In 1995, Father Hilary, a priest in Nevers, a French national originally from Sri Lanka, organized a trip to introduce his country to interested individuals. People with disabilities joined this trip thanks to the Association of the Paralysed of France (APF), Nièvre departmental branch. Father Hilary organized a trip to his country every year, thus forging close ties with Sri Lanka. The APF organized a second trip in 1997 with people with disabilities. Through these trips, connections with Sri Lanka were established, and Father Hilary and his family inspired the people of Nièvre to continue this work in Sri Lanka. This led to the creation of the association in 2000, with a humanitarian focus.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In the social field

• Sending equipment for disabled people and various other equipment (camera, fax machine, etc.)

• Construction of a water well in Wahakotte, Matale

• Rehabilitation of 98 public toilets in Wahakotte, Matale

• Support for a school (St. Odile's Home School) that welcomes children with and/or disabilities

• Academic support and rehabilitation at Saint-Antony College in Wahakotte, Matale

• Rehabilitation of the Church of Saint Anne in Yatawatta (in the tea plantation)

In the cultural field

• Organizing trips to Sri Lanka and exchanges with the inhabitants of Matale, Asian countries, and Mexico

THE PROJECTS

National

• May 2026: Discovering the heritage of Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Cher and Indre-et-Loire International

• April 2026: 73rd Guinness World Record (150 hours of non-stop dancing) in the Belle Épine Shopping Centre

• May 2026: Completion of Koddikampam at St. James Church, Gurunagar, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

• November 2026: Trip to Sri Lanka

THE OBJECTIVES

• The association intends to continue the commitment of Father Hilary and his family in Sri Lanka.

• Promoting humanitarian exchanges

• Bringing together all its members to participate in this joint action

• Information, awareness

• Organization of meetings, conferences, exhibitions, etc.