Over the past few years, the social architects have been galvanizing grassroots communities in Sri Lanka to promote social justice, resulting in the establishment of 19 Social Justice Cooperatives. These cooperatives have reorganized as Samooha Murthikaruwo(சமூகමූර්තිකරුවෝ) Cooperative Societies, launching 19 transformative projects across ten districts and impacting 57 villages. Each project demonstrates innovation and a steadfast commitment to people-centric, participatory, holistic development that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Predominantly led by women, these cooperatives underscore gender equality and offer inclusive opportunities within the community.
The Cooperative Societies are a living example of a comprehensive commitment to sustainable development, actively advancing multiple SDGs. Initiatives such as coconut oil production, nutrition powder production, bird chili and cassava cultivation, and the upcoming chili powder production are directly contributing to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, promoting food security and combating undernutrition. Similarly, efforts like soap manufacturing, providing safe drinking water, and the maternity basket project are making a significant difference to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, thereby enhancing community health outcomes. The prominence of women-led cooperatives is a clear step towards SDG 5: Gender Equality, fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Water purification projects are addressing clean water access (SDG 6), while ventures in weaving are preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic growth (SDGs 8 and 11). By emphasizing responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), these cooperatives are extensively utilizing the Right to Information Act, a key tool for achieving SDG 16. These initiatives are a true embodiment of a holistic approach to sustainable development, fostering resilience, innovation, inclusivity, participation, anti-corruption, transparency of public institutions, and gender equality, thereby nurturing a more sustainable and inclusive society for all.
Coconut Oil Production: Nurturing Local Resources for Food Security
The coconut oil production initiative harnesses the abundant resources of coconut trees to produce high-quality coconut oil, celebrated for its health benefits and versatility. Three cooperatives—Vattapalai Co-Op in Mullaitheevu, Thamankaduwa Co-Op in Polanaruwa, and Moraketiya Co-Op in Empilipitiya—form an integrated network supporting coconut oil production, while Kumbugoda Ara Co-Op in Empilipitiya specializes in producing copra, the essential raw material.
Nutrition Powder Production: Combating Malnutrition for Healthy Communities
Through three cooperatives—Puthukudiyiruppu, Kilinochchi, and Kopay—locally produced nutrition powder serves as a vital source of essential nutrients, combating malnutrition and fostering healthy growth, particularly among children.
Weaving Business: Preserving Cultural Heritage and Economic Growth
Preserving traditional craftspersonship, our weaving business at Eruvil Cooperative in Batticaloa celebrates cultural heritage while providing meaningful livelihoods for skilled artisans. A recent partnership with Manmunai South Divisional Secretariat for using their weaving facilities marks a significant step forward, expanding opportunities and continuing our cultural legacy.
Providing Safe Drinking Water: Ensuring Health and Well-being
The Dimbulagala Co-Op in Polonnaruwa spearheads a water purification project addressing the critical need for safe drinking water, especially in areas with a high prevalence of kidney diseases.
Soap Manufacturing: Promoting Hygiene and Economic Empowerment
Nilwala Co-Op in Matara District combines hygiene with entrepreneurship through locally made soap, providing affordable cleanliness and supporting community health initiatives.
Bird Chili and Cassava Cultivation: Enhancing Agricultural Diversity
In the Anuradhapura district, bird chili cultivation by Rambewa co-op and cassava planting by Mihintale Co-Op highlight the potential of specialized crops. These ventures add zest to local cuisine and enhance market competitiveness, showcasing the diversity and quality of our region’s produce.
Maternity Basket Project: Empowering Mothers and Infants for Sustainable Development
In the central part of Sri Lanka, particularly in Nuwara Eliya where many tea plantation workers reside, a thoughtful project of selling maternity baskets embodies empathetic entrepreneurship. These maternity baskets provide essential items for new mothers and infants, easing the transition into motherhood and supporting maternal and child health.
Palmyra Product Innovation: Sustainable Practices for Environmental Preservation
Velanai Co-Op in the Jaffna peninsula showcases the ingenuity of sustainable palm product utilization, crafting exquisite artisanal goods from palm leaves. This endeavor represents a harmonious blend of creativity and environmental stewardship, celebrating local craftspersonship
Chili Powder Production
The Ambagamuwa Co-Op is gearing up to start chili powder production soon. This upcoming venture promises to add spice to local cuisine while contributing to economic growth and agricultural diversification in the region.
Manufacturing Broomsticks
The Central Camp Co-Op in Ampara is spearheading the manufacturing of broomsticks, a simple yet essential product that not only creates employment opportunities but also supports local household needs. By utilizing sustainable materials, this project aims to contribute to a cleaner environment.
Manufacturing Rice Flour
Empowering local farmers, the Sammanthurai Co-Op will soon commence the production of rice flour, transforming harvested rice into versatile flour that caters to diverse culinary needs. This initiative not only boosts agricultural productivity but also enhances food security within the community.
Poultry Farming
Members of the Vinayagapuram Co-Op in Ampara district received 10 chickens each last year as part of this initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance in protein production. This thriving enterprise plays a crucial role in meeting local demand for nutritious eggs while contributing to sustainable protein provision and economic empowerment. We eagerly anticipate the start of egg production to further support our community’s nutrition and income generation goals.
Additionally, we are committed to environmental protection by emphasizing the avoidance of single-use plastics in our project. Our cooperative strives to implement eco-friendly practices to reduce waste and preserve our natural resources for future generations.
April 2024- Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through the Samooha Murthikaruwo(சமூகමූර්තිකරුවෝ) Cooperative Societies of The Social Architects • [ Read More ]
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