Berendina Concludes “Building Civil Society Partnerships Towards Inclusive Economic Growth” Project in Kandy

Berendina successfully concluded its “Building Civil Society Partnerships Towards Inclusive Economic Growth” project with a vibrant closing ceremony held on 30 January 2024, in Kandy. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Christian Blind Mission International (CBM) in 2021, aimed to enhance the involvement and contribution of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, in economic and civil society activities within the Central Province of Sri Lanka.

The event garnered distinguished attendance from Additional District Secretary, Secretary Ministry of Industries Central Province Divisional Secretaries, government officials, CBM country representatives, support partners, beneficiaries and the management staff of BDS. Throughout the project duration, Berendina supported over 6,500 members of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, women and senior citizens facing economic hardships and societal exclusion. The assistance was extended across six divisional secretariat divisions, namely, Kundasale, Medadumbara, Minipe, Panwila, Pathadumbara and Udadumbara in the Kandy district.

The closing ceremony was enriched by the presence of individuals with disabilities, who shared compelling life stories, expressing how the project positively transformed their lives and empowered them to lead more dignified existences. Mr. Dayantha Fernando, General Manager of BDS and Ms. Vanee Surendranathan, Country Representative of CBM, delivered special address notes during the ceremony.