RATNAPURA, Sri Lanka — 29 September 2026
The third programme of the Ratnapura District Chapter of Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl was successfully conducted on 29 September 2026 at the Ratnapura District Secretariat Auditorium in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. The District Legal Clinic provided free legal assistance and psychosocial support to community members, particularly women and girls seeking guidance on legal, social and human rights matters.
The initiative was organised 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. The programme forms part of the organisation’s continuing efforts to promote equal rights and improve access to justice for vulnerable communities.
Free Legal Assistance and Psychosocial Support
The Legal Clinic offered community members an opportunity to seek guidance in a supportive and confidential setting. Individuals attending the programme received direct consultations and professional guidance concerning legal, social and human rights-related concerns.
Particular attention was given to women and girls who may face barriers in accessing information, protection and justice. By providing an accessible setting for consultation, the initiative aimed to help participants better understand their rights and identify possible avenues for assistance.
The clinic also recognised the importance of psychosocial support alongside legal guidance, reflecting a community-centred approach to addressing challenges affecting individuals and families.
Expert Guidance from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
Mr. P. W. Chandrasiri, Regional Coordinator (Ampara) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), served as the resource person for the programme. He contributed expert guidance and support, helping participants address their concerns and improve their understanding of relevant rights and available assistance.
The participation of an experienced human rights resource person strengthened the programme’s focus on rights awareness, access to justice and support for community members seeking guidance.
Community Collaboration and Programme Coordination
The programme was coordinated by Mr. Sanka Jayanath and Mr. Anusha Indrajith, Programme Coordinators of Stichting Mission Lanka. Their coordination supported the implementation of this community outreach initiative.
Stichting Mission Lanka also expressed its appreciation to the staff of the Ratnapura District Secretariat Auditorium for providing the venue and assisting with the arrangements for the programme.
Advancing Equal Rights and Access to Justice
Through the Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl initiative, Stichting Mission Lanka continues to work towards strengthening access to justice, promoting gender equality and advancing human rights awareness across Sri Lanka.
The Ratnapura District Legal Clinic reflects the importance of bringing legal guidance and support services closer to communities, particularly those who may encounter difficulties accessing such assistance.
By promoting awareness, encouraging access to appropriate support and placing dignity and equality at the centre of its work, the initiative contributes to the broader goal of building safer, more inclusive communities where women and girls can seek assistance and exercise their rights.
Access to justice is essential to equality. Every woman and girl deserves to be treated with dignity and to have the opportunity to seek guidance, protection and justice.
