Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, like most other countries, faced significant challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including strict lockdown measures and multiple waves of the virus. People’s livelihood options shrunk, especially for those who depend on daily wages to make ends meet. While government support reached some of the financially strained households, not everyone who needed it received aid. Women and children faced increased domestic abuse and violence during the lockdowns. Despite the virus and its effects, the Sri Lankan people largely united and helped each other during the lockdowns. Individuals and businesses donated generously to a government pandemic relief fund, and teachers found innovative ways to reach out to students stuck at home. Also, parliamentary elections mid-2020 resulted in changes to the constitution that provided the president with increased power. Thanks to strong partnerships, families, health workers, and schools were reached with necessities during the pandemic. We helped make sure people had accurate health information as well as food and protective supplies. When rural schools reopened and lacked handwashing stations, we helped coordinate sanitation facilities so kids could return safely.