Tea Day Programme 2011

This year the Tea Day Programme was held on10thDecember 2011 at Setik Centre, Hatton with the participation of about 500 plantation workers from the three districts. The whole programme was conducted under the theme of “Let us Amalgamate the Estate Sector with Government Sector”. One of the main topics discussed was to increase the number of Divisional Secretariats to nine so that greater services are provided to the communities in the plantations. Mr. Wijaya Chandran, a lecturer attached to Peradeniya University provided some thoughts on this matter. This occasion was made use of to submit a memorandum on this to Mr. Rajadurai, a Member of Parliament who was invited as the chief guest. The director of ‘SETIK’ organization Rev. Father Camillus Jansz, the members of the staff and some government officers were also present at this occasion.
Mr. Rajadurai, The Hon. Member of Parliament, agreed to place the memorandum before the sub Committee in Parliament. It is hoped that the government would act upon this matter expeditiously.

Commemoration of Inter National Children’s Day 2011

The Inter National Children’s Day was commemorated on the 01st of October 2011 with the co-ordination and co-operation of the children’s unit of the ‘SETIK’ organization. A special talk was delivered by Dr. Saman Gamage under the theme “Let us protect the children with love and affection.”

This talk was followed by a discussion on the problems faced by children, parental duties and responsibilities towards their children. There were over 250 participants that included parents, children and government officers.

The children displayed their talents through a cultural event. Judging from the views expressed by the participants it was evident that they were able to gain a good understanding of their duties and responsibilities as parents.

Commemoration of International Youth Day 2011

The International Youth Day was organized on 24th September 2011 at the ‘SETIK’ Auditorium, Kandy. Over 300 members from youth organizations in the rural and plantation areas in the Central Province attended this programme. Much attention was drawn to the dignity, equality, openness, duties and responsibilities of youth.
Rev. Fr. Camillus Jansz, Director of ‘SETIK’ Organization and Director Migrant’s Commission, Rev. Fr. Roy Clarence, who were present at this programme also expressed their views. The programme was followed by a cultural event.

Commemoration of Universal Human Rights Day 2011

Universal Human Rights Day which falls on the 10th December, was celebrated on the 8th of December 2011 at the ‘SETIK’ Auditorium Kandy, under the theme “Let us promote a society which respects and upholds Human dignity.”

This programmes included some special talks followed by discussions, dialogues and a video presentation. Over 500 participants belong to Tamil and Sinhala Communities were present.
The Chief Guest was Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, the Bishop of Kandy. Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic religious dignitaries, Kandy District Secretary, Government officers, Assistant Superintendent of Police-Kandy and the Co-ordinator of Human Rights Commission-Kandy were among the guests.
This was immensely beneficial in generating greater understanding between the community and Government officers who have the decision making power. Our Human Rights Unit conducted this programme.

CRS Programme Successfully Completed

The “SET” Project implemented targeting the people of Gammaduwa & Hangarankanda estates in the Matale District of the diocese of Kandy was concluded on the 30th of November 2011. (Duration one year)
Under this project, ten dilapidated line rooms which are over Hundred years old, were renovated. Toilets were also renovated to improve the health and sanitation of the community. Now, they lead a dignified life after the restoration of their line rooms. This project was accomplished with the financial assistance and guidance of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the direction and supervision of the “Caritas Kandy (SETIK)”.In addition to above, programmes on Leadership Training, Personality Development, Health & Sanitation and Human Rights were also conducted to enlighten the community.

OPENING CEREMONY OF COUNSELLING SERVICE CENTRE -‘SETIK’

During the past, we provided Counselling services to the victims in various levels in the Central Province, as per the complaints received by Human Rights, Eradication of Child Labour and Migrants' units of our organization. Counselling services were provided continuously to those who were suffering from mental depression in the rural and plantation areas in the Central Province, under the counselling programmes implemented by various units in our organization. We felt the urgent need of a permanent centre for counselling services. With this intention, we commenced a permanent counselling centre affiliated to Psycho-social counselling programme.

Accordingly, a new counselling centre under the name of 'Sahan Sevana' was declared open by Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka, the Vicar General of the Diocese, on 03rd of May 2011. On this occasion, Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, the Director-SETIK, explained the objectives and the need of this centre. Dr. Saman Gamage of the Mental Health unit of the Katugastota Hospital who participated at our opening ceremony, promised to extend the services of this unit to our counselling centre.

Medical Officer of Katugastota Mental Health Resource Centre, four medical officers attached to Teaching hospital, Kandy & Peradeniya were also present on this occasion.

This counselling centre is being operated by our organization, and these services are rendered by a group of experienced and trained counsellors.

Regional Representative’s Visit

On 04th March 2011, a CRS team consisting of Regional representative for Asia, Europe/ Middle East – Ms. Megan Sheehan and CRS Sri Lanka Finance Staff-Mr. John, visited SETIK and had a discussion with Rev. Fr. Director, CRS Team and Migrants’ unit staff in the Morning.

In the afternoon, Ms. Megan, Mr. John and CRS team visited Owala to review the progress of the project implemented last year. During this visit Ms. Megan was able to meet the community and see the changes of the life of people after the implementation of this project.

Further, they also inspected the erection; they also drew their attention to the activities that are being taken place at present, and about the future expectations of the parents and children. The people were very happy about the presence of this team. This can be described as a good opportunity to the team to evaluate the CRS programme and the activities carried out by the SETIK Organization.