We all want to see our nation and polity further progress. We also want to see the governance of the country become more systematised, the people become disciplined and creative citizens, and the rule of law, democracy, and human rights strengthened.
In terms of social development, civil society can maintain the relationship and dialogue between rulers and the public, to build new ideas among the people, to influence or advocate for policy changes, and, if necessary, to initiate the creation of new systems of governance. Civil society is an independent force that facilitates civic activism, which is instrumental in political and social transformations.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) represent an independent civil society mechanism that is not directly affiliated with the state. NGOs play a very important and essential role in matters such as strengthening democracy in Sri Lanka, protecting human rights, promoting gender equality, advocating for the rights of minority communities, protecting the environment, and fostering positive communication.
Professional-level advocacy is a formidable task. To protect rights and to bring about changes in policies and laws, continuous and long-term advocacy must be conducted while raising awareness and creating understanding across various sectors. It is a professional undertaking, which requires the services of professionals for policy development, communication, education and organisational activities. Numerous professional tasks, such as institutional administration, management, fundraising, maintaining accounts, and conducting audits, are associated with NGOs.
A situation has developed over a long period where NGOs in Sri Lanka rely heavily on foreign sponsorships. As a result, when the policies of the international community change, the operations of NGOs in Sri Lanka are crippled.
Sri Lankans are a nation that is far ahead in terms of generosity. Sri Lankan citizens are capable of protecting civil society as well as local NGOs. For that, a transformation is required within the NGOs themselves. The stance of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre is that both the economic and cultural environment in which NGOs operate must change.
A lengthy dialogue regarding sustainability is taking place among us. The launch of the Sandhara social enterprise is the moment this dialogue was transformed into action.
Sandhara is a business process centred around our headquarters, located at 4th Lane, Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 05. Its objective is to reinvest the profits earned from it to maintain the human rights first-aid centres and the human rights defenders’ network operated island-wide by the Right to Life Human Rights Centre. Our human rights defenders’ network is also initiating social entrepreneurship programs just like us.
Every transaction you make with Sandhara is a contribution towards protecting human rights in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it is an encouragement for the transformation we are striving for.
This is a new beginning for us; a genuine experimental effort. We are dedicated to making it a success. We need your support. Let us join together and further broaden this dialogue and action.