Stitching Hope

Yamuna’s Path to Independence

After losing her parents, Yamuna lived alone with no income. With support from the SLCDF programme, she received a sewing machine and materials to start a tailoring business. Today, she earns steadily and lives with confidence and purpose.

Yamuna Kumudini Jayawardena lives in the quiet village of Wedeniya, within the Nawathalwatte GN Division of the Alawwa DS Division. After the passing of her parents, Yamuna found herself alone, living in a modest house built by her brother.  Being never married and living as a single woman, the loss of her family left her in a deep state of emotional distress. Yamuna said

“After my parents passed away, I felt completely alone. There was no one to talk to. I didn’t see a future for myself.”

It was during this difficult time that two women visited her. They were representatives from SLCDF staff in Alawwa, They had received Yamuna’s details through the Grama Niladhari and came to explore how they could support her.

Though Yamuna had completed multiple training courses offered by the Divisional Secretariat and other aid agencies, she had never been able to start a business due to lack of capital. When asked what type of self-employment she would prefer, Yamuna expressed her interest in tailoring, having already undergone training in that field.

Through the support programme, she received guidance on preparing a business plan tailored to her chosen livelihood. Based on her plan, she was provided with a sewing machine and fabric—resources she had long needed but never received.

“When I saw the sewing machine and fabric, I was so happy. It meant I could finally start something on my own.”

Yamuna now sews a range of clothing items and sells them to neighbours and local shops. She has begun earning a steady income and feels a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

“This support changed my life. I now have a livelihood that makes me feel proud and independent.”

Her story is a reminder that a small intervention, given with empathy and foresight, can restore dignity and hope to someone who has lost both.

“Empowerment begins when someone sees potential in you—even when you can’t see it yourself.”— Local Programme Staff Member