Ozanam Centre is a home for those who need special care and attention. The home is run by five sisters and currently cares for differently-able children and teenagers. The needs of the children are varied, including those with learning disabilities, autism, Down’s syndrome and physical disabilities. The centre was in great need of…

Dharisanam, the school for the visually handicapped was established in 1992. Students here are taught braille and mobility techniques with the assistance of teachers at Dharisanam. They are also encouraged to join the mainstream school to continue their education. Those students who are able are also trained in English and Tamil typing to…

In October 2016, the Canadian Tamils Humanitarian Association (CTHA) hosted a tremendously successful drive to collect clothing, toys, books, and used spectacles to send to people in need in the underdeveloped rural communities of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The collected items were distributed to families struggling with poverty, for whom such items, so everyday for…

In March 2016, during our visit to Batticaloa, we were invited to a mobile clinic operating there. A government doctor visits the area once a week and sees about 100-150 patients in one day. As there was no shelter sick patients could be waiting for several hours in the scorching sun at temperatures…

CTHA donated 22 sewing machines to this cause. Rural village girls and women lack access to financial capital and have limited opportunities to gain vocational training and skills. Providing them with a sewing machine, and teaching them how to use it, gives them the opportunity to support their families financially. This also gives…

BT/Kallady Vivekananda Vidyalayam is an important school in Batticaloa district. It is a 1AB type school that plays a major role in the educational development of children in Batticaloa. Students from further away are housed in the girls’ hostel. There are 77 students from underprivileged families and remote rural villages staying in the…

Land for this home was procured from the Government, and in 2012 the new building construction started with the help of several non-governmental organizations. However, when we visited in 2015 construction had been halted due to lack of funds. Canadian Tamils agreed to complete the project and generously donated SL RS 3,500,000. (CAD…