A model farm in Thavasiklulan, Vauniya is making maximum use of agricultural land while at the same time training local communities in the most productive agricultural techniques.

The Sewalanka Farm, which occupies 25 acres, demonstrates how farmers can most effectively use their land and is providing the Vavuniya Sewalanka office with an additional source of income.

The model farm is particularly important as it is profitable and secure, providing income and employment in a region increasingly threatened by war.

In order to promote lucrative alternatives to traditional varieties of crops, the farm is exploring different crops that can be grown on land in northern Sri Lanka. It is intended to demonstrate sustainable means of maximising crop yields.

Currently, the farm is raising livestock and producing dairy products and crops.

Through its dairy cattle the farm is generating 12 litres of milk a day, while the farm’s goats also supply milk as well as meat. The farm boasts an extensive poultry operation selling 100 chicks and over 150 broiler chickens a week as well as yielding eggs.

The variety of crops grown on the farm is exceptionally diverse. Traditional paddy land is now also being used to grow black gram and ground nuts. Salad leaves, snake gourd and a range of local vegetables are grown and part of the land is also being used for mushroom cultivation. It is hoped that the mushrooms might eventually be supplied to supermarkets in Colombo where they are in extremely high demand.

The farm is also acting to increase the security and safety of local community members, by opening a shop selling farm produce. The retail outlet fills the need for a small shop in the locality and means that people do not have to risk security threats by traveling into town.

A small hostel constructed on the premises allows Sewalanka staff and visiting non-governmental staff (NGO) to live on the land and observe the methods and techniques employed on the farm.

Case study from the field

Mr T Tamilalagan.

Mr T Tamilalagan has been a field director at Sewalanka for five years now. Based in Vavuniya on the Sewalanka Farm, Thamil is an committed staff member who played an instrumental role in the development of the farm program.

What were you doing before you joined the organisation?

My job at Sewalanka is my first serious job. Before joining the organisation I was in England doing a degree in environmental studies. I was the only Sri Lankan and I used to spend lots of time discussing the country and its situation with friends. I felt I should really do something for the people who are struggling in our country and this made me come back to Sri Lanka after the completion of my degree. Upon returning home I applied for a position at Sewalanka and I got the job. I have not looked back.  

What inspired you to join Sewalanka?

I knew little about Sewalanka before working here but after joining the organisation and experiencing its style of work, my understanding completely changed. I’m now breathing Sewalanka. Working here allows me to fulfill my quest to serve the needy people in my country. The decentralised administrative approach allows us to make most decisions at the district level. The selection of staff and their willingness to work around the clock is also inspiring. Most of all, the leadership of our Chairman and his openness towards everyone has inspired me to work hard.  

Of the many projects with which you have been involved, which have you enjoyed the most/found the most rewarding?

The UNHCR project in 2003 was my first project and I enjoyed it a lot. We were working in very harsh conditions and people really needed our support. It is in these situations that you get full job satisfaction. The people had just resettled after 14 years of displacement and they were really cooperating with us. What I have found most rewarding and refreshing are the childrens’ smiles.  

Describe the most memorable single moment of your time at Sewalanka?

I would say the opening of the district office in Mullaithivu is particularly memorable. Due to several reasons Sewalanka wasn’t allowed to work in the area but we worked hard towards this and demonstrated commitment. When we were eventually able to open the Mullaithivu office, the Vice Chairman of Sewalanka, Mr V. Revathan gave a touching speech I will never forget.  

What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work with the foundation?

My favourite aspect of my job is field visits and meetings with the CBOs and community members we work with.  

What projects and plans do you look forward to completing/implementing in the future?

We have three main projects in the northern region that I look after, but our main aim is to develop a long-term program and to move towards real mobilisation. We are experimenting with this on our farm in Vavuniya where we have started a livelihood program which involves local farmers making a real contribution. If this initiative is successful we will go a long way.  

How many hours a week do you spend on Sewalanka related activities?

There is no time allocation, I belong to the “Sewalanka Family” and it is my life.

Do you believe that your work has had a positive impact on the lives of the people you have been working with?

Yes there are so many success stories in our region and we are proud of that.