21/08/2026
Citi Sri Lanka, ChildFund and AYATI Launch Inclusive Futures Program for Youth with Disabilities
Ragama, 13 August 2026 – Citi Sri Lanka, ChildFund Sri Lanka and the AYATI National Centre launched the first cohort of the Inclusive Futures: Work Readiness and Employment for Youth with Disabilities programme at the AYATI National Centre in Ragama.
The initiative aims to create stronger pathways for adolescents and youth with disabilities in Puttalam District, supporting their transition from skills development and work readiness to vocational training, workplace exposure and meaningful employment.
The inauguration was attended by Ravin Basnayake, Citi Country Officer & Banking Head, Citi Sri Lanka; Ms. Saranga Jayarathne, Global Senior Advisor for Advocacy, ChildFund International; and Prof. Samanmali P. Sumanasena, Professor in Paediatric Disabilities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, representing the AYATI National Centre.
The event brought together youth with disabilities and their families, corporate partners and key stakeholders, while also recognizing young people who successfully completed a previous ChildFund-supported skills development programme.
Participants will receive individualized skills development, employability and life-skills training, work-readiness preparation and career guidance. The programme will further support access to vocational training, internships, on-the-job learning opportunities and employment pathways.
Recognizing that sustainable inclusion requires more than training, the initiative will also engage employers to promote disability-inclusive recruitment practices, workplace accommodations and greater opportunities for young people with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities in real work environments.
Ravin Basnayake, Citi Country Officer & Banking Head, stated:
“Citi has a long- standing commitment to supporting communities and creating greater economic opportunity. Through this inclusive future initiative, we hope to help these young people with disabilities build skills and confidence to move towards meaningful employment and greater independence. We also hope this project will encourage stronger public-private collaboration and create similar opportunities across Sri Lanka.”
Citi’s support for Inclusive Futures – Work Readiness for Youth with Disabilities in Puttalam reflects our long-standing commitment to expanding economic opportunity and supporting the underserved communities in Sri Lanka. Over the years, Citi has partnered on initiatives focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, skills development, climate change and youth inclusion. Through this initiative, we are building on that commitment by helping young people with disabilities strengthen their skills, confidence and work readiness, with the aim of creating clear pathways to meaningful employment and greater financial independence. We also recognize that the impact extends beyond the individual creating greater resilience and opportunity for the families who support them. Citi remains committed to this initiative and to working with public and private sector partners enabling opportunities for young people with disabilities in Puttalam.
The programme ultimately seeks to contribute to a more inclusive labour market where young people with disabilities are recognized for their skills, abilities and potential, and have equitable opportunities to learn, work, contribute and thrive.
