Date: 11 June 2026
Location: Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka visited Batticaloa on 11 June 2026 and held discussions with civil society organizations to understand key issues affecting communities in the Eastern Province.

The meeting was attended by the Director and Deputy Director of the Aham Humanitarian Resource Centre (AHRC), along with representatives of various civil society organizations. The discussion provided an opportunity to share concerns and priorities relating to human rights, land rights, livelihood recovery, economic challenges and social development in the region.

Highlighting Human Rights and Land Rights Concerns

During the discussion, representatives highlighted the human rights challenges faced by people in the Eastern Province, including concerns relating to land rights and the wider social and economic difficulties experienced by affected communities.

The discussion also addressed livelihood recovery and social development, emphasizing the importance of responding to the needs of communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Exploring Future Support and Collaboration

Participants exchanged views on potential opportunities for future support and collaboration to strengthen assistance for communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. The discussion created space to consider how continued engagement and cooperation could help address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Bringing the Voices of Eastern Province Communities to the International Community

The meeting served as an important platform for bringing the concerns, experiences and priority needs of people in the Eastern Province to the attention of the international community.

Through its engagement with diplomatic representatives and civil society partners, AHRC continues to highlight human rights and land rights concerns, advocate for livelihood recovery, and promote attention to the social and economic challenges affecting communities across the Eastern Province.