For many schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, receiving a daily meal signifies more than just sustenance; it represents a crucial element for their education, development, and a more stable future. In this light, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) recently held a press conference in Colombo to showcase the extensive national influence of Lions-led projects, particularly its partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
This collaboration is part of a broader US$2 million initiative between World Food Program USA and LCIF, focusing on both Sri Lanka and Nepal. As part of this effort, WFP Sri Lanka has been allocated US$1 million to bolster its Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which aims to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals by supporting local farmers and caterers.
Additionally, the Lions of Sri Lanka are actively involved in a designated LCIF grant project called ‘Protect Child Nutrition,’ which is valued at approximately US$400,000. This initiative provides daily meals to nearly 5,000 children across the country. Designed as a three-year program, it is essential for strengthening community resilience, encouraging education, and improving child nutrition.
The press briefing emphasized how LCIF’s global grant processes enable large-scale, sustainable efforts to combat food insecurity in Sri Lanka. It reinforced the Foundation’s role in implementing high-impact initiatives and illustrated how local services can be enhanced through international partnerships.
Attendees at the conference included Fabricio Oliveira, LCIF Chairperson and Immediate Past International President; the WFP Sri Lanka Representative and Country Director; as well as senior Lions leaders like Past International President Mahendra Amarasuriya and LCIF Trustee Mahesh Pasqual.
During the event, Fabricio Oliveira highlighted the significant benefits of such partnerships, stating, “By joining forces with WFP, we are not only addressing immediate nutritional needs but also investing in the long-term well-being of communities. Sri Lanka serves as an excellent example of how local leadership and global collaboration can create meaningful and lasting change. We are working together to ensure that no child faces food insecurity in the future.”
Since its establishment, LCIF has provided approximately US$17 million in grant funding to Sri Lanka. This includes support for various major development projects, such as a US$300,000 grant for disaster relief following Cyclone Ditwah.
One of the defining characteristics of LCIF is its commitment to impact and transparency, ensuring that every dollar donated is directed exclusively toward service initiatives, with no administrative costs deducted. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of each contribution and enhances donor trust. The conference underscored that the services offered by Lions extend beyond simple charitable acts, evolving into structured, nationally significant interventions driven by collaboration and expertise.
The partnership between LCIF and WFP exemplifies the importance of coordinated and sustainable actions in tackling Sri Lanka’s social and economic issues. By fostering unity, making strategic investments, and sharing a commitment to service, Lions are playing a vital role in establishing a more resilient and food-secure future for the country.
Image Caption – Representatives of Lions International and the World Food Programme at the press briefing of the joint national initiative to enhance food security in Sri Lanka.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
