Empowering Workers in Sri Lanka

CDFs are an open space for sharing and debates, providing new communication channels between workers, management, trade unions and the broader community. This enables collective decisions about community development priorities and transparent negotiations on working conditions.

Ruvani, is a 24 year old woman who works on a casual basis on one of the tea gardens. In order to help her start her own business, she applied for, and was selected by the CDF for, a micro loan (approx. £65 at 0% interest rate). Like many other tea workers in Sri Lanka, Ruvani does not have an identity card to apply a loan from the formal financial institutions.

With this money, Ruvani started a food business with her husband, where she sells snacks and tea.

Ruvani also received training through the CDF on financial management and record keeping, leadership and communication, problem solving and decision making.

“That was the first time I have ever attended a training in my life time. These trainings gave me understanding on accounting, profit and loss, record keeping, and I am sure will be very helpful to operate our small business … it has also boosted my self-confidence …”

Thanks to her newly acquired knowledge and self-confidence, Ruvani now plans to apply for her national identity card. This will enable her to access formal banking institutions and crucial government services.