On 2 November 2026, at Gallery
Café, Colombo 3, RAHAMA (Recovery and Humanitarian Action Management Agency)
took part in a discussion with a delegation representing the Embassy of Norway
and Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting brought together local
civil society perspectives on development priorities and the long-term needs of
communities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
The discussion connected
national policy and development cooperation with the practical realities faced
by people affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and social
vulnerability. Representing RAHAMA, the Mr. M.F. Marikkar joined the meeting
and outlined RAHAMA’s community-led approach and to emphasize why recovery in
the North requires sustained engagement, local leadership, and continued
international support.
Children and families
Alcohol prevention, early childhood development, child clubs, children’s participation initiatives, and school cooperatives support child rights, protection, responsibility, and collective action
Inclusive communities
Mental health support, gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, and stronger community organizations help people build safer and more resilient lives.
Women’s empowerment is an
important part of RAHAMA’s work. Women’s groups are encouraged and trained to
strengthen women’s political participation, decision-making, and engagement in
local governance. This work supports women to play a stronger role in shaping
the decisions that affect their families and communities.
The discussion offered an
important opportunity to connect Norway’s wider policy direction with the
realities of communities still living with the consequences of conflict and
displacement. For RAHAMA, it reaffirmed the value of community leadership, women’s
empowerment, attention to land and resettlement concerns, strong institutions,
and social cohesion.