40 Years of Transforming Lives
Serving the underprivileged communities of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province since 1986 — cultivating dignity, opportunity and hope through education, shelter, medical aid and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
BUDS-UK (Batticaloa Underprivileged Development Society – United Kingdom) was founded in 1986 by members of the Tamil diaspora in the UK who wanted to give back to the communities they had left behind.
Our mission is simple: to uplift the most marginalised communities in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province through sustainable, community-led development programs spanning education, shelter, healthcare, and livelihoods.
We are proud that over 95p in every £1 donated reaches beneficiaries directly, made possible by our entirely volunteer-run UK committee.
Support Our Mission
AI generated imageOur Vision
A future where dignity, opportunity, and lasting hope reach every life we touch.
“Our vision of the future is to build on our current high standards of care for lifeprogrammes — respecting the individuals, families and communities we serve in their independent lifestyles, and constantly striving to bring about change and continuous improvement.”
We envision a world where every person — regardless of circumstance, ability, or background — has access to quality education, safe shelter, and compassionate medical care. Guided by integrity, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity, we strive to create communities where individuals, including those with special needs, are empowered to thrive.
Our Ten Core Values
The principles that anchor every decision, every program, and every interaction.
Compassion
Treating every person with empathy, dignity, and genuine care at their most vulnerable moments.
Integrity
Acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision, donation, and interaction.
Equity
Ensuring fair access to education, shelter, and healthcare regardless of background, gender, or income.
Respect for Human Dignity
Recognising the inherent worth of every individual — especially those facing homelessness, illness, or disadvantage.
Empowerment
Helping people build long-term independence through learning, shelter, and improved health.
Collaboration
Working with communities, governments, volunteers, and partners to maximise our shared impact.
Excellence
Delivering high-quality services — safe shelters, effective healthcare, and meaningful education.
Stewardship
Using every donation responsibly and sustainably — donors and beneficiaries depend on it.
Inclusivity
Creating environments where everyone feels welcome and supported, across all our programs.
Innovation
Finding creative, modern solutions to persistent social problems through new methods and models.
The Causes We Champion
Six interconnected programs spanning education, healthcare, shelter and self-sufficiency.
Education
Scholarships, hostels, school supplies, and foster care for children from the poorest families.
Shelter
Building safe, permanent homes for war widows, the elderly, and families with disabled members.
Medical Support
Equipment for hospitals, free medical camps, and life-changing assistive devices.
Livelihoods
Vocational training and starter kits that turn vulnerable women into self-sufficient earners.
Drug Prevention
Walk-in centres and rehabilitation support for young people across the Eastern Province.
Special Needs
Assistive devices, therapy, and dedicated support for children and adults with disabilities.
Communities We Serve
We work with underprivileged communities across the Eastern and surrounding provinces of Sri Lanka — particularly war-affected families, widows, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and children at risk of leaving school.
Every project is designed and delivered in partnership with our sister organisation BUDS-BT and local community leaders on the ground.
Geographic Reach
Our work is centred on the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, with active programs reaching surrounding provinces including Trincomalee and Muthur.
Our donor base is rooted in the United Kingdom, with supporters in the USA, Canada, and Australia helping us extend our impact year after year.
Key Achievements
Four decades of measurable, community-led impact.
10+ homes built — including rapid post-tsunami response
Graduate Scheme and Scholarship Scheme supporting hundreds of students
Medical equipment provided to hospitals across the Eastern Province
Multiple Special Needs schools receiving sustained support
Maternity kits, baby warmers, and mobility aids delivered annually
Drug-prevention Walk-in Centre operational in Batticaloa
The Challenges We Face
We believe in being honest about the pressures every charity is navigating today.
Fundraising in a crowded sector
Donors are stretched and competition for charitable giving is fierce, even as our running costs continue.
Volunteer manpower shortages
Our team is small, the workload is huge, and skilled volunteers are increasingly hard to attract.
Climate-driven emergencies
More extreme weather across Sri Lanka — floods, cyclones — create more crises and more need each year.
Cross-charity collaboration
Working alongside other NGOs is encouraged but difficult due to differing missions, governance, and funding models.
Your support — whether through donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our work — helps us meet these challenges head-on.
Our History
Key milestones in our 40-year journey.
BUDS-UK founded by Tamil diaspora in the United Kingdom under the leadership of its very first president, Mr Sabaratnam.
Registered as a UK charity (No. 1081305). First major shelter project completed.
Launched medical aid program providing equipment to Batticaloa hospitals.
Post-tsunami emergency response: provided shelter and food aid to 500+ families.
BUDS-BT — the Batticaloa branch — opened, providing essential groundwork that supports BUDS-UK to this day.
Education scholarship program expanded to 200 students annually.
Livelihood training launched. First cohort of 50 women received vocational training.
COVID-19 response: delivered food packages and PPE to vulnerable families.
10,000+ lives impacted across all programs.
BUDS celebrates its 40th anniversary — four decades of education, housing, livelihood and medical support.
Trusted by Partners & Donors
Our work in Batticaloa is delivered hand-in-hand with hospitals, schools, government partners and an extraordinary network of individual donors across the UK.
Health Partners
6Education Partners
8Government & Community
6Notable Donors
5Partner logos coming soon. Want to support our mission? Become a partner.
Our Team
Every member of our committee volunteers their time. No salaries, no expenses — their dedication is what makes BUDS-UK possible.
Mrs Dorothy Muriet Mariampillai
Dorothy leads BUDS-UK as President, providing vision and direction for the charity and chairing the volunteer committee that delivers our work in Batticaloa.
EmailMr Nagarajah Rameshramprabahar
As Vice President, Mr Rameshramprabahar supports the President in leading the committee and deputises across BUDS-UK programmes and stakeholder engagements.
EmailDr Alan Kangatharan
Dr Kangatharan serves as Secretary, leading the administrative affairs of the charity — committee meetings, governance, correspondence, and member coordination.
EmailMr Subaskaran Savarimuthu
Mr Savarimuthu supports the Secretary in committee administration, record-keeping, and the day-to-day coordination of BUDS-UK governance.
EmailMrs Ira Lakshman
Mrs Lakshman oversees the charity’s finances, ensuring every pound is accounted for and that our accounts are filed accurately with the Charity Commission each year.
EmailMr Marino Outschoorn
Mr Outschoorn supports the Treasurer with financial administration, reconciliations, and ensuring strong financial controls across BUDS-UK.
EmailMrs Esther Yoganathan
Mrs Yoganathan serves on the executive committee, contributing to BUDS-UK programmes and the delivery of our charitable work in Batticaloa.
EmailMrs Mirushalnie Ratnakumar
Mrs Ratnakumar serves on the executive committee, supporting BUDS-UK initiatives across education, livelihoods, shelter and medical programmes.
EmailMrs Shaeila Thineshkumar
Mrs Thineshkumar serves on the executive committee, contributing to BUDS-UK fundraising, community engagement, and programme delivery.
EmailMr Suresh Senathirajah
Mr Senathirajah serves on the executive committee, supporting BUDS-UK strategy and the on-the-ground delivery of charitable programmes.
EmailMr Nala Mahendramoorthy
Mr Mahendramoorthy serves on the executive committee, contributing to BUDS-UK projects and the wider Tamil diaspora community in the UK.
EmailMr Jegan Somasunderam
Mr Somasunderam serves on the executive committee, supporting BUDS-UK programmes, events and community partnerships.
EmailMr Shayanthan Vannithamby
Mr Vannithamby serves on the executive committee, contributing to BUDS-UK programmes and supporting our work across Batticaloa.
EmailPast Presidents & Executive Members
Over 40 years, many dedicated individuals have shaped BUDS into what it is today. We honour the Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers and Executive Members who have served the charity.
- Mr Sabaratnam — very first president of BUDS-UK
- Dr A Hinsley Rajendram
- Dr Anton Bala Canagasabei
- Dr Mohan Vadivel
- Mr Jeyabelan
- Dr Salakianathan
- Mr Tyronne Namasivayam
- Mr Sam Venugopal
- Mr Sudhaharan
- Mr Umachandran
- Dr Alan Kangatharan
The organisation's growth and success were also shaped by the dedicated efforts of its Secretaries, Treasurers and Executive Members across four decades of service.
BUDS-BT in Batticaloa
Our sister organisation on the ground.
BUDS-BT — opened 2006
20 years on the ground
The BUDS branch in Batticaloa, known as BUDS-BT, opened in 2006 and has grown into a highly successful operation, providing all the essential groundwork that supports BUDS-UK — from identifying beneficiaries and coordinating with local hospitals and schools, to managing project delivery and accountability.
Working With Other Charities
BUDS has collaborated with several charitable organisations to strengthen support within the medical sector and beyond.
BEAP — Batticaloa Emergency & Accident Project
Partnered to fund the purchase of a CT scanner for Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.
CANE — Cancer Aid for North & East
Joined forces to provide Batticaloa Hospital with an infant incubator.
Lions Club, Batticaloa
Distributing Sathuma — a protein-rich flour — to pregnant mothers and undernourished children under five.
Medical apparatus supplied by BUDS to under-equipped hospitals in remote areas includes a CT Scanner for Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, an Infant Baby Warmer for a remote hospital in Palugamam, Batticaloa, and Infant Incubators for Batticaloa Hospital.
Looking Ahead
As BUDS enters its fifth decade, we remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact.
Digital learning
Scaling education with digital and remote-learning initiatives to reach more students.
Climate-resilient housing
Building homes designed to withstand floods, cyclones and the climate realities of the Eastern Province.
Stronger livelihoods
Strengthening vocational programmes for a rapidly changing economy and new trades.
Preventive medical outreach
Expanding medical outreach with a focus on preventive care, not just emergency response.
“The next chapter is guided by the same belief that shaped the first: every person deserves the chance to thrive.”
Join Our Volunteer Committee
We are always looking for committed individuals to join our team — whether in fundraising, communications, finance, or simply lending a hand.