In the quiet village of Udagaldeniya in Kegalle, a soft, steady rhythm of work fills the air. Here, a group of determined women come together to craft something simple yet deeply meaningful — Pahan Thira, the humble cotton wicks that light up oil lamps across Sri Lanka. Whether at temples, shrines, or family celebrations, these tiny threads of light symbolize purity, hope, and new beginnings.

For the women of Udagaldeniya, wick-making is more than a livelihood — it is a way to turn their spare time into a source of income, weaving empowerment and purpose into their daily lives. Working collectively, they form a small but vital production cluster, supplying Pahan Thira to local organizations that distribute them island-wide.

The project with AOF

Yet, their path has not been without challenges. The biggest hurdle lies in sourcing the right kind of fabric — a special cotton material essential for producing high-quality wicks. At present, they rely on contractors who purchase discarded cut pieces from garment factories, often at high and inconsistent prices, eating into their already modest profits.

Recognizing this, AOF stepped in to bridge the gap. Through collaboration with larger garment factories in the region, AOF is working to help the women secure raw materials directly at fairer prices. Beyond that, AOF supports them in improving their business skills, exploring new market opportunities, and innovating product designs.

In the gentle glow of every oil lamp they help light, the women of Udagaldeniya are not just sustaining tradition — they are illuminating their own path toward independence, dignity, and a brighter future.