4 January 2026 | Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Under the Solidarity for Land initiative, jointly implemented by the AHAM Humanitarian Resource Center (AHRC) and the People’s Collective for Climate Justice (PCCJ), a series of capacity-building training programmes were conducted for more than 250 community members affected by land rights issues across the Eastern Province.

The training programmes focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge and practical ability to use the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a tool for accessing information related to land issues and pursuing appropriate solutions to concerns affecting their communities.

Building Community Capacity Through RTI

Access to accurate and relevant information is an important component of addressing land-related challenges. The training programmes therefore sought to equip affected community members with the knowledge and confidence required to effectively use the RTI framework to obtain information relevant to their land rights concerns.

Participants were introduced to practical approaches for using the RTI Act to seek information from relevant authorities and to better understand how access to official information can support communities in documenting and addressing land-related issues.

The programmes also contributed to strengthening community members’ ability to engage more effectively with institutions and advocate for their rights through informed and lawful mechanisms.

Reaching Communities Across the Eastern Province

The training initiative targeted communities affected by land rights issues in different parts of the Eastern Province. With more than 250 participants benefiting from the capacity-building programmes, the initiative represents a significant effort to strengthen community-level knowledge on information rights and land-related concerns.

The programmes complemented the wider objectives of the Solidarity for Land initiative, which seeks to strengthen community voices, promote awareness of land rights, and support affected communities in responding to land-related challenges.

By developing practical knowledge and skills, the training helped create a stronger foundation for communities to independently seek information, understand their circumstances, and engage in efforts to address their concerns.

Appreciation to the Resource Person

AHRC and PCCJ extend their special appreciation to Mr. Chandrakumar (LLB) for his valuable contribution as the resource person for the training programmes.

His contribution to the capacity-building activities supported participants in developing a stronger understanding of the RTI Act and its potential use in addressing information needs related to land rights.

Strengthening Collective Action for Land Rights

The capacity-building programme reflects the importance of combining legal and rights awareness with community empowerment. Providing communities with practical knowledge on how to access information can strengthen their ability to participate meaningfully in discussions and processes concerning their land and related rights.

Through the Solidarity for Land initiative, AHRC and PCCJ continue to support affected communities in strengthening their knowledge, confidence, and collective capacity to advocate for land rights and address land-related challenges.

“Let Us Unite for Land.”

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