On February 24, 2025, the Human and Natural Resources Development Foundation conducted an awareness program at the Grand Rockland Hotel in Matara. The event aimed to sensitize government officials from the Matara district on concepts related to sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and female sex workers.

Key Highlights:

Participation: Thirty government officials attended, including Grama Niladharis, Regional Secretariat officials, social service officers, and psychosocial counsellors.

Objective: The program sought to educate officials on SOGIE and female sex workers, enhancing their understanding and sensitivity towards marginalized communities.

Content: The lecture covered definitions of health, mental health, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTIQA identities. It also addressed laws affecting the LGBTIQA community, such as Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code and the Vagrants Ordinance.

Activities: Participants engaged in a group activity to identify their views and biases towards different gender identities.

Feedback: Participants praised the program, noting it provided valuable insights and encouraged further such initiatives.

This program aligns with broader efforts in Sri Lanka to promote awareness and inclusivity for SOGIE and marginalized communities, following similar initiatives by the National Police Academy and legal professionals’ workshops on SOGIESC equality