The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Vavuniya Regional Office conducted a community awareness programme in Muhattuwaram, Kokkilai, in the Mullaitivu District. Muhattuwaram is a predominantly Sinhala village whose residents primarily depend on fishing as their main source of livelihood. Most families reside in close proximity to the seashore and are therefore directly affected by issues related to the fishing industry and coastal living conditions.

During the programme, several key concerns affecting the community were highlighted. These included the lack of designated land for settlement for the Sinhala fishing community, encroachment by Indian fishermen into local fishing grounds, legal restrictions relating to fishing gear, and the adverse impact of natural disasters on housing and livelihoods.

Discussions also focused on the role that the Human Rights Commission could play in addressing these concerns, as well as on measures that community members could take to safeguard their rights and seek assistance when faced with future challenges.

The programme provided an opportunity to enhance community awareness of human rights issues and to strengthen engagement between the HRCSL and the local community.Bottom of Form