Empowering Communities for Lasting Impact
At OPEnE, we believe education has the power to bring people together and drive lasting progress and achieve sustainable outcomes.
By giving individuals the chance to learn and get involved, we help communities reach their full potential and create strong, forward-thinking futures.
About OPEnE
The Organization of People for Engagement and Enterprise (OPEnE) is a local, grassroots, non-profit development organization based in the Mannar district of Northern Sri Lanka. Established in 2016, with the support of ZOA , OPEnE has helped to empower communities by working with both state and non-state service providers to improve education and community capacity-building services.
In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s thirty-year civil war, we have been working towards improving the livelihoods of war-affected communities and nurturing socio-economic development initiatives within the region. Our outcomes have been very pleasing and have primarily been achieved through educational initiatives aimed at empowering women and children and through promoting environmental conservation and tackling climate change.
OPEnE works to meet the needs of women and children in the Mannar District, Sri Lanka, by supporting community-driven initiatives focused on education, community capacity building and sustainability, including initiatives that respond to the ongoing climate crisis.
Whilst some parts of the country have recovered and rebuilt following many years of civil war, not all regions have prospered. This disparity is especially evident in the Mannar district, and more specifically, the most remote villages of the district. A lack of education, occupational skills, and limited opportunities have proved particularly challenging for women and youth in the region.
Our work in agriculture and coastal fishing communities, which make up some of the most marginalized groups, has helped provide these communities with the same opportunities available to those in more developed parts of the island.
Our Vision
A pluralistic Sri Lanka where all are empowered and included
Our Mission
To empower individuals through knowledge, skills, tools, and networks to make sustainable changes in their own lives and the lives of their community.
Our Objectives
- Provide educational programmes and opportunities for students, youth, women, vulnerable communities, and minority groups.
- Empower and work towards the sustainable development of communities.
- Assist in reintegrating communities affected by war and natural disasters into society.
- Develop livelihood opportunities through capacity building and providing advisory services to help improve productivity and market accessibility.
- Promote collective engagement through interest groups such as agricultural, fisheries, and self-help groups.
- Provide opportunities for empowerment of women and minority communities
Core Values
Transparency and Accountability
Human Dignity
Good Governance
Community Participation
Creativity and Innovation
Meet our Team
OPEnE is a collective of like-minded individuals passionate about collaborative engagement and helping the community learn and grow. At OPEnE, we act professionally, promptly, and enthusiastically so that we can make a positive difference to community and those who interact with us.
Raga Alphonsus
Chairperson
Raga offers 30+ years in humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and community development. He led emergency response in Mannar with Save the Children UK for five years. With ZOA (Netherlands) for two decades, he was key in complex emergencies and post-conflict recovery, notably in Mannar.
Nishika Cherine Fonseka
Board Member
Nishika is an Attorney-at-Law who received her LLB in the United Kingdom. Her work is mainly in the areas of Legal Aid and Human Rights.
Jeyaruban Eliyathaby Christy
Board Member
Jeyaruban has 23+ years managing international NGO relief, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, holding BSc (Hons) and Master’s in Aquaculture. His expertise includes disaster risk reduction, proposal development, and capacity building. He currently consults on local government empowerment.
Arulpragasam Suthagar
Board Member
Suthagar, an engineer with nearly 20 years in NGO relief, recovery, and development, excels in education, economic development, and environmental justice. He focuses on empowering communities through inclusive, sustainable practices.