The Right to Life Human Rights Center has plans to transform its long standing Human Rights First Aid Center (HRFAC) service into Human Rights and Social Entrepreneurship Development Centers beginning in January 2026.
Established in 2009, the HRFAC network currently operates in 24 locations across 19 districts, providing legal advice, guidance, and awareness programs on a wide range of human rights issues. These services have been delivered by trained human rights defenders residing in the same communities, who have volunteered their time and expertise.
Building on the successful services offered so far, the organization plans to expand the centers into multi purpose hubs that not only continue addressing human rights issues but also promote entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. This decision follows a three-month review of HRFAC activities and was shaped by the recommendations of district coordinators and human rights defenders after a series of consultations. The transformation is aimed at ensuring the long term sustainability of the centers.
Over the years, the centers have gone beyond human rights concerns to intervene in issues such as domestic violence, child protection, corruption, property disputes, and shortcomings in administrative services. More recently, they have also begun supporting micro and small entrepreneurs, providing education on challenges they face and connecting them with available opportunities.
Looking ahead, the new HRED Centers will offer services in financial literacy, legal awareness, digital technology, and market access, while continuing to strengthen their human rights work. The initiative also aims to empower entrepreneurs with knowledge of rights, encouraging them to become human rights advocates within their communities.
As an initial step, a series of discussion programs were conducted with micro entrepreneurs in several districts. Officers from the Small Business Development Division of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development also participated as resource persons, providing guidance and expertise to the entrepreneurs.
Mr. Philip Dissanayake
Mr. Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe
Mr. N.C.W. Jayasekara
