In the spirit of Empowering Communities and fostering resilience through sustainable growth, the Sri Lankan Majilis (SLMQ) is proud to announce the successful implementation of its Self-Employment Support Project.
With a significant investment, this initiative marks a profound commitment to empowering individuals with the tools they need to build a brighter, self-reliant future.
This project was born from a simple yet powerful belief: that meaningful, tailored support can transform a livelihood, uplift a family, and strengthen the very fabric of our society. It is an initiative that moves beyond temporary aid, focusing instead on creating lasting economic opportunities for those facing genuine hardship.
Recognising that the success of such a venture depends on diligent oversight, SLMQ partnered with the NIDA Foundation to facilitate and monitor the project. Their invaluable on-ground expertise ensured that each beneficiary’s proposal was viable, that funds were utilised effectively, and that ongoing mentorship was provided. This careful, partnership-based approach guarantees the long-term sustainability of each small enterprise, turning a one-time grant into a lasting source of income.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering generosity of our members and sponsors. This entire project was funded through your annual subscriptions and voluntary donations, and sponsorships. Every contribution, big or small, became a seed planted in the fertile ground of community progress. It is your compassion and commitment that truly bring such transformative projects to life, proving that when we come together, we can create waves of positive change.
The SLMQ Self-Employment Support Project has three main objectives
- To Empower Families: By enabling a stable source of income, we help families achieve financial independence and security.
- To Support Livelihood Development: SLMQ provides not just funds, but a foundation upon which individuals can build and expand their skills and businesses.
- To Provide Meaningful Relief: We aim to offer a hand-up, not a hand-out, to those in our community who are navigating challenging circumstances.
The true success of this project is reflected in the faces and stories of our beneficiaries. Presented below is a summary of the individuals whose dreams are now taking flight, thanks to your support:
- Mrs. Juwairiya K. Warmarani (Thambalagamam, Eastern Province): Widowed mother of four, she is currently facing significant financial challenges. Mrs. Warmarani requested support to improve her tailoring business. SLMQ provided the necessary initial aid to develop her enterprise, aiming to help her generate a sustainable income.
- Mrs. Salma Sadurshiny (Colombo 03): A single mother raising one child, is seeking support to improve her existing tailoring business. SLMQ enabled her with the necessary initial aid to develop her business, aiming to help her generate a regular source of income.
- Mrs. Nusra Nayomi (Colombo 14): she recently became widowed and is currently the sole caretaker of her four children. Mrs. Nayomi is experiencing severe financial hardship and sought assistance in establishing a reliable source of income. SLMQ supported the start of a small-scale grocery shop, which generates the necessary funds to sustain her family.
- Mrs. Jarmi Vijayalakshmi (Thambalagamam, Eastern Province. A separated individual, she is the primary provider for herself and her three children, generating income through a modest local shop. SLMQ supported Mrs Vijayalakshmi with financial aid, ensuring financial stability and scalability by improving and enhancing her existing grocery business operations as a sustainable source of revenue.
- Mrs. Fareena Padmini (Kolonnawa): A long-term resident, she is currently widowed and faces the challenging dual responsibility of being the sole provider and primary caregiver for her 14-year-old daughter, who has a mental disability, requiring constant attention and specialized care. To support her home-based shop, SLMQ provided support to improve and expand her existing grocery business. This assistance has ensured she can generate a substantial and reliable income stream while continuing to provide essential care for her dependent daughter.
- M. H. M. Irshad (Kolonnawa): He is an Aalim. Despite his religious qualifications, Mr. Irshad currently earns a low income, making it challenging to meet his family’s financial needs. The primary source of supplementary income for his family has been his wife’s small, home-based sewing operation. SLMQ provided financial aid to improve and expand this tailoring business. This essential support has ensured Mr. Irshad’s family can generate a sustainable and reliable income.
- Abdullah Sinnathambi (Thambalagamam): His ability to provide for his family was severely impacted when an accident left him unable to continue his work as a daily wage laborer. To build a sustainable future for Mr. Sinnathambi and his family, SLMQ provided financial aid to improve his grocery business. This support helped him to transform his small home shop into a stable and reliable source of income, ensuring his long-term financial resilience.
Each story is a testament to the potential that exists within our community, waiting only for an opportunity to flourish.
As we celebrate the launch of these new ventures, SLMQ extends its deepest gratitude to every member and the sponsors, and the NIDA Foundation for their pivotal roles in this journey. Together, we are not just funding projects; we are nurturing hope, fostering dignity, and building a more prosperous and self-sufficient community for all.
Let us continue to support one another and write many more success stories in the years to come.
