National Volunteer Secretariat launched

Saturday, 1 March 2014 06:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Volunteer Secretariat (NVS) was launched this week by Minister of Social Services Felix Perera and UNDP Country Director Razina Bilgrami at an event held at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. The NVS is a joint venture between the Ministry of Social Services and the United Nations Volunteers program (UNV). The NVS is

launched as part of the overarching Volunteer Information Coordination Centre (VOICE) project initiated as a result of the International Year of Volunteers in 2001. Speaking at the event, Perera noted, “The National Volunteer Secretariat will build on the long history of volunteerism in Sri Lanka.” The minister further acknowledged the support extended to this by the UN agencies; “Through this initiative we see the continued support extended by UNV and UNDP, who are ardent facilitators of volunteerism for development in Sri Lanka.” Bilgrami, stated, “Many people around Sri Lanka are volunteering for social change. We need to recognise the contribution volunteers make to peace and development in Sri Lanka and provide them the necessary support required.” Commenting further, Bilgrami noted, “This year we will work closely with the National Volunteer Secretariat housed in the Ministry of Social Services, to draft a national policy on volunteering, legislation for volunteering, and enhance the capacity of the staff of the Ministry to take over the operational responsibility of the NVS beyond 2014.” The Secretary of the Ministry of Social Services Emelda Sukumar welcomed the gathering. The launch was followed by the National Stakeholder Consultative Sessions. The event was attended by many dignitaries including Emelda Sukumar, UNDP Deputy Country Director Lovita Ramguttee, UNV Program Officer Natal Donnaloia, University of Colombo Sociology Department Senior Lecturer Dr. M.T.M. Mahees and NVS Project Program Coordinator Sam Stembo.