Human Link Maruthamunai -Home For Differently Abled Children -Roshan Kamardeen (Founder & President)

Based on available reports and organizational profiles, Human Link Maruthamunai is one of the leading community-based organizations in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province dedicated to the welfare, education, rehabilitation, and empowerment of children and youth with disabilities. Overview Human Link (Human Link Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities) was established in 2007 in Maruthamunai, Ampara District, Sri Lanka. It began with only five children with disabilities and has since grown into a specialized resource center serving dozens of children and young adults from different ethnic and religious communities. The organization is registered under Sri Lanka's Ministry of Social Services and functions as a non-profit voluntary social service institution dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities. Mission and Vision Human Link aims to: Promote the education of children with disabilities. Develop life skills and vocational abilities. Improve health, mobility, and independence. Empower persons with disabilities with dignity and equal opportunities. Support families affected by disability. Encourage social inclusion and community participation. Services Offered The centre provides a broad range of services free of charge, including: Special education programs. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Occupational therapy. Speech and communication support. Vocational and skills training. Health-care services. Religious and cultural activities. Recreational and extracurricular activities. Transportation facilities. Meals, uniforms, and learning materials. Inclusive Approach One of Human Link's notable characteristics is its commitment to serving children regardless of ethnicity or religion. Children from Muslim, Tamil, and other communities attend the centre, promoting social harmony and inclusion. The institution also employs staff from different communities, reflecting its multicultural approach. International Recognition and Support In 2020, the German Embassy in Sri Lanka awarded Human Link a grant exceeding Rs. 2 million to strengthen healthcare services for children with disabilities. The funding helped establish an Occupational and Physiotherapy Unit equipped with specialized learning and therapy materials. The project also included staff training and parent awareness programs. The project benefited children with conditions such as: Autism Spectrum Disorder Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy ADHD Hearing impairments Speech impairments Visual impairments Community Impact Human Link's work extends beyond classroom education. The organization seeks to transform children with disabilities into confident, self-reliant members of society by focusing on: Independent living skills. Social participation. Vocational readiness. Family empowerment. Community awareness regarding disability rights. The centre has also participated in inclusive arts and theatre programs, bringing together children with and without disabilities to encourage social integration and creative expression.