Sri Lanka witnessed a multidimensional crisis compounded by food insecurity, threatened livelihoods, shortages of vital and essential medicines, as well as rising protection concerns. The economic crisis is the worst since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948 and is having humanitarian consequences for many vulnerable people in the country. Regardless, EQUAL GROUND has strived to achieve its milestones in advocacy. Welcome to our Annual Report 2022!

In a historic move, Sri Lanka Police issued a Circular as a result of EQUAL GROUND's case filed in the Court of Appeal - CA/Writ/425/21. This comprehensive Circular prohibits arbitrary arrests or discriminatory actions, harassment against Transgender persons.

2023 has been a significant year for EQUAL GROUND, a year marked by growth and achievement, at both national and international levels. This has propelled us forward, in our journey as an organisation as well as an agent helping to drive societal change and empower Sri Lanka's LGBTIQ community. Have a read through of all our achievements and milestones for the year of 2023!

In light of global human rights standards and Sri Lanka's constitutional framework, it's crucial to delve into the intricate tapestry of Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association. From the international legal instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to Sri Lanka's own Constitution, the principles are clear: every person deserves the right to voice opinions, assemble peacefully, and associate freely. Join us in the conversation as we navigate the complexities of safeguarding civic spaces in Sri Lanka and beyond.

This booklet offers an insightful introduction to intersex, a term describing a variety of natural bodily variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female. Aimed at promoting awareness and acceptance, it covers the biological and social aspects of intersex. If you are someone new to the topic , this booklet is a valuable resource for fostering inclusivity and respect.

This booklet provides vital information on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of queer women in Sri Lanka. It addresses the unique challenges faced by queer women in accessing healthcare, legal protections, and social support. This booklet aims to empower queer women with knowledge about their bodies, rights, and available resources providing essential resources for enhancing the well-being and rights of queer women in Sri Lanka.

This e-Module on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) is a significant step towards creating a safe space that is accepting of members of the LGBTIQ community in Sri Lanka's corporate sector. The e-Module explores topics related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression (SOGIE), that can be utilised by corporates amongst their workforces to create more diverse and accepting environments through awareness-building. This is a project in collaboration with Layup, an e-learning content development company who helped us create this course. 

The technological boom has transformed work, making remote jobs more accessible and creating limitless opportunities. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a lasting trend. In South Asia, including Sri Lanka, freelancing has gained popularity due to its flexibility, allowing individuals to work from anywhere and for anyone. This booklet serves as a guide for those interested in exploring the growing virtual workforce.

This booklet addresses common misconceptions and highlights the challenges faced by LGBTIQ individuals in Sri Lanka. Recognising the significant influence of media, it emphasises the importance of accurate and fair reporting to create more inclusive and welcoming environments. This booklet is intended to be a valuable resource for media professionals, guiding them toward more respectful and thoughtful coverage of LGBTIQ issues.

This 2024 Annual Report captures a year of powerful advocacy, community building, and reflection as EQUAL GROUND marked its 20th anniversary. From legal and psychosocial support to national awareness campaigns, Colombo PRIDE celebrations, and the release of key publications, the year was a testament to our continued commitment to LGBTIQ rights and inclusion across Sri Lanka.