ChildFund Sri Lanka
WE ChildFund Sri Lanka has been working in Sri Lanka for over 40 years to ensure children and youth grow up healthy, educated, skilled, and safe. Working with government institutions, civil society organisations, communities, and the private sector, ChildFund reaches some of the most vulnerable populations across the country. Inclusion in gender and disability is one of ChildFund Sri Lanka’s four strategic priority areas and is integrated across education, livelihoods, child protection, and community development initiatives.
A Strong Commitment to Disability Inclusion
ChildFund Sri Lanka’s Disability Inclusion Program is a comprehensive, system-strengthening initiative aimed at improving the economic participation, social inclusion, and long-term well-being of youth with disabilities (YwD), addressing a critical national challenge where nearly 70% of persons with disabilities remain unemployed due to barriers such as limited access to education, inadequate training opportunities, and social stigma. Building on more than a decade of disability-focused programming that has supported over 12,000 children with disabilities and strengthened networks of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the program creates sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for youth aged 15–24 with physical, sensory, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly those from low-income and marginalized communities. The initiative combines market-driven vocational training delivered through accessible government training centres, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion support, private sector partnerships that promote inclusive hiring and employment opportunities, and rights-based advocacy to improve access to social protection and challenge discrimination. By strengthening government systems, building institutional capacity, and embedding inclusive policies rather than creating parallel services, ChildFund ensures long-term sustainability while empowering young people with disabilities to pursue independent and meaningful livelihoods, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Sri Lanka.
Partnership with the Department of Social Services (DoSS)
ChildFund Sri Lanka has maintained a strong partnership with the Department of Social Services to improve vocational skills development for youth with disabilities. This collaboration has supported the development of vocational training curricula, instructor capacity building, accessibility improvements in training centres, and stronger links between training providers and employers. Together with TVEC and DoSS, ChildFund supported the introduction of market-relevant training programmes including Hospitality, Graphic Design, and Mobile Phone Repair, pastry and backers, jewelry making, Batik, footwear technicians, Agri nursery, plumbing assistance and sales assistance.
Supporting National Priorities
ChildFund’s disability inclusion work contributes directly to Sri Lanka’s national priorities on social inclusion, skills development, employment generation, and equal opportunity. The organization promotes inclusive economic participation by strengthening employability, improving access to vocational training, supporting inclusive workplaces, and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.
Corporate Roundtable on Disability-Inclusive Recruitment
The Corporate Roundtable on Disability-Inclusive Recruitment was convened to bring together employers, government representatives, technical experts, vocational training providers, disability sector organizations, and development partners to identify practical pathways for increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Discussions focused on inclusive recruitment practices, workplace accessibility, employer readiness, internships, work exposure opportunities, reasonable accommodation, and sustainable employment models.
Connecting the Diriya Supported Employment Programme and AYATI
A key area of discussion was the importance of creating stronger pathways between skills development, rehabilitation services, supported employment, and the private sector. ChildFund Sri Lanka recognizes the value of linking the Diriya Supported Employment Programme with the expertise of AYATI National Centre for Children with Disabilities. Such collaboration can strengthen the continuum from rehabilitation and skills development to employability, job placement, workplace support, and long-term inclusion.
Looking Ahead
ChildFund Sri Lanka remains committed to working with government institutions, employers, AYATI, the Department of Social Services, vocational training providers, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to expand disability-inclusive employment opportunities. Future priorities include scaling supported employment models, strengthening employer partnerships, increasing workplace accessibility, improving job placement mechanisms, and promoting systems-level change that enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in Sri Lanka’s social and economic development.
Key Message
Disability-inclusive recruitment is not charity. It is an investment in talent, diversity, productivity, and inclusive economic growth. With the right partnerships, practical support, and commitment, Sri Lanka can create meaningful employment opportunities and ensure that persons with disabilities are empowered to contribute, thrive, and lead.
