The Samaritans in Sri Lanka, a dedicated not-for-profit organization, is thrilled to partner with India’s Valmiki Foundation to introduce Sri Lanka’s first Egg Bank. This unique initiative, founded by Hari Kishan Valmiki, affectionately known as “The Egg Man,” began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Hari explored simple, effective solutions for combating malnutrition in India. His research highlighted the power of a single egg as a nutrient-rich supplement. From this insight, the Egg Bank was born, with a mission to provide eggs regularly to individuals living below the poverty line who suffer from malnutrition.
Since its inception, the Egg Bank has flourished in India and expanded to ten other countries, winning numerous awards, including India’s National Nutrition Award. Today, as it launches in Sri Lanka, the Egg Bank aims to help address the alarming levels of child malnutrition: 2.3 million Sri Lankan children are currently facing hunger, with many families unable to afford rising food prices amid strained national healthcare and education systems. Statistics from UNICEF reveal that one in two children in Sri Lanka is affected by malnutrition, jeopardizing their future.
The Egg Bank launch is scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024, targeting the first phase in Maskeliya, Ratnapura, and Kurunegala—areas identified for their high levels of child malnutrition. Initially, 500 children will receive three eggs per week, with plans to extend this support to more areas as resources grow. The Samaritans and the Valmiki Foundation call upon individuals and organizations to join their efforts in supporting underserved children across Sri Lanka.
About The Samaritans in Sri Lanka
The Samaritans is a neighborhood organization formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid low-income families with food, groceries, and basic healthcare. When Sri Lanka’s economic crisis deepened, the Samaritans scaled up their efforts to assist vulnerable communities, including by setting up permanent community kitchens and sponsoring school meal programs across Maskeliya, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, and Pottuvil.
For three years, the Samaritans have celebrated World Children’s Day by providing 2,500 meals each year to children in various regions, serving a total of 25,000 meals valued at over Rs. 7.5 million. They also support underprivileged families by distributing groceries, school supplies, medicine, and essential personal items, and by establishing a learning center in Ratmalana.
About Valmiki Foundation
Based in Hyderabad, India, the Valmiki Foundation is devoted to caring for orphaned children, offering quality education and housing. Founded by the Valmiki brothers, Surya Ganesh and Raj, and later joined by Hari Kishan Valmiki, the Foundation has developed innovative projects for underserved children, women, and the elderly.
Contact Information:
The Samaritans:
- Jovanka Jayaweera
- Email: jovijayaweera@yahoo.com
- Mobile: +94 772 991 162
- Ricky Simms
- Email: Ricky@majorityworld.com
- Mobile: +94 771 266 914
Valmiki Foundation:
- Hari Kishan Valmiki
- Email: kishanvalmiki@gmail.com
