Crafting Futures: Avery Dennison Backs Women of the North and East

The group’s visibility quickly grew beyond Colombo. During the Nallur festival in Jaffna, the artisans travelled on a decorated tractor to showcase their products to festival-goers. The colourful display not only caught attention but also gave the women a sense of pride and celebration. For many, it was the first time they had taken their crafts to such a large cultural gathering — and the warm response from festival crowds gave them confidence to continue.

With the momentum from Good Market membership and public exposure at community events, the project soon established a regular presence at Saturday markets, bringing visibility not only to products but also to the women behind them. Leaders from across the North and East — many already running small businesses of their own — stepped forward to guide others, sharing their knowledge of markets, costing, and design.

Global recognition

In August 2025, the Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) in the United States awarded a grant to Palms Together, marking the first time that a global foundation has formally partnered with Sivan Arul Hope.

“This is not just about funding,” says Dr. Mira, the voluntary grant writer and project lead. “It is a recognition that the resilience and skills of women in the North and East matter on an international stage.”

The grant provides not only financial support but also credibility for Palms Together. It creates opportunities for leadership training, market expansion, and product development — ensuring that women artisans can secure livelihoods while preserving their cultural heritage.

 

Roots of Sivan Arul Hope

The story of Sivan Arul itself is deeply tied to Sri Lanka’s history of tragedy and recovery. Founded in 2004 in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, Sivan Arul Illam began in Thiruketheeswaram, Mannar, as a home for orphaned and displaced children.

As the civil war intensified, its mission expanded: running emergency shelters, distributing food and medical aid, caring for vulnerable elders, and providing prosthetics and rehabilitation to landmine victims in partnership with the Meththa Foundation. Monthly sponsorships reached more than 1,000 war-affected families, particularly widows and single mothers.

From these beginnings, Sivan Arul grew into a beacon of recovery in the North and East. The organisation was established under the stewardship of its founders and trustees: Dr. Jayendran Namasivayam, Ms. Manchula Namasivayam, Mr. Surendra Sornalingam, and Dr. Jeyasingham Jayamohan. Their vision laid the foundation for today’s diverse initiatives, from farms and bakeries to community enterprises — and now, Palms Together.

A distinctive approach

What makes Sivan Arul Hope distinctive is its governance model. As clearly set out in its Articles of Association, neither the trustees nor Dr. Mira, who serves as voluntary grant writer and project lead, derive any personal financial benefit from the organisation. This ensures that the drive behind the projects is rooted entirely in service and community upliftment. While many NGOs rightly rely on salaried staff to deliver their work, Sivan Arul’s volunteer-led structure sets it apart as a model of commitment and integrity.

Voices of change

Beyond the statistics and funding, the project’s impact is best seen in the experiences of the women themselves.

At a recent leadership training in Colombo, Sarah from Good Market guided the women through bookkeeping and costing. A separate photograph — taken earlier — shows her wearing one of the handloom sarees sold at the Good Market, which she had purchased simply because she liked it. The women value her as a vibrant and energetic supporter who has helped them build their skills and confidence.

In Mannar, leader Kavida produces a wide range of palmyrah crafts — from baskets and trays to tissue boxes. Her products have now reached new audiences, including customers at the Sri Rudram restaurant, where visitors often buy them alongside their meals. For her and her team, these steady sales signal not just income but also recognition.

Meanwhile in Trincomalee, Pathmini took the initiative to create special pooja baskets for the Kethara Gowri fasting rituals. For her, it was a way to meet community needs while keeping traditions alive — and at the same time, to generate income for her group.

These stories, shared week after week on Palms Together’s Facebook page, reveal the heartbeat of the project: women finding confidence, building skills, and creating a community of support across ethnic and regional divides.

Looking ahead

With the Avery Dennison Foundation’s support, the future looks bright. The project plans to develop new product lines, expand into more urban markets, and strengthen the leadership of women artisans so they can guide others in their communities.

As Dr. Mira notes: “Palms Together is not only about crafts. It is about resilience, dignity, and giving women the chance to lead their own futures. With this international recognition, we can dream bigger — and turn those dreams into livelihoods.”

For the women of the North and East, every tray, basket, and saree carries a story — of survival, strength, and hope. Now, with global partners joining hands, those stories are reaching further than ever before.

To follow the journey of Palms Together and support the artisans, visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579445152125.Palms Together project turns resilience into opportunity through handcrafts and leadership

The story of Palms Together is one of resilience, creativity, and determination. In February 2025, a small group of women from Sri Lanka’s North and East began showcasing their work in Colombo under the Sivan Arul label. Today, their efforts have earned international recognition, with the Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) awarding a major grant in August 2025 to support their journey of empowerment.

A modest beginning

Palms Together was launched as a subsidiary of Sivan Arul Hope Guarantee with a single stall at the Good Market in Colombo 7. That first stall, set up by Dr. Mira Varagunam Vasanthan using funds gathered from friends and family, displayed both traditional palmyrah crafts and handloom products made by village women. The response was immediate and encouraging.