The Otara Foundation is committed to responsible, sustainable progress in Sri Lanka. We work toward the common goal of co-existence through empowerment, activism and strategic investment. The Foundation believes in fostering harmony with the natural world, protecting the environment and respecting life and liberty in all its diversity. We believe in Compassion as a guiding principle, and we defend the rights of the voiceless while adhering to our own example of mindfulness in progress.
Globally celebrated on October 4th each year, World Animal Day is a reminder that every animal has the right to co-exist with humans and to be treated with love, respect and have the right to a free life. As global World Animal Day Ambassador, in a media release, Otara Gunewardene
Otara spoke out against the recent wrongful release of 15 illegally captured elephants. She expressed her sadness and disappointment regarding the treatment of these sentient beings. Otara stated that “It is deeply upsetting to know that these wild animals will once again face life in chains, tormented by man.” She
As the third wave of the Corona Virus hits the country and with people of the communitycurrently under lockdown, vulnerable and hungry street dogs and cats are left to fend forthemselves on a daily basis. Team Embark sprang to action and has been carrying outfeeding rounds in the areas of
With rising reported incidents of deforestation around the country in 2020 and 2021, many youth, environment activists and concerned citizens recently gathered at the Viharamahadevi Park to voice their concerns. The event, “Climate Action to Stop Ecocide” was organized by the WNPS Youth Group which also coincided with Greta Thunberg’s
Otara was recently featured on TNL’s “Janahanda” talk show along with Jayantha Wijesinghe of Rainforest Protectors, Hemantha Withanage of Centre for Environmental Justice and Ven. Ananada Sagara Thero. The discussion centered on the need for environmental protection and improved animal welfare in Sri Lanka. Click here to see more https://bit.ly/3o3M5Jz
Otara recently met with Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Hon. Ali Sabry (PC) Minister of Justice Sri Lanka regarding the process of finalizing, approving and gazetting the Animal Welfare Bill. The Bill was an initiative started by a group of animal welfare advocates and organizations
Students from Thurstan College Interact Club recently participated in another “Who We Are” Program that was conducted by the Otara Foundation. The initiative is being carried out with the vision to educate, inspire, foster and empower young citizens to be agents of change within their communities. The program educated the
Who We Are, an initiative under the Otara Foundation held a series of training programs for young volunteers. The platform was created with the purpose of inspiring youth to take on a more active role in their respective communities; by rescuing, treating and fostering animals in need, speaking against animal
Otara Gunewardene was recently featured in an article authored by Amy Jones, on her life of compassion and her journey towards animal welfare and activism . The article takes readers through her life story, from her humble beginnings of selling clothes in the boot of her car to creating a
In commemoration of Earth Day, Otara Gunewardene recently took to Instagram for a live chat with Kapila Rasnayake, the founder and Director of Voices for Humans Foundation. They discussed the importance of protecting the Earth, nature and our beautiful Sri Lanka. They touched on topics regarding the lack of connection
