The MJF Foundation’s Kalkudah Centre empowers the Eastern community of Sri Lanka with health, educational support, sports, and entrepreneurial grants.
Over the last month, the MJF Foundation’s Kalkudah Centre concluded several significant community-focused activities, demonstrating the MJF Foundation’s deep commitment to enhancing health, education and economic stability in the Batticaloa region. The initiatives included involvement at a health clinic, support for promising young athletes, a large-scale grant distribution, and progress in vocational training programmes.
A mega health clinic was organised by the Regional Director of Health Services, Batticaloa, to provide vital medical services to a community in the Vavunatheevu division. The MJF Foundation assessed 16 individuals for mobility assistance. Together with the generous support from ‘Free Wheelchair Mission USA’, they assembled and delivered 14 custom-fitted wheelchairs. “The gratitude from the recipients was a powerful reminder of the significance of such initiatives,” an observer explained.
In celebration of local talent, five students from the Bharathi Vidyalaya, a school supported by the MJF Foundation, were recognised for their athletic skills. Despite competing barefoot, the students won their events at the Zonal meet and qualified for the Provincial level for the first time. They were honoured with new running spikes, symbolising a boost for their athletic futures.
The East Centre also hosted the second grant distribution for the Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP), as part of the Foundation’s bi-annual grant distribution. A total of 95 beneficiaries received grants worth LKR 11 million to launch and expand their businesses. The District Secretary of Batticaloa, Mrs. Muralitharan, praised the MJF Foundation’s late founder Merrill J. Fernando and Dilmah Chairman and CEO Dilhan C. Fernando who is also a Trustee of the Foundation for their support. The SEP is a significant initiative in the East, having provided 633 grants over the last 15 years.
Vocational training for youth is another important aspect of the Foundation’s commitment to the East, with several courses curated to enhance the artisanal industries in the East such as Aari craftsmanship and palmyrah weaving. The Foundation also offers national and internationally accredited programmes such as the Empower Culinary and Hospitality School (ECHS) which is Sri Lanka’s only World Association of Chefs’ Societies certified culinary school.
A highlight of August was the People’s Market – a quarterly event that offers local micro entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow their brands and expand their businesses. This August’s market saw 62 local micro entrepreneurs, including 48 SEP beneficiaries, showcasing their products. Despite the unpredictable rains, the event drew over 200 attendees.
