About Us

Save a Life was born from the long-term vision of Rakulan Kandasamy to promote blood donation and recognize its importance in society. He aimed to make a significant difference in Sri Lanka’s health sector by encouraging blood donation, particularly in the Northern Province. To achieve this, he launched awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and youth clubs, fostering community engagement in blood donation efforts. This led to the development of Blood Donation Camps and a Blood Donation Website in 2015, providing an accessible platform for those in need. Over time, his passion attracted a young and energetic team, transforming his vision into an organizational mission. Inspired by the Paris Agreement in 2015, Save a Life expanded its focus beyond health and started environmental conservation programs, recognizing the interconnection between environmental health and human well-being. The organization actively engaged in mangrove restoration projects and blood donation campaigns until 2018, strengthening its presence in both fields.

In 2019, Save a Life achieved a major milestone by becoming a legally registered local NGO, enabling it to expand its activities and outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Save a Life played a crucial role in distributing essential medications to over 5,000 patients, supported by its dedicated volunteers. By 2020, the organization introduced the Plastic Zero concept in schools, promoting sustainable waste management. As the organization evolved, it secured grants to sustain its projects and broaden its impact. While health and environmental sustainability remain the core focus areas, Save a Life has also extended its initiatives to Youth Development, Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment, and Lasting Peace. In 2021, it successfully secured local and international project grants, emphasizing environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in coastal areas. In 2022, the organization contributed to social cohesion by strengthening sanitation workers in Jaffna’s local authorities. Currently, Save a Life is actively involved in projects promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR), Nutritional Well-being, Youth Empowerment in Democracy, Women’s Empowerment, Menstrual Dignity, and Human Rights.

As Save a Life continues its journey, it has established initiatives like the Northern Environmental Forum and Climate Justice Forum, fostering environmental advocacy, and the SAVE Blooms Advocates, which focuses on menstrual health awareness in communities, schools, and universities. Looking ahead, the organization envisions establishing an Institute of Social Research and Development to further its mission. With strong support from partners such as UNDP, The Asia Foundation, Diakonia, Search for Common Ground, Right to Life, French Embassy, Netherlands Embassy, and USAID, along with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Environment, Northern Provincial Council, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Central Environmental Authority, District Secretariat, Wildlife Department, and Forest Department, Save a Life has built a network of 1,500+ dedicated volunteers. The organization is now working on launching a Volunteer Space, a platform designed to provide training and resources for volunteers. Through multiple working groups, Save a Life actively addresses Women’s Health and Menstrual Hygiene, Sustainable Waste Management, Plastic Pollution Reduction, Right to Food and Nutrition, Wetland Restoration, Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Technology. Additionally, the organization has introduced ‘Integrated Arts for Social Transformation’, a special initiative conducting street drama activities and puppet shows under the brand “Vaagai”. As Save a Life celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains committed to empowering communities, protecting the environment, and promoting social justice under the vision of “Towards a Healthy and Eco-Centric Future.” With a track record of impactful projects and a dedicated team, Save a Life looks forward to continuing its journey of making a meaningful difference in Sri Lanka.