Équité conducted a two-day Training of Trainers program in Kekirawa, Anuradhapura, for public officials including Grama Niladhari, Social Service Officers, Field Officers, and Divisional Secretariat staff, focusing on gender, law, and human rights. The program established a network of trained state officials to address challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in the North Central Province. Équité continues to work toward safe, inclusive state services, resolving legal barriers, particularly for transgender individuals, and ensuring that all community members can access support without discrimination.
Equité Sri Lanka organized a two-day Training of Trainers program for government stakeholders in the Central Province to address the challenges faced by the Malaiyaga community, including LGBTIQ+ individuals, in accessing justice and public services. The program equipped officers with the knowledge and skills to identify barriers, challenge discrimination, and create safe, inclusive pathways. By building a network of committed officers across Kotagala, Hatton, Bogawantalawa, Kothmale, Walapane, Nuwara Eliya, and Pundaluoya, Equité is fostering a responsive system that respects diversity, ensures dignity, and enables every community member to access their rights without fear or exclusion.
Équité conducted a two-day Training of Trainers program in Jaffna for state institution officers on gender, sexuality, social inclusion, law, and human rights, establishing a network of officials to address challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in the Northern Province. Resource persons included trans rights activist Vinusha Sivapathasundaram, human rights activists Anushan Sathiyasheelan and Sutha Selvarajah, sexual and reproductive health trainer Sivakumar, and Équité leadership Adhil Suraj and Tushara Manoj. Équité continues to work toward creating safe, inclusive state services, particularly supporting transgender communities, and ensuring LGBTIQ+ individuals can access services without discrimination.
Equité launched a two-day program in Kothmale to strengthen the role of Grama Niladhari officers in supporting the transgender community. The training covered gender diversity, legal protections, and inclusive public service practices, enabling officers to guide LGBTIQ+ individuals, improve access to services, and design new inclusive initiatives. This effort reflects Equité’s commitment to promoting equality and strengthening state mechanisms for all citizens.
A two-day training program was conducted at the Amuna Kumbura Vocational Training Institute for Social Development Officers of the Department of Social Development, Sri Lanka. The training covered gender, law, human rights, the rights and legal status of transgender and gender-diverse communities, research skills, inclusive terminology, and the legal status of the LGBTIQ+ community. This cohort is expected to serve as a National Research Team, contributing to inclusive, LGBTIQ+-responsive research at the national level.
Equité successfully conducted a Training of Trainers program for government stakeholders in Polonnaruwa, focusing on SOGIESC, gender, law, and human rights. By enhancing gender sensitivity among government staff—key protectors of fundamental rights and the Constitution—this program contributes to building a more inclusive and just society.
Équité conducted a two-day Advanced Capacity Building Training Program for young leaders from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale, focusing on strategic advocacy, community empowerment, and rights-based communication. Participants gained knowledge and skills in leadership, role modeling, effective communication, and human rights activism, empowering them to support marginalized communities. With their creativity and collaboration, these young leaders are poised to make meaningful contributions to strengthening the human rights movement in society.
Equité successfully conducted an Advanced Capacity Building Program for community leaders in Batticaloa, Eastern Province, covering SOGIESC, reconciliation, HIV/STI/AIDS prevention, and human rights law. Strengthening leaders’ knowledge on these topics empowers them to address human rights violations and advocate for equality and protection for all.
Equité conducted a two-day residential capacity-building workshop in the Northern Province, bringing together first-time LGBTIQ+ participants. Facilitated entirely by past Equité fellows—now trainers and community leaders—the program strengthened participants’ skills, knowledge, and confidence. This initiative highlighted a key milestone in the movement, as trained members step into leadership roles to amplify local voices, foster solidarity, and promote equality.
Équité conducted a Training of Trainers session in Ingiriya, focused on empowering human rights defenders who are actively working on LGBTIQ+ advocacy. This training enhanced their capacities in lobbying, public speaking, and grassroots organizing, enabling them to amplify their voices and promote human rights at all levels.
The Sri Lankan Pride Volunteers are a dynamic team playing a vital role in enhancing LGBTIQ+ visibility and organizing national Pride celebrations. As part of Sri Lankan Pride, hosted by Équité, these volunteers have championed inclusive events like the Rainbow Cricket Tournament, a vibrant Pride March in Nuwara Eliya, and the Rainbow Bazaar—a collaborative exhibition of LGBTIQ+ individuals, allies, and organizations. Équité is proud to work alongside these human rights defenders who are out, loud, and committed to change.
Équité brought the ToT program to Jaffna, building the capacity of local trainers working in various sectors. The training focused on SOGIESC, Law, Gender, HIV, STI, AIDS, and the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ+ rights, ensuring more inclusive outreach across Northern Sri Lanka.
This ToT session in Nuwara Eliya was specifically tailored for government trainers who play an important role in mainstreaming human rights principles. The training provided comprehensive knowledge on SOGIESC, legal frameworks, public health, and LGBTIQ+ rights, enhancing their role as inclusive educators and policymakers.
As part of our national outreach, Équité held a Training of Trainers session in Badulla, equipping local trainers with essential knowledge and advocacy tools on SOGIESC, Law, Gender, HIV, STI, AIDS, and LGBTIQ+ rights. This initiative supports capacity building across diverse regions.
Continuing our ToT series, Équité conducted another comprehensive training in Nuwara Eliya. The focus remained on key themes such as SOGIESC, legal rights, gender equality, HIV, STI, AIDS, and LGBTIQ+ inclusion, supporting a cadre of trainers committed to rights-based work across communities.
Équité is implementing a specialized Training of Trainers program for Human Rights Defenders who are actively engaged in advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights. These sessions aim to enhance their capacities in advocacy, lobbying, and rights-based engagement, empowering them to raise their voices at multiple levels for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Équité Sri Lanka is conducting a series of Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions focused on SOGIESC, Law, Gender, HIV, STI, AIDS, and LGBTIQ+ rights. These programs are designed for trainers operating at various levels to strengthen their knowledge and skills in delivering inclusive and rights-based content. This particular session was held in Anuradhapura.
