AKASA - Association of Women with Disabilities

AKASA or ‘the sky’ in Sinhala is the acronym for Aabadha Sahitha Kanthawange Sangamaya, the Sinhala for the Association of Women with Disabilities. AKASA is a network of self-help groups, devoted to creating opportunities for its members.




AKASA is a member of the following associations:

Anuradhapura District NGO Consortium, a forum of nearly 73 NGOs working in this district. AKASA has been a member since 1998, and has served as its President and as its Treasurer.

Disability Organisations Joint Front (DOJF), a national, umbrella organisation comprising of 21 disability organisations. AKASA was one of the pioneering members, during its inception in 2001, and has served as its Vice President.

Rajarata Wanni Alliance, an alliance of 20 organisations and an alliance of supporters of severely marginalised persons in the Anuradhapura District. AKASA served as its Secretary-General in 2002-03.

AKASA’s Founder/President is a member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), a policy-advising body under the Central Ministry of Social Service and Social Welfare. She was also a member of the committee that drafted the National Policy on Disability, 2003.

AKASA’s Founder/President is also a member of the National Sports Federation for Persons with Disabilities, having been a member since its inception, and served as its Vice President from 1990 – 1995.

AKASA has been fortunate to receive considerable and consistent support from SHIA (Swedish Organisation of Disabled Persons International Aid Association) over the past 10 years.

In addition, AKASA works or has worked with the following international organisations, receiving financial and/or training support as well as encouragement from them:

Abilis Foundation (Finland)
Basic Needs (Sri Lanka)
CARE International (UK)
UNHCR
The Global Fund for Women (USA)
Handicap International (France)
DFID (UK)
Healthlink Worldwide (UK)
Friend in Need Society – Sri Lanka
International Service (UK)
Project Trust (UK)
SHIA (Sweden)
SLCDF (Sri Lanka Canada Development Foundation)
VSO (UK)

Among local partners, AKASA works closely with the following Governmental and Non- Governmental Organisations and offices, receiving both financial and implementation support:

Mahaveli Authority
Social Service Department, Central Government
Social Service Department, North Central Provincial Council
Ministry of Environment, Central Government
Ministry of Health, Central Government
Jayasilee Trust Fund
Rotary Club, Anuradhapura
Islamic Rehabilitation Center – Thihariya
Numerous private citizens

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