For 14 years, the Human and Natural Resources Development Foundation(HNRDF) has held onto a steadfast dream: a Sri Lanka where human rights are fiercely protected, especially for women and girls in vulnerable communities. Working closely with these communities, we’ve witnessed firsthand the immense challenges they face, particularly in accessing legal aid. This issue, deeply entrenched not just in the southern province but across the nation, fuels our unwavering commitment to creating positive change.

With the unwavering support of Women Find Asia, HNRDF has embarked on a mission to bridge the legal access gap. Our free legal aid camps, reaching into remote villages of Sri Lanka’s southern province, are testaments to this mission. On December 28th, 2023, another such camp brought a ray of hope to Matara Devinuwara Kapugama village.

During the camp, we witnessed an outpouring of need, offering counseling and support for a multitude of civil legal issues. While some cases found resolution through guidance, others, particularly sensitive ones, will require continued legal proceedings. HNRDF remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice prevails.

At the heart of our mission lies a powerful belief: a woman empowered today becomes a champion for justice tomorrow. Education and access to legal resources are the catalysts for this transformation. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the legal system, we pave the way for a brighter future, not just for them, but for their communities as a whole.

The camp was made possible by the dedication of HNRDF staff, the generous collaboration of Surasa Development Foundation, and the expertise of resource persons like Supreme Court lawyer Sunil Jayarathne, lawyer Thusharu Kandilpana, lawyer Danuksha Kure, and lawyer Chishani Thenuwara.

HNRDF’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of collective action. With every woman empowered, we inch closer to a Sri Lanka where human rights are a lived reality, not just a cherished dream.

Report by J K C Jayakody, on behalf of the HNRDF Team