New hub will expand skills development, community collaboration and sustainable livelihood opportunities through a partnership with Sarvodaya.
Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka, 15 July 2026 – RYTHM Foundation is strengthening sustainable community development in northern Sri Lanka through the Community Development Training Centre (CDTC) in Mullaitivu, a dedicated hub that is expanding access to learning, skills development and collaboration for local communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
Officially opened in February 2026, the Centre was established by RYTHM Foundation in partnership with the Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Sarvodaya) to support sustainable, community-led development in Mullaitivu. Guided by RYTHM Foundation’s mission to empower communities for a more inclusive future, the Centre serves as a shared space where NGOs, community-based organisations, youth groups and community members can access training, exchange knowledge and build the skills needed to create lasting social and economic impact.
Located in one of Sri Lanka’s districts that continues to face socio-economic challenges, including poverty, disability, limited livelihood opportunities and the disproportionate impact on female-headed households, the Centre aims to respond to the growing need for education, capacity building and community resources that enable long-term resilience and economic empowerment.
The Community Development Training Centre features a library and information centre, lecture room, multipurpose hall, outdoor sports facilities, small-scale accommodation facilities, office space and a model agriculture farming area. Together, these facilities support vocational and entrepreneurial training, language learning, counselling services, youth development programmes and community initiatives that strengthen livelihoods, promote social inclusion and encourage sustainable development.
Since opening earlier this year, the Centre has hosted programmes for entrepreneurs, small business owners and community livelihood groups, demonstrating its growing role as a platform for skills development, collaboration and community engagement across Mullaitivu District.
“Community development is most sustainable when local people have access to the knowledge, skills and opportunities to shape their own future. We hope this Centre becomes a welcoming space where communities can learn new skills, share ideas, support one another and create opportunities that strengthen Mullaitivu for generations to come.”
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation
Recent capacity-building programme at the Centre.
One of the Centre’s latest initiatives brought together 30 representatives from civil society organisations across Mullaitivu District for a capacity-building programme organised by Sarvodaya in collaboration with RYTHM Foundation. The programme provided practical training in proposal writing and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen organisational capacity, improve programme delivery and support more effective community development initiatives. The session also introduced participating organisations to the Centre as a shared resource for learning, networking and collaboration.
Looking ahead, RYTHM Foundation will continue working with Sarvodaya and local partners to expand learning opportunities, strengthen community resilience and create sustainable livelihood pathways for communities across Mullaitivu. By bringing together people, organisations and expertise, the Community Development Training Centre is designed to serve as a long-term catalyst for inclusive development and community empowerment in northern Sri Lanka.