As part of its continued efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and mark the 16th annual Mullivaikal Remembrance, the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) donated 1,000 Moringa plants to women in Batticaloa district on May 27, 2025.
This initiative is one of several ongoing projects aimed at supporting communities in the North and East of Sri Lanka, especially those affected by the long-standing war and poverty.
The selected beneficiaries, women facing economic hardship were identified and supported in partnership with the Women’s Needs Advocacy Network (NewArow). CTC’s Humanitarian Projects Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Thushyanthan Thurairatnam officially handed over the plants to NewArow and the recipients.
Representatives from the North and East Economic Development (NEED) Centre and the Canada Batticaloa Friendship Farm conducted an orientation session for the beneficiaries, explaining how to plant, care for, and sustainably harvest Moringa.
The Moringa plant, known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant crop well-suited to the region’s climate. Within 3 to 6 months, the women will be able to harvest the leaves, which can be dried and processed.
CTC has established a guaranteed buy back system through the Canada Batticaloa Friendship Farm, ensuring that the harvested Moringa leaves will be purchased from the beneficiaries at a fair market price.
This not only removes the burden of finding buyers but also provides the women with a reliable and steady source of income.
By turning a portion of their home gardens into productive, income generating spaces, this initiative aims to improve food security, strengthen household economies, and empower women to take control of their financial futures. This long-term, community rooted approach is at the heart of CTC’s commitment to rebuilding the lives of Tamil families in the North and East, especially women who continue to bear the social and economic scars of war.
