In rural Monaragala, Sri Lanka, many families face the same daily struggles – not enough safe water to drink, not enough water for crops, and not enough opportunities to earn a decent income. For generations, poverty has been locked in place by unreliable water sources and limited livelihood options, especially for women.
That’s why we’re working with our partners at International Needs Lanka to bring life-giving change. With support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Fund – and from generous people like you – the Life-Giving Water & Strengthened Livelihoods project is digging deep, both literally and figuratively.
From 15–25 June, our Programmes Team travelled to Sri Lanka to oversee the early stages of the project and to meet the incredible team bringing it to life on the ground. It was deeply encouraging to see firsthand the level of community engagement, local leadership, and anticipation around what’s to come.
Just after our visit, the New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner also travelled to the project site, where she met with our local project team and spent time with the communities involved. It was a real honour to have this level of recognition and interest in the work—another sign of how meaningful and impactful this project is already proving to be.
We’re installing tube wells for safe drinking water, agricultural dug wells to irrigate fields, and providing training, seeds, and tools so farmers can grow high-value crops. Women are gaining new skills and connecting to markets, creating fresh income streams for their families. And it’s all done alongside communities, ensuring the benefits last for years to come.
Here’s the best part: every dollar you give is TRIPLED thanks to MFAT’s matched funding. That means your $50 gift becomes $150 worth of clean water, irrigation, and farming support – changing lives in real, tangible ways.
Check out the video below where I chat with our amazing Marketing Coordinator, Connie, about the highlights from our recent trip—and the incredible impact your generosity is making!
And we’re not stopping there. We’re already planning a Discovery Trip in 2027, so supporters can see the transformation for themselves and connect with the communities their generosity has touched.
With your help, we can make sure families have enough to drink, enough to grow, and enough to thrive.
Give water. Grow hope. Triple the impact.