Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday, 31 December 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Safna Malik
The Appé Lanka Foundation, led by Shaan Corea, is spearheading a long-term development effort to rebuild the Poonakary region of the Kilinochchi District.
For years, this area has struggled with the lasting effects of the civil war, leaving many villagers without reliable water or electricity. Understanding that these are basic needs, the foundation has focused its efforts on fixing the local infrastructure. By restoring water systems and providing essential services, the foundation is helping the community move past a history of struggle toward a more stable and self-reliant future.
A strategic infrastructure project is now changing the financial landscape of the area. The Appé Lanka Foundation has completed an 18 million rupee project dedicated to the refurbishment of water tanks and the restoration of village wells. This large-scale effort was made possible through the support of the Tokyo Cement Group and business tycoon Nihal Wijesuriya. By installing high-capacity water pumps and storage systems, the project has successfully addressed the region’s long-standing water crisis.
The investment was designed to position water as a reliable tool for large-scale agriculture. This infrastructure now serves as the base for the ‘Plant. Grow. Eat.’ initiative, which gives the community a clear path toward financial independence.
The most visible impact of this work is the rapid expansion of peanut farming. Previously, limited water access meant farmers could only cultivate five acres of land; today, that area has grown to 30 acres. Peanuts are well-suited to the soil of the Northern Province, provided there is consistent irrigation. The foundation’s project has bridged this gap, allowing for a regular harvest cycle even during the dry months. This shift has significantly increased local earnings, with families now generating up to Rs. 7,000 per month from the sale of extra crops. This revenue is essential for covering daily costs like education and healthcare.
Beyond agriculture, the Appé Lanka Foundation has adopted a broader approach to regional development. The organisation provides renewable solar energy for off-grid homes and educational materials for local schools. Furthermore, the foundation organises workshops and youth programs focused on psychosocial support and community building, ensuring that the physical recovery of the region is matched by social stability.
The success of these local water systems is the beginning of a wider regional plan. While the Foundation manages these community-led projects, larger national development works are scheduled to begin repairs on the area’s primary water tanks in 2024. These projects, expected to be finished within 24 months, will further secure the region’s agricultural future. Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated effort to build a stronger local economy in Poonakary. The transition from survival to growth is now well underway, driven by a combination of infrastructure investment and community resilience. To learn more or to support the foundation’s work, visit: www.appelanka.com
