We helped re-establish the coir industry after it was left devastated by the tsunami

Funded by: CIDA and World Accord

For centuries, women living in the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka have worked in the coir industry. When the tsunami hit, it washed away coir-weaving machines and stocks of raw materials, causing huge damage to this industry and leaving many people destitute.

Through this project, we re-established the coir industry in this area and helped coir producers rebuild their livelihoods. We organised over 2,000 people into producer groups. These groups were organised into cluster organisations which were then combined into one Coir Producers’ Federation. This increased the producers bargaining power. We provided credit and training on subjects such as entrepreneurism and business management. We also introduced innovative new technology and set up a series of multi-purpose centres where the producers could meet and sell their wares.

The impact on people’s lives has been enormous – economically, socially and politically. Before the project, the coir producers were working as individuals. By organizing they have increased their bargaining power in the coir industry. The women are also receiving increased recognition locally, and have become role models for other women.  At the end of the project more than 75% of the members are better off, receiving at least Rs.300/- a day compared to Rs.150/- a day at the beginning.

View photos from the LCCRP project.

Read how the project improved the lives of Latha, Pushpani and Niranjala.