Vaharai, September 13, 2023

In a significant milestone for the community, a new bus stand was officially inaugurated today in the Vaharai area. This collaborative effort was led by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), in partnership with Pradesh Sabha and various civil organizations. It marks a tangible step towards resolving the challenges faced by the local community.

Stakeholder Collaboration for Community Solutions

Under the banner of AHRC, a pioneering program has been initiated to foster collaboration among democratic stakeholders. This initiative regularly brings together regional councils, civil organizations, and media representatives every 45 days to collectively address the pressing issues affecting the community.

Through constructive dialogues and problem-solving discussions, democratic stakeholders have voiced their concerns and priorities, paving the way for collaborative action.

A Shared Vision Becomes Reality

Responding to the community's needs and the proposals put forth during these discussions, AHRC, Pradesh Sabha, and civil organizations joined forces to reconstruct and improve the local bus stand.

Inauguration and Public Access

Today, on September 13, 2023, the newly revitalized bus stand was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by democratic stakeholders. It now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for a common purpose.

The refurbished bus stand is now open to the public, providing an improved facility for commuters and fostering a sense of pride and unity within the Vaharai community.

This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of democracy and collective action in bringing about positive change in our localities.

Date: September 9, 2023

A participatory field survey involving the residents of Vaunadivu division was conducted on September 9, 2023, with active participation from representatives of traditional village-level civil organizations.

The AHRC (Aham Humanitarian Resource Center) is currently driving a pivotal project geared towards strengthening traditional village-level organizations in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts. This initiative seeks to leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of these organizations to provide recommendations on pressing social issues.

On this significant date, a regional-level survey took place, uniting civil society representatives operating within the Vaunadivu region. The primary objective was to identify community-level challenges encountered within the project and ascertain the governance requirements essential for the traditional village-level organizations.

The venue for this noteworthy event was the Durga Women's Association building, situated in the heart of Vaunadivu. It witnessed the active participation of representatives from 36 civil organizations, alongside members of the affected community and youth.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. K. Lavakusarasa, AHRC's Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator Mr. A. Madan, Project Coordinator Ms. Na. Mireka, Assistant Accountant Ms. K. Sanchalita, and Field Officer Mr. P. Sirojan.

Playing pivotal roles in facilitating the discussions were Mr. S. Vasantharaja, Local Municipality Assistant, and Mr. A. Karoon, Community Development Officer.

The convergence of these dedicated individuals and organizations represents a concerted effort to address societal challenges and enhance governance at the grassroots level. Through collaborative endeavors such as this, AHRC strives to foster positive change and empower local communities in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

Date: September 8, 2023

A participatory survey involving the residents of Kiran Division in Batticaloa took place on September 8, 2023, with the active participation of representatives from traditional village-level civil organizations.

The AHRC (Aham Humanitarian Resource Center) is currently spearheading a project aimed at strengthening traditional village-level organizations in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts. This initiative seeks to harness the collective wisdom and insights of these organizations to provide recommendations on various pressing social issues.

On this date, a regional-level study was conducted, bringing together civil society representatives operating in the Gran area. The primary objective was to identify community-level issues and governance requirements that traditional village-level organizations have encountered as part of the project.

The venue for this significant event was the Regi Cultural Hall, situated in the heart of Kiran. It witnessed the active participation of representatives from over 30 civil organizations.

The inauguration ceremony was a moment of great importance, led by Mr. K. Ruban, the Village Development Officer of Kiran. The event was further graced by the presence of Mr. K. Lavakusarasa, Deputy Coordinator, Ms. Na Mireka, Project Coordinator, Ms. K. Sanchalita, Assistant Accountant, and Field Officer, Mr. J. Thanusan.

Resource persons who played an integral role in facilitating the discussions included Mr. S. Vasantharaja, Local Government Assistant, and Mr. A. Karoon, Community Development Officer.

The coming together of these dedicated individuals and organizations represents a concerted effort to address societal challenges and improve governance at the grassroots level. Through collaborative initiatives like these, the AHRC aims to foster positive change and empower local communities in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

Date: September 5, 2023

On this auspicious day, September 5, 2023, the AHRC (Aham Humanitarian Resource Center) and PCCJ (People's Collective for Climate Justice) have taken a remarkable step in advancing the livelihoods of the fishing community in Tennamaravadi village, nestled within the Kuchaveli Divisional Secretariat Division. A total of twelve dedicated fisherwomen and men were the fortunate recipients of brand-new fishing equipment.

The AHRC has long been dedicated to promoting sustainable livelihoods among individuals residing in areas adversely affected by various challenges, and this project is a testament to their ongoing commitment. On this day, fishing equipment valued at an impressive 27 lakh rupees was generously provided to support the hardworking fisherwomen and men of Tennamaravadi village. Additionally, a new fish pond was inaugurated as part of this initiative, further enhancing the prospects of the local fishing industry.

The Meenwadi building in Kuchaveli served as the backdrop for this momentous event, where the Kuchaveli Divisional Secretary, Mr. Kumarasingham Gunanathan, played a pivotal role. Also in attendance were the Assistant Planning Director, Development Officer, Village Officer, and key figures from AHRC, including Coordinator K. Lavakusara and Deputy Coordinator A. Madhan, as well as PCCJ Coordinator T. Krishan and Project Officers.

The occasion was not only about the distribution of fishing equipment but also provided a platform for the local community to voice their concerns and issues. Several complaints related to various matters, including land disputes within the village, were presented to the Divisional Secretary by representatives of village civil organizations and concerned residents.

The AHRC and PCCJ remain steadfast in their mission to empower communities and promote sustainable livelihoods. This collaborative effort reflects their dedication to fostering positive change in the Eastern Province, ensuring that its residents thrive and prosper.