Rebuilding a co-operative movement in northern Sri Lanka

There are three core outcomes for the project

• A shift from a project donor model to a collective enterprise model
• Recognition by internal and external stakeholders in Sri Lanka and the UK of the importance of the Co-operative Model
• A coalition of internal and external stakeholders taking the co-operative movement forward.

From these outcomes there will be three core work streams, all of which are mapped out in the project budget and include:

• Knowledge sharing and mapping the existing situation, including events with other NGO’s on the ground such as the Swedish Co-operative Centre and the ILO.
• Working with existing stakeholders – i.e. signposting other resources and projects; training NGOs working with co-operatives; a training session in the UK for diaspora groups on co-operatives; the possibility of promoting ‘learning representatives’ at the local level; and information on how to access funding.
• Capacity building programmes, which will be the core of the project. The proposed list of topics (based on suggestions in Vavuniya) includes: Train the trainers  - using modern approaches; Farming as a business; Cooperative identity; Business management including finance; Specific programmes for women – leadership and for the large number of war widows; a programmes for district coop officials.