Our founding Story.
Rebecca Abeysinghe, Founder/President
Arva Foundation was founded in 2021, born from a deeply personal journey of clarity and conviction: women deserve more than survival! They deserve dignity, support, and the chance to rebuild with strength and purpose. Though not a single mother herself, the founder, Rebecca Abeysinghe’s, own experience of seeking help during a difficult time revealed how often support systems fail women when they need them most. Where she once faced silence and judgment, the compassion of a counselor helped her reclaim independence and worth. It was an experience that sparked the promise that became Arva Foundation.
That promise is now a mission: to stand beside single mothers from low-income communities in Sri Lanka, who carry the weight of both provider and nurturer while enduring stigma and isolation. Arva responds with compassion, tools, and community whilst focusing on emotional empowerment, skill-building, and financial independence. What began as a grassroots effort is now a growing collective of dedicated team members, donors, and partners working to help single mothers rise with resilience and dignity.
The name Arva carries deep meaning: in Sanskrit, it signifies a ray of light; in Hebrew, the willow tree, a symbol of resilience and healing. It reflect the women the foundation serves; strong, graceful, and unyielding in the face of hardship. More than an organization, Arva is a movement to challenge stigma, normalize asking for help, and ensure that no woman is left behind.
“Every mother deserves the chance to heal, grow, and create a sustainable future for herself and her children. That’s the simple belief that drives everything we do at Arva”
Our Vision
A Sri Lanka where single mothers are emotionally healthy, economically empowered, and socially valued, creating a positive ripple effect for their children, communities, and future generations.
Our Journey
Our Values
Compassion
Community
Empowerment
Innovation
Integrity
Dignity
At the heart of our work are the principles that guide us every day. We approach every interaction with compassion, offering genuine care and empathy to ensure mothers feel seen and supported. We are committed to empowerment, enabling women to become the architects of their own futures by equipping them with the tools and confidence to thrive. With integrity as a foundation, we operate with transparency, accountability, and honesty in all that we do. Through community, we nurture connection, solidarity, and mutual support, building networks of shared strength. We embrace innovation, continuously seeking better ways to address the challenges mothers face, and above all, we uphold dignity, respecting the inherent worth and agency of every individual we serve.