Dates: 30 July and 1 August 2026
Locations: Pulmoddai Muslim Central College, Trincomalee District, and Oorani Saraswathy Vidyalayam, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

The Aham Humanitarian Resource Centre (AHRC) conducted psychosocial support and personality development sessions for students and young people affected by Cyclone Ditwah on 30 July and 1 August 2026. The programme aimed to support students’ mental well-being, strengthen their self-confidence, and encourage positive personality development as part of the recovery efforts for disaster-affected communities.

The sessions were organized in response to a request from the School Development Society and were conducted with the participation and support of school principals, teachers, parents and local education stakeholders.

First Session: Pulmoddai Muslim Central College – 30 July 2026

The first session was held on 30 July 2026 at Pulmoddai Muslim Central College, where more than 100 students participated enthusiastically.

The session was conducted under the leadership of the school principal. Mr. Nawfees, Child Rights Promotion Officer of the Seruvila Divisional Secretariat, served as the resource person and provided guidance on mental well-being, self-confidence and personality development.

The programme offered students an opportunity to receive encouragement and practical guidance to help them navigate challenges and strengthen their personal development following the cyclone.

The Director, Deputy Director and staff of AHRC also attended the event, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to supporting the well-being and recovery of children and young people affected by natural disasters.

AHRC expressed its sincere appreciation to the school principal, teachers, and the Chairperson and members of the School Development Society for their cooperation and support in organizing the programme.

Second Session: Oorani Saraswathy Vidyalayam, Batticaloa – 1 August 2026

The second session took place on 1 August 2026 at Oorani Saraswathy Vidyalayam in Batticaloa. More than 100 students and parents participated in the programme.

Held under the leadership of the school principal, the session was facilitated by Mr. Nawfees, Child Rights Promotion Officer of the Seruvila Divisional Secretariat. He provided guidance on mental well-being, self-confidence and personality development, encouraging students to strengthen their confidence and personal resilience.

Unlike the first session, this programme also included parents, creating an opportunity for both students and their families to participate in discussions and learning related to psychosocial well-being and personal development.

The Director, Deputy Director and staff of AHRC attended the session, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to promoting students’ mental well-being and supporting community recovery following Cyclone Ditwah.

Continuing Support for Children and Young People

Through these two sessions, AHRC continued its efforts to respond to the needs of children and young people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The participation of students, parents, school personnel and local officials highlighted the importance of cooperation between schools, families and community organizations in supporting young people after a disaster.

By focusing on psychosocial support, self-confidence and personality development, the programme sought to provide students with encouragement and guidance during the recovery process.

AHRC extends its appreciation to the school principals, teachers, School Development Society members, the resource person and all others who contributed to the successful implementation of these sessions. The organization remains committed to supporting the well-being of disaster-affected communities, particularly children and young people.

Date: 11 June 2026
Location: Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka visited Batticaloa on 11 June 2026 and held discussions with civil society organizations to understand key issues affecting communities in the Eastern Province.

The meeting was attended by the Director and Deputy Director of the Aham Humanitarian Resource Centre (AHRC), along with representatives of various civil society organizations. The discussion provided an opportunity to share concerns and priorities relating to human rights, land rights, livelihood recovery, economic challenges and social development in the region.

Highlighting Human Rights and Land Rights Concerns

During the discussion, representatives highlighted the human rights challenges faced by people in the Eastern Province, including concerns relating to land rights and the wider social and economic difficulties experienced by affected communities.

The discussion also addressed livelihood recovery and social development, emphasizing the importance of responding to the needs of communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Exploring Future Support and Collaboration

Participants exchanged views on potential opportunities for future support and collaboration to strengthen assistance for communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. The discussion created space to consider how continued engagement and cooperation could help address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Bringing the Voices of Eastern Province Communities to the International Community

The meeting served as an important platform for bringing the concerns, experiences and priority needs of people in the Eastern Province to the attention of the international community.

Through its engagement with diplomatic representatives and civil society partners, AHRC continues to highlight human rights and land rights concerns, advocate for livelihood recovery, and promote attention to the social and economic challenges affecting communities across the Eastern Province.

Date: 8 June 2026
Location: Kanthale Divisional Secretariat, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka

Aham Humanitarian Resource Centre (AHRC) continued its humanitarian assistance initiatives to support the recovery of livelihoods among communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. As part of these ongoing efforts, livelihood assistance was provided to 30 beneficiaries in the Kanthale area on 8 June 2026.

The assistance programme supported 20 home gardening beneficiaries and 10 freshwater fishing workers, helping them obtain the necessary resources to resume and strengthen their livelihood activities following the disaster.

The assistance distribution took place at the Kanthale Divisional Secretariat under the leadership of the Kanthale Divisional Secretary.

Support for Home Gardening and Freshwater Fishing

As part of the programme, home gardening beneficiaries received gardening equipment to support their cultivation activities and strengthen household-level livelihood opportunities.

Meanwhile, the 10 freshwater fishing beneficiaries received cheques to purchase the equipment required for their fishing activities. This support aims to help them access essential tools and continue their livelihoods.

By providing assistance tailored to the beneficiaries’ respective occupations, AHRC seeks to support the recovery of income-generating activities among disaster-affected households.

Participation of Local Officials and AHRC Representatives

The event was attended by the Assistant Divisional Secretary of Kanthale, AHRC Director Mr. Kandumani Lavakusarasa, Deputy Director Mr. Alakurasan Mathan, and other officials.

The programme was conducted in coordination with the Kanthale Divisional Secretariat, reflecting cooperation between AHRC and local authorities in supporting communities affected by the cyclone.

Continuing Support for Livelihood Recovery

AHRC continues to implement assistance programmes aimed at helping people affected by Cyclone Ditwah rebuild their livelihoods and improve their living conditions. Through targeted support for home gardening and freshwater fishing, the organization is contributing to efforts to restore livelihood activities and promote sustainable community development.

AHRC remains committed to supporting disaster-affected communities through ongoing humanitarian and livelihood recovery initiatives.

Date: 2 June 2026
Location: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

The Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka, Dr. Felix Neumann, met with representatives of the Aham Humanitarian Resource Centre (AHRC) in Trincomalee on 2 June 2026 during his official visit to the district. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss key land rights and human rights concerns affecting communities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

Discussion on Land Rights and Human Rights

During the meeting, AHRC representatives shared concerns regarding land rights issues, the human rights situation, and the challenges faced by human rights defenders working in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The discussion also addressed the current social, economic and political circumstances of affected communities in these regions.

Particular attention was given to land dispossession, justice for families of the forcibly disappeared, accountability for human rights violations, and the need to strengthen the protection of human rights. The participants also exchanged views on the expectations of people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces regarding justice, accountability and a sustainable political solution.

Highlighting the Concerns of Affected Communities

The meeting offered AHRC an opportunity to bring the concerns and expectations of affected communities to the attention of an international representative. Issues surrounding land grabbing, enforced disappearances and the protection of human rights remain important concerns for communities seeking justice and recognition of their rights.

The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by human rights defenders who work to document violations, advocate for affected people and promote the protection of fundamental rights.

Promoting International Attention to Regional Issues

The meeting with the German Ambassador provided a platform for exchanging views on the continuing challenges faced by communities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. By raising these concerns, AHRC sought to draw international attention to the need for justice, accountability, human rights protection and a sustainable political solution that addresses the expectations of affected communities.

AHRC continues its engagement with relevant stakeholders to highlight the concerns of affected communities and advocate for the protection of human rights, land rights and justice in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.