SETIK (JPHDHR Secretariat - Caritas Kandy)

Training Programme on Social Development

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:49:00 +0000

In order to develop talents, attitudes and knowledge about the social development of the community leaders in rural plantation sectors, a training programme was held in Baptist Church, Matale on 19th September 2009.

This programme was organized and conducted by the SET (Safe Environment in Tea Estates) project staff of SETIK with the courtesy of CRS. This programme will conduct quarterly.
On 19-09-2009 we conducted the first session of this programme with the participation of 45 community leaders under the theme of ‘Community Leadership & Leadership Aspects’.

The opening session held on 19th September 2009 with the participation of 45 community leaders.

Helping hands for our brothers and sisters in the war affected areas in Sri Lanka

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:50:00 +0000

The major challenge for Sri Lanka after the war; is providing meals, sanitation and shelter for the displaced people in the war affected areas.

SETIK was given an opportunity to carry this mission with the blessings and the fullest support of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - the Bishop of Kandy. With the help of all the Parish Priests and religious Sisters and civil people of the Diocese of Kandy, Setik collected dry rations, medicines and cash donations to support this affected people.

The Director of Setik - Rev. Fr. Camillus Jansz took the initiative to collect these items and cash from the donors of the Central Province and finally collected dray rations and cash donations wroth of Rs. 10,500,000.00. On 12th June 2009 the collected items and cash were handed over to the Sedec (Caritas Sri Lanka) and they took the responsibility to distribute them among suffering people.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Bishop of Kandy - who was always guiding us for all our good work at Setik. Meantime we thank all the Parish Priests, religious Sisters and for the civil people who encouraged us, contributing towards this humanitarian assistance.

Commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:48:00 +0000

Setik organized an education programme to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour on 13th June 2009 in Hatton.

This is a burning issue which is taking place in rural villages and in the plantation sector of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Poor economic condition and parents un- education in rural areas and in the plantation sector are main reasons for this problem.

Our main objective of organizing this programme was to rescue the children from child labour and educate them on the importance of education. This programme was comprised with a street drama, a peaceful rally, a seminar and distribution of hand bills.

The street drama held at the public bus stand of Hatton and made the people aware about the issues of child labour and its negative outcome. The feed back of the viewers were very positive. The peace rally took place from Hatton town to St. Bosco College and the children carried posters and banners exhibiting the issues of child labour. The seminar started at St. Bosco College which was conducted by Mr. Manisekaram - the Coordinator of the Plantation Community Project. There were more than 100 children participate at the seminar and the participated children were given an opportunity to express their ideas on this issue.

“Wesak” Mal Dansala - 2009 -Free Distribution of Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:51:00 +0000

“Wesak” day is a very important religious festival for all the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all over the world. Every year we continuously conduct “Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers for the worshipers). In this year it was held on 8th May 2009 in “Aluviharaya Rajamaha Temple” in the district of Matale. Every Poya day, Buddhist people of all over the country use to come to this ancient temple and do their spiritual activities.

Youth groups of our different fields were more generous to find out very beautiful lotus flowers to distribute among the people. We were happy to note that more than 7000 flowers were distributed on that day.

Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera - Coordinator of the Mtale district, members of Setik staff and volunteers of you youth groups participated at this programme and we are fortunate to have the media coverage of Sri Lanka Rupawahini Corporation and telecasted the programme on 9th May 2009.

May Day Celebration - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:39:00 +0000

International May Day celebration was organized by Setik, Kandy at Nuwara Eliya District on 1st May 2009. It is very important to note that this time, the methodology that we used to highlight the labour rights was a street drama. Advocacy and lobby is not easy within the present context. But we understood that we should use a different method to educate civil society and to make their voice for their rights.

The street drama was played, in several public places in Nuwara Eliya district. There were good crowd in Nuwara Eliya, Nanu Oya, Talawakelle and Hatton. The main message which was given to the people was the discrimination of their authorities and politicians who represent them and how they can over come by themselves.

In this occasion leaflets were distributed among the people and banners were exhibited in major towns of the Central Province to convey the message to the society.

The food back which we received form the audience on the spot was very important and they said this is a very practical way to express burning issues in this present context. Plantation workers expressed their ideas saying that this was an opportunity for them to understand matters pertaining to their labour hood.

Exposure Programme

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:39:00 +0000

In Sri Lanka the main reason for the violation of human rights is multi cultural differences. To build up co-existence between inter religious and inter racial groups in the present society we organized three days exposure programme, to Trincomalee on 25th , 26th and 27th March 2009. We organized this programme together with EHED - Caritas Trincomalee.

The members of our Human Rights supporting committee participated for this programme. Our group got the opportunity to visit ancient religious places in Trincomalee district such as Koneshvaram Hindu Kovil, Nilaweli Raja Maha Viharaya, Sambathiew Amman Kovil and Weligama Raja Maha Viharaya.

Tamil and Muslim cultural events were organized and presented by the people of Trincomalee. After that our group members had the opportunity to visit some of the houses of the people in Trincomalee and shared the experience and discussed about the problems and challenges that they face in their day today life.

They other main event that we had was the peoples forum which we built up with the help of God Bey and China Bey people. Through this event we came to know that the people of these villages face security problem and they could not do their livelihood activities due to the un-secure situation of the area.

New Year Celebration 2009

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Sri Lankans celebrates Sinhala and Hindu New Year in the month of April in each year as one of their traditional celebrations. Peace unit of Setik also organize New Year celebrations in each year in different fields in the Central Province. This year Setik organized this celebration in the Estate of Mowbrey in the district of Kandy and it was held on 18th April 2009.

The theme of the programme was “Equal Rights for each and everybody”. The main objective of this programme was to build up a better relationship among the Sinhalees and the Tamils. The programme commenced after hoisting of the national flag. The flags of Buddhist and Hindu were hoisted by the religious leaders. There were about 500 participants of Sinhalees, Tamils and Muslims.

We organized several traditional games for the participants. At this occasion children, youths and elders including males and females actively and happily participated at the games. While the programme was going on, a group of children presented some Hindu traditional cultural events and it made the programme more beautiful.

Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz - the Director of Setik was the chief gust for the programme and he presented the gifts for winners of the games. We realized that all the participants involved at this programme with a great team spirit. Once of the main result that we achieved by celebrating this event was togetherness and respect each other by partaking these games.

International Women’s Day - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:31:00 +0000

SETIK-Kandy commemorates the International Women’s Day on 7th of March 2009 at the Hatton Setik Centre. The theme of the celebration was “Let us Protect Her as our own Mother”. We organized this programme to ensure the rights of women to protect and promote their dignity without discrimination. There were about 475 participants took place at the programme.

The programme started after the sticker campaign which was done by the youth groups of our fields. Introductory address was given by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney, and he explained about the issues related to violation of women’s rights. In his speech he highlighted the social, economic, political and cultural issues which women face in their day today life.

Our Guest Speakers for the programme were Mrs. Rathnasamy - Assistant Director of Zonal Education in Hatton and Mrs. Suranji Wijenayaka- Att-at-Law. They made their keynotes about the issues of the plantation women such as abortion, less literacy rate in the plantation women, domestic violence and child labour in both Tamil and Sinhala mediums.

After the sessions a common discussion session took place at the programme to get the feed back from the participants and to forward their questions. After the discussion session two women from the plantation sector and rural sector address the audience by sharing their experience with their day today life routine. The programme concluded with an entertainment by a group of women.

National Independence Day Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:59:00 +0000

Setik- Kandy celebrates the National Independence day on 4th February 2009. As we expected to give the opportunity to the people who are unable to participate from the remote areas of the Central Province; this year celebration was held at Youth Training Centre in Innamaluwa- Dambulla. Around 700 people participated at this event from the districts of Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.

The programme started after hoisting the National Flag along with four religious flags by the religious leaders. In the programme inter religious and inter ethnic cultural presentations included since we always try to build a better relationship among all the ethnic groups. Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz from Setik Institution and Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera-The Parish Priest of Innamaluwa Parish presented at the programme.

A drama and cultural items were presented by youth groups of our fields to highlight the importance of the inter ethnic and inter religious relationship, peace and solidarity. Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz gave the introductory speech and the special guest speech was delivered by Mr. Samanatha Ekanayake - Lecturer of Sociology Department, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka from Sinhala medium and Mr. A. C. S. Crooz from Tamil medium on the theme “Socio-economic issues caused for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka”.

Youth Camp and the Shramadana Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:23:00 +0000

The Youth Unit of Setik together with the Diocesan Youth Apostolate organized a camp for youth from 28th February to 1st March 2009 which was held in Bogowanthalawa. Our main objective of organizing this programme was to enlighten the youth on their social responsibilities.

The programme was opened by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director of Setik, Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz, Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera - Diocesan Youth Apostolate Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Roy Clarence - Diocesan Director of the Migrant Commission and Rev. Fr. Lakmal Perera - Coordinator for Setik in Nuwara Eliya District. There were 260 participants from the fields where Setik activities are implemented and from the parish youth groups. On the first day three sessions were held to enable the youth to understand themselves; Who they are? What are their responsibilities in the present context?. After the session those present were divided into groups for discussions and sharing of experiences.

A Shramadana compaign was organized on the second day to clean the environment of four hospitals in the district of Nuwaraeliya. All the participants actively involved themselves in this activity and gave their fullest cooperation to clean the area.
To see more photoes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

International Human Rights Day

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:50:00 +0000

International Human Rights Day was held on 10th December 2008 at Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat office. The programme was organized by Setik Human Rights Unit in coordination with the divisional secretariat of Ambagamuwa. The main aim of this programme was to obtain the birth certificates, national identity cards and other relevant documents of the tea plantation people in the district of Nuwara Eliya. The tea plantation people have to face lots of hardships in obtaining the above said documents to get the citizenship. During this programme we completed the relevant documents and prepared separate files for each individual who don’t have the above mentioned documents. Meantime we were able to issue 68 birth certificates on the spot for 68 people since they were able to provide us all the relevant documents. Meantime 24 people were registered and 14 birth certificates were amended and provided to the relevant persons.

During this programme an art exhibition on human rights violations and children’s rights, was organized for school children. 365 children took part at the art exhibition and 100 certificates were given for the selected arts.

Exhibiting of cutouts on domestic violence, police torture, child labour and migration issues were also took place during the programme. A sticker campaign was carried and 4000 stickers were distributed during this day under the theme “Human dignity and justice for all of us”

Commemoration of universal children’s day - 2008

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:24:00 +0000

Commemoration of universal children’s day was celebrated, on 1st October 2008 at the “Elephant Walk” grounds in Katugastota, Kandy. About 250 children of different races and religious participated in it from different parts of the District of Kandy and Matale. The aim and objective of this celebration was to instill in the children positive concepts on peace, cordiality and good-will. The programme included rhythmic songs and dances, short drama and magic show. All the participants enjoyed the day and benefited by the programme.

Over 135 children tool part in the children’s day programme in Nuwara Eliya District. It was in the form of an exposure programme. The children visited Ambewela and Hatton and the children were very happy. The animators of Nuwara Eliya Distirct attached to Setik accompanied the children.

These two programmes were organized by the children’s unit of “Setik”.

Commemoration of International Peace Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:33:00 +0000

Currently we are in a period of time when Peace is most disturbed, less talked about, and most neglected. In spite of such hindrances “Setik” Caritas Kandy celebrated this International commemoration of Peace Day with a very relevant programme on 22nd September 2008 at the Luxmi Hall, Hatton. This programme was to voice for Peace and commit ourselves to promote Peace in Sri Lanka. The theme of our celebration was “Peace gives live”.

The programme was composed with a blood donation campaign, commemorative celebrations and a dialogue session.

Blood was given for Peace and not for war. People came forward generously, youth and adults to donate blood to enable life. We are very grateful to the medical staff of the Government Hospital of Nawalapitiya who volunteered to give their services to carry out this campaign. Also, we thank the 51 generous blood donors.

The celebration commenced at the Luxmi Hall, Hatton at 10.00 a.m. on 22nd September with an introduction of the days programme by Rev.Fr. George Sigamoney Director of Setik Caritas Kandy. He placed before those assembled the aim and objectives of the day. Traditional lighting of the lamp and the taking of the oath was followed by an Inter Religious prayer service. The religious leaders also presented to the participants their special messages for Peace. The chief priest of Ukkuwelwatte Buddhist temple venerable Nugaliyadda Shantha Ratna thero delivered the Buddhist message of Peace. Rev.Kurukkal of Danawela Hindu Kovil presented his message, Chief Moulavi of Jumha mosque of Hatton delivered the Islamic message of Peace, and Rev. Fr. Nilanga Dias presented the Christian message of Peace.

Debate on the theme of the day “Development of country depends on Peace and not on war” This session was conducted in Tamil language. This was presented by the trainees of the Teachers Training Collage of Talawakelle. This programme was a very fitting finale to the days activities.

A vast crowd of over 1000 participated in the programme. We are very thankful to our partners from abroad and the representatives from National Caritas whose presence with us on that day enhanced our programme.
Please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/ to see photoes

40th Anniversary Celebration of Caritas Sri Lanka at SETIK, Kandy

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:56:00 +0000

To mark the 40th anniversary of Caritas Sri Lanka Sedec the Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariat Setik Kandy organized a days’ programme on the 16th June 2008 with its community leaders, beneficiaries, grass-root level committees and school children of the central province. The Chief Guests were Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando - National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, Ms. Anne Bousquet - Country Representative of CRS organization. To mark this occasion the animation unit of Setik Kandy organized a trade exhibition which comprised of nearly 20 stalls of the produce of the activities of people and an exhibition and a sale of the 10 sewing centres of Setik, to help the rural people in the Parishes. Prior to this event an art exhibition was conducted among the school children on the following themes. “Let us eradicate child labour,” “Tomorrow’s Sri Lanka”, “Let us protect our resources,” “The migrated mother”. The five houses that were constructed for five poor families were handed over to them on this same occasion. With the help of the CRS organization 18 line rooms were renovated in the district of Matale. In the same four estates 218 toilets were constructed and water facilities were provided for those living in them. This project was completed and the constructions were handed over to the beneficiaries officially by Ms. Anne - the Country Representative of CRS organization.

SETIK Caritas Kandy is working on this problems related to migrants for over five years now. During these five years the number of complaints we received were many. Even though we were able to help these victims’ in different ways still we believe as a country as the Authorities there should do a lot to safeguard our migrant workers who are being trafficked in other countries.

Taking into consideration the plight of the Migrant workers who are being trafficked in other countries the SETIK organization prepared and released a docu-drama based on real stories of migrants titled “Arabi Lamayage Gedara” or “The House of the Arabian Child” on the 16th June 2008, to mark the 40th anniversary of SEDEC- Caritas Sri Lanka. This one episode tele-drama speaks of a family in Sri Lanka in which the mother migrates to work as a domestic worker and her plight in the working place as well as the daughter who was back at home and her story.

On this same occasion we launched the book “The Travails of Sri Lankan Migrants’ it is a study report done by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney with the Migrants unit of SETIK Caritas Kandy. This book implies the reality the very painful journey of our own sisters who face the battle of life. The dignity and image of a woman and a mother is esteemed in our Eastern society. But sad to say, this beautiful image is disfigured in the very fact of migration into misoriented social situations that inflict deep inhuman harassments and oppressions. The result is our women are treated very shabbily as slaves.

The deportation of returnees empty handed, stories of women displaced in foreign countries, abandoned by agents, driven away by employers or escaping from employers to save their lives, is the cry we hear, on which we need to focus our attention.

As the reality and consequences are not known by these poor women and mothers, they automatically become the prey and the victims, to all these harassments and these women become burdens to their families and to our society.

The highest remittance of foreign exchange flows to our country, through the hard labour of these women workers according to the recent statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka the remittances was Rs. 160,502 million. Isn’t it our responsibility and obligation to protect the rights of these women and give them due respect and dignity?

Our book will help to discover the plight of migrant workers. Asian women crying out to us to take necessary action right now. Our commitment and our attitudes can make a difference. This book will open our eyes to the reality of Sri Lankan Migrant women’s’ plight.

An Inter Religious Celebration of Sinhala & Hindu New Year

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:41:00 +0000

The celebration of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year 2008 was organized by “SETIK” with all the grass-root level groups from the fields where “Setik” programmes are implemented. The celebrations were held on 18th April 2008 at the public ground of Rattota, Matale district, Central Proince. Over 400 peple actively participated in the programme, enabling us to realize our main objective of this programme - which was to build cordial relationship of inter-ethnic groups.

The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director JPHDHR Secretariat and the flags of the four main religious by respective religious leaders.

This was followed by a series of about 20 traditional games in which all participated joyfully - children, women and men. The winners were awarded and the programme concluded with the national anthem.

All participants enjoyed themselves and our objective of promoting inter religious harmony and inter ethnic cordiality was realized to a good extent.

To see more photoes please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy

Thaipongal Festival - Rainbow Children's Centre, Setik Kandy

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:45:00 +0000

"SETIK" Day Celebration - 2007

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Celebration of the 43rd Anniversary of the “Setik” organization was commemorated by a full-day programme on 19th December 2007 on the theme “Towards Growth”. Communities of people, empowered through the activities of “Setik” were actively involved in these celebrations.

Beneficiaries of the alternative economic development programmes implemented by “Setik” in the three Districts - Kandy, Matale and Nuwaraeliya were provided an opportunity to proudly display their produce in the trade stalls. Fruits, vegetables, needle work, foot-wear, sweet-meats and handicrafts found a ready sales point. The produce displayed and sold in the stalls were of good standard. The beneficiaries of the alternative economic development programmes were enabled to commence their activities by the financial aid given to them by Setik.

The Chief Guest at these celebrations was Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera - the Episcopal Chairman of CNC for Justice, Peace and Human Development, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy honoured this occasion by his presence. Among the other distinguish guests were Ven. Gallalle Sadhathissa Thero of Asgiriy Temple, Rev. Fr. Damin Fernando - Director Caritas Sri Lanka, Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - Vicar General in the Diocese of Kandy, Ven Sarambhapani Kurukkalal, Moulavi Furthavus and Mr. Steve Alston - regional representative of Cafod.

The celebrations commenced with the opening of the trade stalls. The invitees were conducted to the auditorium of the Setik in a procession led by Kandyan dancers and drummers They were welcomed and led into the auditorium by the Director of Setik. The traditional oil lamp was lit, a welcome dance was performed by a troupe of children. This was followed by the presentation of a brief history and progress of the Setik organization through the past 43 years of its effective journeying with the people. Each unit gave a debriefing of their activities of the year, through dramas, power point presentations, poems, etc.

The afternoon session of the programme was held at the auditorium - where certificates were distributed to participants at the various training programmes implemented by the “Setik”. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando in his address to those present stressed the importance of various types of training programmes that had been provided by “Setik” - these trainings are essential needs in the society today.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Harold Perera - Bishop of Gall stated in his address that it is our duty to strengthen and empower people by the programmes we implemented. He said that this day’s programme would encourage and enable our people to proceed further in their journey towards progress. He congratulated the “Setik” organization for its accomplishment. Mr. Steve Alston of Cafod too expressed his appreciation of the achievements of “Setik”. Specially standing bravely on the issues of Human Rights in the Central Province.

Over 2000 people from the Diocese of Kandy - specially from the target regions of Setik participated in the programme of celebrating “Setik Day” Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney thanked all present and all who contributed to the success of the programme.

To see more photoes please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Programme on “Preparing Medico-Legal Documents and Appearing in Courts” for Doctors

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:21:00 +0000

Setik organization conducted a study programme on “Preparing medico-legal documents and appearing in courts” for the doctors of the General Hospital Kandy and Peradeniya teaching hospital at the teaching hospital auditorium on 31st October 2007. The resource person was Mr. Sarath Jayamanna, Deputy Solicitor General. Nearly 120 doctors and 30 consultants took part in this progamme which went on for almost three hours.

After the input by the resource person there was a panel discussion and lot of questions were raised by the participants. The questions were based on medical negligence, preparing legal documents, etc. The programme was very much appreciated by the participants and the resource person Mr. Sarath Jayamanna thanked Setik organization for the initiative taken to arrange such a seminar which is very much relevant for today’s context.

Promotional Programme to Integrate The Migrant Returnees Into Sri Lankan Society.

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:21:00 +0000

In the month of October the Setik organized a major programme to help the migrant workers to resettle with their families. The objective of the programme was to help the migrant returnees and to re-integrate them to their families to start their income generating programmes. There were 51 beneficiaries selected from the three districts of the Central Province.

The occasion started at 10.00 a.m. on the 31st October 2007 at Setik Auditorium, Kandy. The Chief Guests of the celebration were His Loardship Bishop Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy and Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis - Bishop In-charge of the Catholic National Migrants’ Commission. The special invitees for the occasion were Ms. Anne Bousquet - the country representative of CRS, Mr. Eduward of CRS and Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - Vicar General in the Diocese of Kandy.

The programme commenced with a prayer and after lighting the traditional oil lamp. Introducation for the programme was given by the Director of Setik - Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney. In his address he mentioned about the unfortunate plight of the majority of migrant workers - most of them detained in prisons for petty crimes as they were unable to have legal representation to plead for them. He also said that the countries like India and Pakistan have banned females migrating as house maids to the Middle East countries as well as Bangaladesh and Nepal has restricted the number going as house maids. After his introduction to the programme three migrant returnees shared their pathetic experiences. A group of returnees enacted a very true to life drama on the daily drudgery faced by housemaids in the Middle East countries.

The launching of the English version of the book on Migration of Women as housemaids was another important item on the programme. A summary of the book was read and the book was presented to the invitees. The Chief Guests and special invitees were called upon to distribute the funds and 51 beneficiaries received funds Rs. 10,000 per each person. This was a short term objective of Setik to discourage of migration of women as house maids to the middle east countries.

His Lordship - Bishop Vianney Fernando stated that the Church would enhance assistance to these families and encourage mothers of families to remain with their children. His Lordship - Bishop Valance Mendis stated the Church is sending Sri Lankan Priests and religious sisters as volunteers to take care for the migrant workers. Ms. Anne representing CRS organization expressed that she found the programme very enlightening and that CRS will continue to assist to promote the welfare of the returnees.

There were about 350 people participated for the programme including the family members of the beneficiaries and the programme terminated at 1.00 p.m with the vote of thanks.

To See More Photoes Please Visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Universal Children's Day Celebration - 2007

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:51:00 +0000

Universal Children’s Day 2007 was celebrated in the Diocese of Kandy on 6th October 2007, at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota. “Setik” Kandy organized the programme together with the Holy Childhood Apostolate in the Diocese. The theme was “Let’s grow with you”. More than 1800 children with about 180 Holy Childhood Animators took an active part in this programme. Children from the Holy Childhood groups of the Diocese together with those of the “Rainbow Chidren” centres of the Diocese participated in the programme. About 5 training programmes were implemented at Deanery level for the Animators to prepare them for the programme on Universal Children’s Day.

On 6th October at 9.30 a.m. Universal Children’s Day programme commenced with an inter-religious meditation for the children assembled at the College grounds. Then the Children and the teachers divided into 30 groups with about 55 children in each group with 5 teachers. Group activities to promote leadership qualities, team spirit and build up an inter-relationship among the children were carried out in the groups. These activities helped the children to relax and be refreshed spiritually and physically. The morning’s programme closed with lunch.

A cultural programme by the children commenced at 2.00 p.m. This was held at the College Hall. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy was the Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour were Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando - National Director Caritas Sri Lanka and Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - The Vicar General of Kandy Diocese. The guests were warmly welcomed by the children and those present in the hall. Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director of Setik introduced the guests and delivered the welcome speech. The programme of the cultural show was composed of 11 items: three items from each deanery in the Diocese and the “Setik” organization. There were Drama, dances, and songs in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. At the end of the cultural programme the Bishop of Kandy addressed the gathering specially the children and their animators and distributed souvenirs to all the children and the animators who participated in the programme.

Mobile Medical Clinic at Bolagala Estate

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:51:00 +0000

On the 26th August 2007 the SETIk Mobile Medical Team carried out a mobile medical clinic at Bolagalawatte Estate which is nearly 20 Km away from Kandy city. This is one of the most neglected and undeveloped estates in the Central Province. During the British rule these people were brought from South India and today it is the fourth generation which lives here. Thus these people have a history of 180 years. After the privatization of the tea Plantations this estate was totally neglected and the people are living in utter poverty and in poor conditions. For the entire 80 families they have only 3 toilets and the houses are in a state of collapsing. During the rainy season there is not much of a difference between the outside and inside of the houses.

Due to these unhealthy situations the elders and the children are suffering from various diseases. Even though this estate is not very far from Kandy due to their poverty they are unable to come to the city to get medicine. After a careful study and survey our medical team (10 doctors and nearly 20 volunteers) conducted a medical camp in this estate. This medical camp provided treatment to almost 300 people. We remember with gratitude Fr. Giuseppe Jasso and his team for providing us with an ambulance which is really useful to help many people in the rural areas of our Diocese. To see more photoes please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy

Exhibition on Human Rights Violations

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:07:00 +0000

Setik organized an exhibition on Human Rights highlighting various Human Rights violations in our society today. The exhibition was held at St. Xavier’s Parish hall in Nuwara Eliya on 6th July 2007. There were nearly 350 cartoon posters exhibited at this exhibition. More than 100 children visited the exhibition and after viewing the exhibition they were given an opportunity to draw a picture on how they see the violations of Human Rights in our society.

Poson Programme (30th June 2007)

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:54:00 +0000

Poson festival is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. According to the Buddhists the Buddhism was taken to Sri Lanka on this Poson day. To mark the even JPHDHR Secretariat organized a Bathi Gee Cart (Carol Singing) to go around Kandy and Mtale area to give the message of peace to the people. A group of children from Ukuwelawatte field was trained for this purpose and they were dressed according to the Sinhala Buddhist culture and were performing the singing very meaningfully and respectfully. Many viewers admired the effort taken by the organization in relevant time like this in Sir Lanka.

Plantation Forum (8th June 2007)

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:48:00 +0000

On the 8th June 2007 the Setik organized a Dialogue Session on the issues of the Plantation Sector people. The programme was held at the Setik auditorium at 10.00 a.m and went on for about four hours. The main objective of this forum was to get the ideas and views of the organizations that work for the Plantation Sector people and prepare a policy document to be submitted to the Government and to relevant authorities. There were six resource persons on the panel from different organizations who work for the marginalized people in the Plantation.

At the Panel:

- Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney – The Director of Setik
- Rev. Fr. Guy Fontgalland – Leo Asharam
- Mr. Jayarathna Maliyagoda - Labour Union of Public Service
- Mr. P. Muthulingam – Institute of Social Development
- Mrs. Shobana Rajendram – Senior Lecturer of Peradeniya University (HR Education Unit)
- Mr. Anthonymuthu – Public Relations Officer – Caritas Sri Lanka

About 60 District Steering Committee leaders of the Plantation Sector (Districts of Nuwaraeliya, Matale and Kandy) actively participated at this Dialogue. The resource persons contributed their views about the present status of the Plantation sector and their organizational experiences in working with these groups. They spoke about basic rights, social issues, health conditions, safety and education of the Plantation people and also they gave their suggestions to uplift the lives of these people. From the audience many issues were raised with regard to their Rights, policies of the Government and about their future. The discussion was quite fruitful and many issues were cleared at the floor. The programme terminated with the decision to prepare a memorandum and hand it over to the government.

“Wesak Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers)

noreply@blogger.com (SETIK) — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:01:00 +0000

Each year as an organization Setik celbrates the special days of all religious in various ways. The youth groups as well as the children’s groups of Setik organized a “Wesak Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers) this year to celebrate the Wesak Full Moon Poya Day in a meaningful way. Not only Buddhists who celebrate this Poya Day but also Catholics, Hindus and Muslims actively took part in this programme which held on the 1st May 2007. The flowers were collected the day before from the Matale areas. The flowers were distributed freely to the worshippers who came to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The programme started at 10.00 a.m and went on till noon.