The relief package for Sri Lanka (RPSL) project was launched towards the end of 2022 with the aim to reach and support the nutrition of underprivileged families affected by the economic crisis.
RPSL successfully reached 25 families in Kandy district and also launched one-time food donation drives to children and elderly homes. Through RPSL, 25 families nominated by the local Grama Niladhiri were chosen and given one month's supply of dry rations consisting of rice and lentils - the Sri Lankan staple food.
What began as a humble project in the 3rd quarter of 2022 continued to expand its outreach into the first quarter of 2023 as well and led us to the doorsteps of orphanages and homes for the elderly.
In early January of 2023, the distribution of basic food (rice and lentils) for underprivileged families affected by Sri Lankan economic crisis began with five families in the Galpaya Meethalawa GN division. The packages were first given to the Grama Niladhari officers who then ensured the correct and direct delivery of the packages to the beneficiaries.
Seven separate packages with basic essentials went out to an elderly home in Manikahinna. This consisted of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, biscuit, and slippers. MEI Foundation also got a chance to sit and have a heart-to-heart chat with the managing team of these homes and listened to the stories that brought their residents there.
Apart from the elderly, a children's orphanage home called Lama Nevasa situated in Mawilmada was also visited. Here seventeen children received a home cooked meal from MEI. The last home visit for January was also in Mawilamada and concluded with the distribution of nine packages of basic essential items which included butter, soap, t-shirt, toothpaste, toothbrush, color pencils, coconut, biscuit, and samaposha health mix. All packages were tailored to each home based on discussions with the local governing authorities so that items of need and relevance were given to each cohort. The residents of each home were delighted to recieve the packages and we hope to return to them with more such projects.
