The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) – Vavuniya Regional Office conducted a community awareness programme in Nochchikulam, Vavuniya, on 3 June 2026.

The programme was organized for a unique community consisting of 78 families who trace their origins to the Telugu people of Andhra Pradesh, India. The community predominantly speaks Telugu and Sinhala. While its members historically practiced Hinduism and later Buddhism, the entire community now identifies as Christian.

The programme highlighted the community’s distinctive social and economic circumstances, including their displacement from Nochchikulam in 1985 due to the armed conflict and their subsequent return in 2012. At present, the community resides in houses constructed with the assistance of the Government of India on government-owned permit lands.

Discussions focused on key human rights concerns affecting the community, particularly challenges relating to their traditional livelihoods, including book selling, fortune-telling, fishing, farming, and wage labour. Attention was also drawn to land-related issues, difficulties in accessing government services and institutions, and shortcomings in infrastructure and public facilities.

The programme provided information on available avenues for addressing these concerns and enhanced awareness of the mandate and services of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. Participants were also informed about the mechanisms available for seeking assistance and remedies in relation to human rights grievances.

The awareness session encouraged community members to actively engage with relevant authorities and institutions to safeguard and promote their rights and well-being.