Creating lasting change begins with investing in people. In northern Sri Lanka, RYTHM Foundation has taken another meaningful step towards this goal with the establishment of the Community Development Training Centre in Mullaitivu. More than a new facility, the Centre provides a dedicated space where people can learn, develop practical skills, exchange ideas and pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Established in partnership with the Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Sarvodaya), the Centre was inaugurated in February 2026. It welcomes residents, youth groups, civil society organisations and development partners to share knowledge, strengthen capabilities and explore opportunities that can contribute to sustainable, community-led development.
Addressing Community Needs in Mullaitivu
Communities across Mullaitivu continue to face challenges including poverty, unemployment and limited access to education and skills development. Female-headed households, persons with disabilities and other underserved groups may also encounter barriers to participating fully in social and economic life.
Designed in response to these realities, the Centre provides an accessible and supportive environment where community members can receive practical training, build confidence and develop skills that strengthen their long-term resilience. Just as importantly, it brings people and organisations together, encouraging cooperation and locally driven responses to community needs.
“Young people, women, and community groups across Mullaitivu will benefit from the opportunities provided by the Centre,” said Shreevidya Anandan, Head of RYTHM Foundation. “It creates a supportive environment for learning, personal growth, and collaboration.”
Facilities Designed for Learning and Skills Development
The Community Development Training Centre offers a range of facilities designed to support education, training and community engagement. These include a library and information centre, conference room, multipurpose hall, accommodation, and office space.
Together, these facilities create a flexible platform for programmes focused on entrepreneurship, vocational skills, language learning, youth development, and counselling. The Centre’s multipurpose spaces can also accommodate community gatherings, workshops and collaborative initiatives involving local organisations and development partners.
By bringing different forms of learning and community support together in one location, the Centre can respond to evolving local needs. Programmes can be adapted for young people, women, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations and community livelihood groups, enabling participants to apply new knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
Empowering Communities Through Practical Programmes
Since opening its doors, the Centre has hosted programmes supporting local entrepreneurs, small business owners and community livelihood groups. More than a training venue, it is becoming a community hub where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and community members and organisations work together to shape their shared future.
As a Programme Coordinator in the building sustainability sector in Mullaitivu’s Kudupuliruppu area, Sugitha believes the Centre fills a critical local gap.
“The Community Development and Training Centre is highly beneficial for civil society organisations because there was previously no dedicated training facility in the area,” she said. “Its accessible location enables CSO members to participate in professionally conducted training programmes close to home.”
One recent initiative brought together 30 representatives from civil society organisations across Mullaitivu District for a capacity-building workshop organised by Sarvodaya with support from RYTHM Foundation.
The workshop focused on proposal writing and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Participants gained practical tools to strengthen their organisations, develop more effective proposals and better serve the communities with which they work.
Initiatives such as this demonstrate how targeted training can generate benefits far beyond individual participants. Strengthening the capabilities of local organisations can improve their ability to mobilise resources, build partnerships and develop solutions that respond directly to community priorities.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Community Development
Reflecting on the Centre’s purpose, RYTHM Foundation Chairperson Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran said:
“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 people can learn new skills, share ideas, support one another and create opportunities that strengthen Mullaitivu for generations to come.”
This vision places local participation at the heart of sustainable development. Rather than introducing one-size-fits-all solutions, the Centre creates opportunities for residents and organisations to build on their knowledge, experience and understanding of the district’s needs.
“I hope the Centre inspires more organisations to support training and awareness programmes in Mullaitivu,” said Captain Jeevan Ariyaratne, Senior Vice President of Sarvodaya. “With RYTHM Foundation’s support, it can help people develop their skills, find opportunities locally and contribute to a stronger future for the community.”
Building a Stronger Future Together
As the Community Development Training Centre continues to grow, RYTHM Foundation and Sarvodaya remain committed to expanding learning opportunities and strengthening partnerships that help communities across Mullaitivu build resilience and create a more sustainable future.
By placing people at the heart of development, the Centre is helping to lay the foundations for lasting, locally led progress. Every new skill learned, connection made and opportunity created brings the people of Mullaitivu another step closer to shaping a stronger future—together.
