Fonterra's Grassroots Fund helps dairy farming communities

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka's Grassroots Fund has helped improve the quality of life of over 10,000 people across dairy farming communities.

The dairy co-operative which makes milk powder, launched the fund to help build more sustainable communities in areas where it collects milk.

Since the fund was launched in 2014 it has contributed over Rs. 23 million towards a series of projects in these communities.

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, with partners Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and Kansarmen Sri Lanka Foundation, have already completed 10 projects across three provinces this year.

One of these projects was the construction of a new classroom at Wilimbula Vidyalaya, Henegama attended by children of Fonterra's farming families. The project was identified with the President of the Malwatta Hiripitiya Dairy Farmers Association, Kithsiri Peiris, a past pupil of the school.

Principal, Wilimbula Vidyalaya, Mrs. Lalitha Sirimanna said, "I find it hard to find the words to convey our appreciation and how much our community values this project, which has provided 45 more children with access to education."

"Our parents would never invest in a classroom as most of them face financial difficulties. The Fonterra team visited us several times to check on the progress and helped us in fulfilling our dream," she said.

"Education is essential in achieving the goal of sustainable development. By helping small schools such as this, it will lay the foundation towards this journey," Mrs. Sirimanna said.

Managing Director, Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Sunil Sethi said, "We are committed to building a stronger dairy industry in Sri Lanka, and as part of this we believe it's important to support our dairy communities to make a real difference."

"Since 2014 we have been involved in projects that create a long term impact, enriching the lives of over 10,000 children, teachers, dairy farming families and community members.

We look forward to continuing our support through the Fonterra Grassroots Fund with our partners for years to come," said Sethi.