Story of Origin

The story of the Dutch-Lanka Friendship Foundation (DLFF) began with a simple act of kindness. When a Dutch lady, Kirsten Giethorn visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2005 during the after effects of the Tsunami (2004). She volunteered at the Sarana Children’s Home in Uhana, Sri Lanka, and was deeply moved by the challenges faced and the talents shown by children and adults with disabilities. Determined to make a difference, she began supporting the home through activity programs, medical assistance, and reconstruction work.

What started as one volunteer’s effort soon grew into a lasting mission when DLFF was officially registered and began supporting a government run Elders’ Home. A turning point came when a mother asked if her child with a disability could stay at the centre while she went to work. This heartfelt request inspired DLFF to open its first daycare centre for children with disabilities, giving families the chance to work while ensuring their children received care and education.

Who Are We?

We are the Dutch-Lanka Friendship Foundation (DLFF), a registered Sri Lankan INGO dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities and strengthening government systems for lasting impact. Over the past two decades, we have enabled Persons with Disabilities to partake in sustainable initiatives focusing on education, employment and advocacy, including Enable Sri Lanka and Skilled Sri Lanka. Based in Ampara, we collaborate with the Sri Lankan government and international partners to create an inclusive future where every Person with Disability can learn, work, and thrive.