A Foundation with a Vision
We are a nonprofit initiative unlocking maritime career opportunities for young Sri Lankans. Our work bridges education and employment, helping build a sustainable blue economy with equity at its core.
Only few hours after the tsunami struck the Sri Lankan coast on 26th December 2004. Mr. Pierre Pringiers, Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sri Lanka and his business associates, the family Jinasena, both founders of Loadstar (Pvt) Ltd. (today Camoplast Solideal), initiated the SLRT in order to rebuild a part of the Southern coast of Sri Lanka.
SLRT could directly help 15 000 beneficiaries through fisheries, education, livelihood and permanent housing rehabilitation programs. This ambitious project of 5 million Euros could be achieved thanks to the financial support of important donors such as the French Red Cross, the Belgian Red Cross (Rode Kruis Vlaanderen and Croix Rouge de Belgique) and the Lions Club International Belgium and also thanks to donations from the trustees, various companies, organizations and individuals from around the world.
In 2006, Pierre Pringiers was decorated “Chevalier de l’ordre de Léopold” by the King of Belgium Albert II in recognition for his humanitarian services. He also received the “Melvin Jones Fellow” from the Lions Club International Belgium (MD 112) for his achievements for the benefit of the victims of the tsunami. SLRT was recognized “Best housing project” by the UNHCR.
Our Vision
Support sustainable industries
Advance social mobility
Cultivate local expertise
Promote gender inclusion
Strengthen global networks
Drive systemic change
Our Mission
Our Values
We believe in the power of people. BAFF empowers underprivileged youth to transform their life path while strengthening communities and rebuilding connections between North and South of Sri Lanka. By investing in human potential, we create meaningful change that uplifts individuals and contributes to a more united, empowered nation.
SLYG & Incubator Ecosystem
Where small enterprises grow, skills flourish, and futures are built.
The Building a Future Foundation created the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG) as a pioneering example of its “small companies incubator” model, a structure designed to nurture multiple interconnected enterprises that generate skills, jobs, and long-term opportunities for Sri Lankan youth. Through this approach, BAFF supports businesses such as sailing operations, marine services, and SME initiatives, each functioning as an independent arm while contributing to a shared ecosystem of training, employment, and community development. Together, these ventures demonstrate how BAFF transforms local potential into sustainable industries, strengthening both individuals and the national economy.
Impact Model
Empowering communities from Kabalana to Poonakari, Jaffna.
and provide vocational training to youth.
and provide vocational training to youth.
Pursuing its objective of reintroducing sails in Sri Lanka, BAFF developed innovative double powered fishing boats (long liners) intended to be replicated at large scale in other coastal regions of the world affected by overfishing close to the shore.
The Building A Future Foundation also aims at creating a sailing culture in the island and at developing a yachting industry from boat building, sails and masts making to the creation of the infrastructure (mini-marinas) and chartering services. These economic activities are developed through the concept of social entrepreneurship and through North-South cooperations.
Our Projects
Through our projects, we open pathways for young people, rebuild community connections, and drive meaningful change across the country.
Green Boats
Multi-Skills Training
(Social businesses and traditional businesses) and 2 non-profit associations.
Creation of Mini-Marinas.
Impact
hope and resilience from our community.
Beneficiaries