SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Empowering communities for sustainable futures
Training, leadership, and local action for lasting change
Explore Projects
AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY
Reviving traditional farming for a healthier future
Supporting farmers with skills, seeds, and market access
Visit Model Farms
ENVIRONMENT & WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Protecting nature while empowering women
Women driving change in conservation and livelihoods
Get InvolvedOUR JOURNEY
Working alongside communities since 2002
CDC's project records show community-based work beginning in the early 2000s, with long-term efforts in conservation, livelihoods, women's empowerment, water access, and rural development.
20+ years
of grassroots community work
53
indigenous yam varieties conserved
Since 1998
roots in traditional yam conservation
2001–2002
first recorded project period
WHAT WE DO
Community-led programs with lasting impact
Community resource centres
Bringing people together to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and learn from each other as a community
Read more
Training & livelihood programs
Hands-on programs where communities learn simple, practical solutions for everyday needs and livelihoods
Read more
Nature & community action
Working together to protect the environment through tree planting, conservation, and local initiatives
Read moreCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Growing stronger communities, one life at a time
From small farms to village homes, we stand with people as they build better futures—through skills, support, and a deep connection to their land and community.
- → Women building confidence, income, and new opportunities
- → Farmers growing healthy food and creating value-added products
- → Communities protecting nature while strengthening local food traditions
OUR KEY FOCUS AREAS
Building stronger communities through real, everyday support
From small farms to family livelihoods, our work brings people, skills, and nature together to create lasting change.
Women’s livelihood programs
Helping women build confidence, earn an income, and create better futures for their families
Read their stories
Sustainable agriculture
Supporting farmers to grow healthy food while caring for the land they depend on
Visit the model farm
Indigenous crop conservation
Protecting traditional yam varieties and keeping local food knowledge alive for future generations
Explore the project
LOCAL FOOD & LIVELIHOODS
From traditional crops to thriving livelihoods
We work with communities to grow, protect, and share local food—from indigenous yams to traditional crops—turning knowledge into income and preserving food heritage for future generations.
- → Conserving and growing indigenous yam varieties across communities
- → Supporting farmers to produce, process, and sell value-added food products
- → Promoting healthy, local foods through training and community markets
ECO TOURISM
Experience nature through the lives of local communities
Our eco-tourism initiatives connect visitors with rural communities, traditional farming, and natural landscapes—offering meaningful experiences that support both people and the environment.
- Walk through community forests and learn about local conservation efforts
- Visit village homes, farms, and small enterprises rooted in tradition
- Support livelihoods while experiencing authentic local food and culture
FEATURED CONSERVATION PROJECT
Protecting the Knuckles landscape with community action
In Ududumbara and the Knuckles environmental zone, CDC works with local communities to protect biodiversity, restore nature, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods.
- Community-led environmental conservation
- Reforestation and biodiversity protection
- Local participation in protecting fragile ecosystems
KNUCKLES • UDUDUMBARA
FEATURED IMPACT
Stories of strength, hope, and new beginnings
Behind every program is a person whose life has changed through courage, support, and opportunity. These are two stories from women who found new strength through CDC.
WOMEN’S LIVELIHOOD
Rebuilding after loss, rising with strength
After the Dittawa storm damaged her home and disrupted her livelihood, R.M. Ranjani Ratnayake began again with CDC's support. Today, through food production and community enterprise, she is rebuilding her family's future with courage and confidence.
COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE
Finding light and confidence through enterprise
Dhammika Kumari once faced many barriers in growing her self-employment work. With CDC’s guidance and encouragement, she gained confidence, strengthened her skills, and now continues her journey as a proud community entrepreneur.
GET INVOLVED
Be part of the change in your own way
Whether you want to support, volunteer, or collaborate, the first step is a conversation. Every connection helps CDC continue working with communities.
Support the work
Help strengthen training, farming, conservation, and livelihood programs across Ududumbara and beyond.
Contact CDCShare your time or skills
Bring your knowledge, energy, or experience to community-based work. There is space for people who care.
Get in touchCollaborate with CDC
Partner with us on programs that support people, land, and local livelihoods in Sri Lanka.
Start a conversation