Round table discussion

Research report on tourism and human rights in Sri Lanka was launched on 9th of June 2015 at Olympic house colombo, which was prepared by Society for Threatened People (STP - Switzerland).

parallel to the program, a round table dialogue was conducted with the staikeholders of the sector. A responsible officer from fisheries ministry was represent the fisheries minister and several hotteliers, members from civil socity organisations, environmentalists, representatives from religious institution   were also participated to the event.
Community memberes representing farmers, fishers were also present at the event together with real victims of land grabbing in each area of the country. 
  
As a sector, tourism is important to the economy since it act as major foriegn exchange earner and provide thousands of job oppertunities to the local communities.
After the end of Civil war in Sri Lanka, high priority to develop tourism sector was given by the previous government. instead of resettling people who were displaced for decades due to the war, military widend the land aquasition in the name of security.  "During the war, many Tamils fled the north and settled abroad or in other regions of the island. Since the end of the war, many of them have wanted to return and reclaim their land. However, the army has other plans: the appropriated estates have become military camps, "High Security zone" (HSZ) or "Special Economic Zones" (SEZ). The armed forces have laid claim to approximately 6,000 acres of land that they wanted to permanently convert into HSZ in Jaffna peninsula alone. (Dark Clouds over the Sunshine Paradise)

communities who are act as small food producers are the victims of the land grabbing all over the country. North In Jaffna, Mannar, East in Trincomalee, Baticaloa, Panama and west coast in Kalpitiya all land grabbed by the government were belongs to the small scale fishers, and farmers whether they do have not land titles some times, they have lived these lands for generations. 

courage to continue the struggle.

Marumalachchi women federation in Batticoloa district with District fisher and farming solidarity stage a protest and march on Human elephant coexistence issues, Land & House issues and demanding basic needs. The protest and march was organized at Batticaloa twon on 11 of June, more than 200 women, men  and youth  representing from Kithul, Sarvodayanagar, Welikakandi, Thumpalaicholai, Urukamam and Kopaveli villages. Women'and Men leaders and activists from NAFSO national office and Batticaloa staff were participated.
Voice of the people- 
, "We were faced multiple cheating. Why these officials are attempting to avoid us like this?
 We expect the officials come forward and explain any difficulty they face to deliver their services to people?" Why District Secretary of Batticoloa left her office without listen to women or accepting the petition.
Lavena Hasanthi, women coordinator of NAFSO said at the protest, "the women in the Marumalachchi women will not give up the struggle. They are ready to continue this struggle with getting support from the units, until they assert their rights, fulfill basic needs of those affected women, resettle families in their lands and also ensure protection."

The group dispersed without any positive results but with high hope and courage to continue the struggle.

protest  for their rights 

Joint the NAFSO women coordinator 

Women federation with the protest 

District coordinator lead the protest  

District comity members in the protest 

Land campaign

Praja Abhilasha steering comity conducted at NAFSO training center on 05 th of June.They focus the below issues
*Land grabbing in Sampure, Panama, KKS., Erudaniyaua, Kalpitiya, Mullikulam and Monaragala.
*Discussed the plan for future campaigns.

participatory budget monitoring

NAFSO. , CSR , UCDC, and LSD getting together and develop the project proposal on Local government participatory budget monitoring for the EU .Workshop was started in 08 of June and today is the last day. CAFOD Team facilities this program.

Round table discussion on impact of Tourism

We invite you for this discussion .In the same time any one who interest of this issues can see the step that team have decided
 STEP 1: Fully implement the Tenure Guidelines on land, fisheries and forests through participatory, inclusive mechanisms that prioritize the rights and needs of legitimate tenure users, especially women.

STEP 2: Ensure the free, prior and informed consent for all communities affected by land transfers, including the fair and equitable participation of all groups within local communities, especially excluded and marginalized groups such as women, children, minorities, the elderly and disabled.

STEP 3: Review public policies and projects that incentivize land grabbing, and instead support policies that prioritize the needs of small-scale food producers – particularly women – and sustainable land use.

STEP 4: Guarantee protection against human rights violations committedby third parties, such as businesses. This calls for appropriate measures to prevent, investigate, prosecute and compensate for human rights violations.

STEP 5: Hotels, Investors and Travel Agencies should respect human rights and avoid negative impactsthat are caused directly or through their business relations. In order to assume responsibility, they should possess corresponding principles and procedures and act with due diligence.

STEP 6: Take adequate measures to provide access to an effective remedy and appropriate compensation for the affected parties. In addition to judicial mechanisms, states must also provide non-judicial grievance mechanisms. Moreover, businesses should also provide effective grievance mechanisms at an operative level, or participate in such mechanisms.

Justice for the VIDYA

The rape and murder of Vidya .There was protest held in Kithul Junction today asking the Justice.Protest was organized by Batticoloa district fisher and Farmer comity, District women society and civil societies.

Dothata Ganimu

Some photos from Wediye Kathikawa at Kurunagala. Seminar and street campaign on 25 of May .