KIRIELLA, RATNAPURA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA — 30 September 2026
The second programme of the Ratnapura District Tenth Chapter of Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl was successfully held on 30 September 2026 at Kiriella Central College, Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. The programme brought together more than 100 schoolgirls for a workshop focused on human rights, child rights, gender sensitivity and sustainable development.
The initiative was conducted under the leadership of Mr. Shantha Dalugamage, Founder and CEO of Stichting Mission Lanka, with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Promoting Human Rights and Child Rights Education
The workshop aimed to strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding of fundamental human rights and children’s rights. Participants explored the importance of dignity, equality, protection and respect for the rights of others.
The programme also addressed gender sensitivity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG 5: Gender Equality. Through awareness and education, the initiative sought to encourage schoolgirls to recognise their rights, understand available protection mechanisms and become confident participants in their communities.
Connecting Human Rights with Environmental Responsibility
Participants were also introduced to the global advocacy efforts of Stop Ecocide International. This session highlighted the relationship between human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development.
The discussion encouraged students to recognise the importance of protecting the natural environment and contributing to a peaceful, just and sustainable future. By connecting environmental responsibility with human rights education, the programme broadened students’ understanding of their role in creating positive change.
Expert Guidance from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
The workshop’s resource person was Mr. P. W. Chandrasiri, Regional Coordinator (Ampara) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). His presentations and practical guidance supported participants in developing a clearer understanding of human rights, child rights, protection mechanisms and avenues for seeking justice.
The session provided an opportunity for students to strengthen their awareness of rights and responsibilities and the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of every individual.
Educational Resources and Certificates for Participants
At the conclusion of the programme, Certificates of Participation were awarded to all participants in recognition of their involvement.
Educational book packs containing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) were also distributed. These materials were provided courtesy of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, supporting continued learning and the development of human rights awareness among young people.
Collaboration for a More Equal and Empowered Future
The programme was coordinated by Mr. Sanka Jayanath and Ms. Anusha Indrajith, Programme Coordinators of Stichting Mission Lanka. The organisation also expressed its appreciation to the principal, teachers and students of Kiriella Central College for their hospitality and support in hosting the workshop.
Through the Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl initiative, Stichting Mission Lanka continues to promote women’s rights, child rights, gender equality, human rights education and community-based empowerment across Sri Lanka.
By equipping schoolgirls with knowledge and encouraging them to respect the rights of others, the initiative seeks to nurture a generation capable of standing up for dignity, equality and justice while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Empowering girls through education today helps build a future founded on equality, opportunity and respect for human rights.
