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Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson recently visited Sri Lanka to observe the impact of funding from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on women and children in the region. Her visit, from May 19 to May 22, 2025, included tours of nutrition and education initiatives led by UNICEF. She was accompanied by her husband Doug, Church Humanitarian Services Director Sharon Eubank, Elder Kelly R. Johnson of the Asia Area Presidency, and his wife Terri.
President Johnson expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Church humanitarian services, the Asia Area, and UNICEF. "It has been a sweet opportunity to be here in Sri Lanka to see that we are working so well together," she said.
The Church has supported UNICEF's efforts since 2013, including its "No Time to Waste" initiative aimed at combating severe malnutrition in early childhood. In Sri Lanka alone, $500,000 from the Church has enabled UNICEF to train over 2,660 health workers focused on child malnutrition prevention and treatment.
During National Nutrition Month in June 2023, more than 1.3 million children under five were assessed for growth issues; nearly one-fourth showed signs of improper growth. These families received guidance on nutrition and activities to aid their children's development.
Additionally, Church support helped UNICEF address educational disruptions caused by COVID-19 and an economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Learning materials and catch-up programs were provided for 74,500 primary students across Eastern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.
Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, highlighted an innovative learning recovery initiative training teachers to meet each child's unique needs: “This collaboration in Sri Lanka has demonstrated the power of coming together.”
President Johnson visited various facilities during her trip and was pleased with resources available for mothers and children as well as community support among women: “It was especially wonderful to see the women supporting each other,” she noted.
Elder Kelly R. Johnson commented on witnessing goodness throughout his visits: “There are so many good people out here,” he said.
Darla Silva from UNICEF USA acknowledged the life-changing support delivered across 40 countries thanks to help from The Church: “Being here in Sri Lanka...is deeply moving,” Silva stated.
UNICEF clarified it does not endorse any company or organization.
