Caritas celebrates 40th anniversary in Colombo with trade fair expo
Colombo (AsiaNews) - Two days of trade fairs to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the foundation of Caritas Sri Lanka. On December 2-3, Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo hosts a national expo (in the photo, the entrance to the area where the initiative is taking place) involving the entire network of Caritas centers present in the country.
Fr. Demian Piyasiri Fernando, director of the organization, explains to AsiaNews that "trade fairs are an important part of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC's process of empowering people to rebuild their lives after many natural and manmade disasters. These trade fairs provide an opportunity for self-help groups or animation groups to promote their livelihood, exhibit their products and thereby venture into new business avenues and link with potential buyers."
In addition to the demonstration in Vihara Maha Devi Park, Fr. Demian explains that "many trade fairs were also held throughout the country in the 13 diocesan centres of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC."
Caritas Sri Lanka is one of the leading Catholic organizations that have emerged in the country as a concrete expression of the social doctrine of the Church and of its activity in defense of human dignity. In November, it celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation. The theme selected to celebrate the anniversary is "Journeying together for a just society."
At the origin of the organization is the figure of Fr. Joseph Fernando, who in 1968 created the first Social and Economic Development Centre (SEDEC) at the office of the archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Thomas Cooray. Since then, the organization, which later became Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC, has spread its activity to more than 300 locations, setting up 11 centers on the island.
The work of Caritas is aimed at people of every social class, ethnicity, and religion. Over the years, the commitment of the Catholic organization on behalf of the poor and marginalized has placed special emphasis on overall human development, the construction of lasting peace, and the creation of community programs for the prevention of natural disasters.
Herman Kumara, secretary general of the World Forum for Fisher People and president of the movement National Fisheries Solidarity, has long been responsible for formation for Caritas Sri Lanka. He explains to AsiaNews that "SEDEC offers the benefit of forming social movements and activists in Sri Lankan society. The fisheries movement and the 'Savisthri' women's movement are just two examples."
Civil society on the island also recognizes the strong commitment of Caritas Sri Lanka in the area of religious dialogue, carried out through its daily assistance work. In confirmation of this, on December 4 the organization has scheduled an interreligious meeting at the International School of Colombo.
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