2025 marked a significant milestone for the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust (NTT) as it celebrates 25 years of advancing social justice, pluralism, and democratic values in Sri Lanka. Founded in memory of Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam, NTT has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful grantmaking institutions. Over the past quarter of a century, the Trust has supported hundreds of civil society organisations, community-based groups, and changemakers who are working to strengthen peace, equality, and human rights across the island.
In its journey, NTT has been mindful to nurture local ownership, foster dialogue across socioeconomic divisions, and amplify marginalised and silenced voices. From empowering women and youth to creating spaces for critical discourse on governance and civic freedoms, NTT belief that transformative change begins within communities themselves.
On 31st January 2025, NTT celebrated 25 years of partnering for justice and peace. We hosted two events, bringing together a diverse group of activists, practitioners, and thought leaders, to reflect on NTT’s journey and explore the future of social justice, democracy, and human rights in Sri Lanka.
The morning event held at the Radisson Hotel, Colombo, featured a series of panels and parallel sessions addressing key thematic areas:
Panel discussion on ‘Promoting and Achieving Social Justice’: Kasun Jayathunga expressing his opinion, aided by a sign language interpreter.
This panel focused on the strategies used to support marginalised and discriminated-against communities in their struggles to exercise and enjoy their rights. The panelists featured people from the South, the North, and the East, who strive to achieve social justice, in a context rife with deep-rooted systemic and structural inequalities.
Moderated by Kaushalya Ariyathilaka, Manager of Programmes and Grants at NTT, this panel featured Dr. Ponni Arasu, Kasun Jayathunga (Sumaga Ruhunu Circle for the Deaf), Nihal Ahmed (Human Elevation Organisation), and Anushani Alagarajah (Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research).
Panel discussion on ‘Promotion of Democracy, Good Governance, and Institution Building’: Chaminda Jayasekara shares his experience on community journalism.
This panel examined how strengthening community-based institutions is essential to increasing awareness about civic rights and duties, enhancing the involvement of civil society organisations in decision-making processes, and holding state institutions accountable.
It brought together Mirak Raheem (Commissioner, the Office on Missing Persons), Chaminda Jayasekera (Prathiba Media Network), Lasantha de Silva (Free Media Movement), and Sakuni Mayadunna (Trans Equality Trust of Sri Lanka) , and was moderated by Nilantha Athapattu, Programme Officer at NTT.
Tharindu Kasunpriya emphasising the importance of empowering youth during the panel discussion on ‘Engaging Youth in Social Transformation’.
This panel explored the role of youth in driving progressive social change. Our panelists shared insights on how empowering young people, particularly those from marginalised communities, can contribute to building an equitable and more inclusive Sri Lanka.
It featured Fathima Nabeela Iqbal (The Sisterhood Initiative), Suthagar Arulpragasam (The Organisation of People for Engagement and Enterprise), Tharindu Kasunpriya (The T.E.A. Project), and Saminda Vidanage (Upcountry Community Development Forum), and was moderated by Kurunathan Prabakaran, Programme Officer at NTT.
Maithreyi Rajasingam presents the persistent challenges women face in holding positions of leadership and the intricate dynamics of coalition building during the panel discussion on ‘Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Women’.
This panel highlighted the challenges in furthering the rights of women in a context of the global rollback on human rights, generally, and gender, in particular. Panelists shared stories of adversity as well as strategies they used in an increasingly challenging environment to protect and promote the rights of women.
Moderated by Hasarel Gallage, Programme Officer at NTT, this panel featured Maithreyi Rajasingam (Viluthu), Elangeswary Arunasalam (Suriya Women’s Development Centre), Anandi Sivasubramaniyam (Red Flag), and Nimal Padmasiri (Institute of Rural Social Development).
Johann Peiris highlights the crucial importance of oral histories for achieving meaningful memorialisation, during the panel on ‘Promoting Pluralistic Values through Arts and Culture’.
This session explored how arts and culture can foster pluralism, dialogue, and social cohesion in diverse communities. Panellists shared examples of creative initiatives that challenge stereotypes, preserve heritage, and promote mutual understanding. The discussion highlighted the transformative power of culture in building inclusive societies.
Moderated by Ahmad Rifkan, Program Officer at NTT, the panel featured Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Johann Peiris (Collective for Historical Dialogue & Memory), Kithsiri Sampath Bandara (Ogha Collective), and Yalini Saranya Sivasubramaniyam (Shanthi Maargam).
