 1920, the ILO’s Cooperatives Unit marks its Centenary in 2020. On this occasion, the ILO COOP 100 Interview series features past and present ILO colleagues and key partners who were closely engaged in the ILO's work on cooperatives and the wider social and solidarity economy (SSE). The interviews reflect on their experience and contributions in the past and shares their thoughts on the future of cooperatives and the SSE in a changing world of work.

  6. ILO COOP 100 Interview

    Interview with Robby Tulus, ex-ICA AP Regional Director, cooperative consultant

    25 May 2020

    Established in March 1920, the ILO’s Cooperatives Unit marks its Centenary in 2020. On this occasion, the ILO COOP 100 Interview series features past and present ILO colleagues and key partners who were closely engaged in the ILO's work on cooperatives and the wider social and solidarity economy (SSE). The interviews reflect on their experience and contributions in the past and shares their thoughts on the future of cooperatives and the SSE in a changing world of work.

  7. Our impact, Their voices

    Sweet dreams are made of sugar and spice

    03 December 2019

    The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs: Women of the Northern Province are stimulating a culture of entrepreneurship

  8. News

    Sri Lankan women improve their livelihoods through cooperatives in the groundnut value chain

    28 November 2019

    Two women producers supported by the ILO LEED+ project share their stories on how they increased their income through cooperatives in the groundnut value chain.

  9. News update

    ILO-led National Cooperative Policy of Sri Lanka

    17 September 2019

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomes cabinet approval received for the National Policy on Cooperatives.

  10. News

    LEED+: Towards inclusive growth strategies for the conflict-affected communities in Sri Lanka

    30 May 2019

    A series of meetings and site visits were conducted to identify key future activities of the ILO's LEED+ programme.