Institute of Social Development (ISD) is a non-governmental organization located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The organization was established in 1991 by a group of activists who engage in the field of human rights, labor, gender and advocacy.
The group identified that even though there have been major development activities since 1948, there have been no positive impacts on the lives of the marginalized communities. The organization was formed in order to address this societal issue that has been compelling society for years.
A wide range of programs was organized by the institution in order to empower the voiceless communities and transform their lives for a better future. The programmes focused on inclusion and governance, gender and politics, promotion of peace and harmony, health and education, Environment justice and lobby and advocacy.
Institute of Social Development was formed in 1991 with the mission of giving voice to the voiceless communities. This initiative was founded by a group of activists who engages in the field of human right, labor, gender, and advocacy. The group initiated a dialogue on measuring the impact of development activities implemented by various sectors including government and NGOs in the plantation sector since 1948. The findings indicated that there have been no major qualitative changes taking place in the lives of the plantation worker community.
The group concluded that unless the marginalized communities are not empowered to demand and defend their human rights, the outsiders cannot influence them for sustainable change.
The Institute of Social Development has executed a wide range of awareness programmes to empower the marginalized plantation community since its inception.
‘’To mainstream the excluded communities and groups with dignity and equal rights through initiatives that focus on good governance, gender and politics, peace and harmony, health and education, environmental justice, lobby and advocacy’’
‘’To strengthen the marginalized plantation, rural communities and groups towards sustainable social changes based on democracy, equity, social justice, freedom and peace while fostering rural community empowerment for a better future.’’
‘’Our primary objective is to empower the marginalized plantation community to demand and defend fundamental human, labour, gender and other rights in order to eliminate various forms of discrimination and exclusion across the society. ’’
Our board of directors is composed of industry experts with years of experience and expertise in a wide range of key areas. They are committed to working together in order to achieve the organizational vision and mission. Meet our board of directors below.
Mr. Charles Dayananda
CHAIRMAN
Former Principal of Arts College
Mr. P. Muthulingam
SECRETARY
Executive Director of Institute of Social Development, Kandy
Ms. Renuka Ramasamy
TREASURER
Teacher (B. Ed, K/ Vivekananda Tamil Vidyalayam)
As the director of the Institute of Social Development (ISD), I warmly welcome you to our official website. I hope that you have got a better understanding of what we do at ISD.
Our organization was formed in the year 1991 to create a safe environment for the marginalized communities in the plantation sector where they can enjoy their basic human rights. We have implemented various initiatives over these years to uplift the quality of their lives and foster sustainable growth over every social layer of society.
We work together in order to achieve our vision, mission and core objectives. We invite you to explore what we do and join our initiative of making a positive change in the lives of disadvantaged communities.
Mr. P. Muthulingam
