info@MFAonline.ca

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

25th Anniversary — 2001 to 2026

Mannar Friendship

Association

TWENTY PROJECTS, ONE PURPOSE

Our Projects

Education, humanitarian relief, youth development, healthcare, and child welfare

↓ OUR CONTRIBUTION
DEFINING PROJECTS

Stories that shaped MFA

2002

EDUCATION

University Scholarship Program

Talented students across Northern Sri Lanka were forced to abandon university admission — unable to afford books, travel, or boarding. It began with ten members contributing $100 each to support a single student.

A Trust Fund established in 2007 at Hatton National Bank now sustains the program annually through interest alone — ensuring scholarships continue regardless of fundraising cycles.

“In 2014, I sat with five scholarship recipients and their parents in Mannar. I listened to how this program had brightened their lives. That moment changed me.”

— Sylvester Nicholas, President of MFA

45+ Graduates

Self-sustaining Trust Fund

8 universities

2004

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Tsunami Relief

The Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 26, 2004 devastated Sri Lanka’s coast. Mannar was not spared — families lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones in hours. MFA mobilised immediately: $2,184 to CMR and Church, and $2,675 to the Medical Institute for Tamils via former President Jude Yoganathan.

This proved MFA was not just a social club — it was a lifeline in times of crisis.

$4,859 raised

2007

EDUCATION

Scholarship Trust Fund Established

The scholarship program needed a sustainable model, not dependent on annual fundraising. MFA established a fixed deposit at Hatton National Bank, Mannar — an initial $5,000 that grew to over $10,000. The interest alone now funds scholarships every year.

Self-sustaining, year after year

2005 – 09

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Civil War Support

As the civil war intensified, thousands of Tamil families were displaced. Despite the dangers, MFA continued to deliver aid — supporting displaced families with essential supplies and working with orphanages to provide food and clothing, coordinated with local partners on the ground.

Never wavered, darkest years

2009

CHILD WELFARE

Anbu Sotharar Illam Orphanage Support

Orphanages in Mannar struggled to feed and educate children who lost their parents during the war. MFA donated $550 to Anbu Sotharar Illam (“Loving Brothers’ House”) — meals, supplies, and a reminder that a community hadn’t forgotten them.

$550 donated

2009

COMMUNITY

Senior Recreation Centre

Elderly citizens in Mannar had no safe space to gather after decades of war and displacement. MFA donated $550 to help establish a senior recreation centre — a space for dignity, stories, and community in their golden years.

$550 donated

2010

COMMUNITY

International Mental Health Association Building Fund

Mental health services in Sri Lanka were severely underfunded, despite deep psychological wounds left by war and displacement. MFA donated $1,000 toward the building fund — a small but meaningful contribution to mental health infrastructure.

$1,000 donated

2010

COMMUNITY

Website Launch — MFAonline.ca

The Mannar diaspora needed a central online hub. MFA launched its first website, giving the global community access to events, projects, and scholarship information — and a way to stay connected wherever they lived.

Global community connected

2011

EDUCATION

Free Advanced Level (A/L) Classes

Students in Mannar couldn’t afford extra coaching for their A/L exams — the gateway to university. MFA provided Rs. 2,500 to organise free weekend seminars, mock exam printing, and revision materials for remote schools, levelling the playing field.

Rs. 2,500 provided

2012

CHILD WELFARE

MARR Partnership — Orphan Support

Children who lost parents in the war needed materials and a sense of normalcy. MFA donated $3,000 CAD to MARR (Mannar Association for Relief & Rehabilitation) for educational toolkits and a Christmas celebration — a day of joy and community.

$3,000 donated

2012

Bridge to Mannar

After the war ended in 2009, an entire generation risked being left behind — schools damaged, families with nothing for uniforms or books. Under President John Benedict (Gaster), MFA partnered with MARR to reach 160 war-affected children across three resettled villages: Adamban, Aandaankulam, and Aatkativeli.

Each child received a full gift pack — school bag, uniform materials, stationery, instruments — followed by a fun day with Santa Claus, meals, and games.

160 children

~$3,050 project cost

3 villages

2014

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

7-A-Side Football Tournament

After the war, Mannar youth faced unemployment and the risk of falling into substance abuse or gang involvement. MFA supported a tournament at Mannar District Stadium on August 2, 2014, drawing 23 teams district-wide. St. Joseph – PKK took the championship.

23 teams

2014 – 15

EDUCATION

Football Tournament Sponsorship

The 2014 tournament proved demand — but teams lacked jerseys and equipment. MFA partnered with the Mannar District Football League, providing jerseys for 16 teams, cash awards, and logistics across two years.

“Sports gave our youth something to believe in. MFA showed them that someone cared.”

— A Mannar Football League representative

16 teams equipped

$30,000+ raised

2017

COMMUNITY

Canada 150 Tour

To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, MFA organised a tour to Ottawa — Parliament Building, an Ottawa River cruise, and a documentary on Canadian history — deepening members’ connection to their adopted homeland.

“Canada boasts a proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees. We celebrate that while preserving our own culture.”

— Sylvester Nicholas, President

2018

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Bishop Shelter Support — Mullikulam

Fifty homeless families were resettling in Mullikulam with no shelter as winter approached. MFA welcomed Bishop Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando as an Honorary Member; funds raised purchased temporary shelters for these families.

50 families sheltered

2019

COMMUNITY

Parks Canada Clean-Up Partnership

MFA partnered with Parks Canada for tree planting and park clean-up, giving youth volunteer hours toward Ontario academic credits while contributing to their local Toronto community.

2019

COMMUNITY

Toronto Shoreline Cleanup

MFA committed to community service in Canada, not just Sri Lanka. Coordinated by President Sylvester Nicholas, members cleaned the East Point Park shoreline for Earth Day, April 13, 2019 — modelling good citizenship for youth.

2019

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Textile Manufacturing Project

Widowed women and those with war-disabled husbands had no income source. MFA initiated a home-based saree and sarong weaving project, with products sold locally and potentially internationally — economic independence and dignity.

Expanding across Mannar District

2019

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

IT Employment Initiative

Mannar youth lacked access to urban job markets. MFA announced a plan to train them in web-based digital content and remote data services — earning a living without leaving their villages.

Under exploration

2021

HEALTHCARE

Mannar Hospital Medical Equipment

Mannar General Hospital lacked equipment to treat COVID-19 patients. MFA raised $6,395 CAD, donating an ECG machine, 4 syringe pumps, and 2 Edan iM60 patient monitors — coordinated by Joseph Satkuna Yoganathan, MFA Project Manager.

$6,395 raised

2021

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Talaimannar Bus and Train Crash Relief

A collision at Talaimannar left 20 students and their school master injured and traumatised, their school supplies lost. MFA responded within days — full uniforms, stationery kits, and cash support for every student, plus recovery funds for the teacher.

Coordinated on the ground by Jude Master, President of the MFA Mannar Chapter, alongside local education officials.

20 students supported

April 23, 2021

2020 – 22

EMERGENCY RELIEF

COVID-19 Emergency Relief

The pandemic brought economic devastation. MFA launched monthly dry food packages sustaining families through lockdowns, medical equipment donations to Mannar General Hospital, and emergency aid coordinated by the MFA Mannar Chapter.

Hundreds of families fed

2026

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Nanattan Flood Relief

Severe flooding from the Malwathu Oya overflow devastated the Nanattan Division. MFA organised emergency food relief for 80 vulnerable families, coordinated on the ground by Mr. G.S. Nithiyananthan of Vankalai.

80 families

$2,017 project cost

2024 – 27

Sebamalai Mariyannai House of Compassion

This home, run by the Dominican Sisters in Pesalai, cares for 26 orphaned children. MFA committed a three-year, $9,000 CAD sponsorship (2025–2027)— covering food, education, clothing, and medical needs.

“Your generosity will go a long way in brightening the lives of these young souls. We are committed to this partnership for the long term.”

— Indra Michael Xavier, former President

26 children

3-year commitment

TRANSPARENCY

How we fund our work

MFA is entirely volunteer-run. We receive no government grants or corporate sponsorships. Every project is funded by our own community.

Membership fees

— modest annual dues

Mannar Night tickets

— priced to be affordable for all

Advertisement sales

— in our souvenir magazine

Sponsorships & direct donations

— from those who believe in our mission

100%

Established MFA’s first committee and structure; held the first Mannar Night in December

OUR PROMISE

We do not promise quick fixes. We promise sustainable, long-term commitment to the people of Mannar.

“Serving Our Community in the Company of Friends.”