The Sunera Foundation works in Sri Lanka with

• disabled people, especially young people
• people who have been affected by the civil conflict
• people who have been traumatised by their experiences, either
  in the conflict or by the tsunami
• others who are marginalised in Sri Lankan society.

As in many societies across the world, disabled people in Sri Lanka are often regarded with suspicion and sources of shame.  Their families may find it difficult to take them out into their community or even hide them away.  They have few opportunities to find out their own potential or develop their abilities.  Sunera wants to change all of this – to bring disabled people into the heart of their local communities and support them in developing their skills – and so gain dignity, respect and self-respect.

Many of the disabled people who take part were born with impairments or developed them through illness, but many have also been injured because of the fighting in the civil conflict on the island.

The heart of Sunera’s work is in its workshops.  These sessions are held in many locations across the island.  The workshops provide a regular opportunity for disabled and other people to take part in creative activities using music, drama and art.   

Some of these performances have been developed into major shows which have played in Sri Lanka and in other countries, including the UK.

We at Friends of Sunera Foundation are so taken by the good work Sunera does that we are delighted to help in any way we can.