ESDF

ESDF hosted a two-day victims’ healing session for individuals affected by the war and the Easter Sunday attacks held in the Batticaloa District on May 9 and 10, 2026.

Thirty victims participated in this healing session, which focused on providing psychological healing and enhancing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being through group therapy activities, including experience sharing, artwork, musical activities, and self-care learning.

In particular, this healing session contributed to positively motivating the selected victims and increasing their awareness of self-wellbeing.

As part of the programme, ESDF developed and introduced a new motivational tool called the “Butterfly Walk,” designed under the concept of “from darkness towards the path of light” to inspire and empower victims.

This activity was carried out by ESDF under the project “Fostering Accountability and Inclusive Governance in Sri Lanka” with the support of the KIOS Foundation.

ESDF collaborated with the MPH to organize and conduct its 4th Committee Meeting, held in Colombo on April 18–19, 2026.

The meeting focused on restructuring the MPH committee and introducing new members, reviewing the ongoing work of the Justice Forum, developing the second-year work plan, and strategizing policy advocacy activities of the MPH.

In accordance with the agreed agenda, all planned activities were addressed, and the committee established its strategic direction for the next phase of implementation.

The ESDF commemorated the seventh anniversary of the Easter Sunday Attack in solidarity with the victims, survivors, and affected communities in the Batticaloa District. We remembered those who lost their lives and acknowledged the pain and struggles of those who were injured, as well as the families who continue to endure profound grief.

This commemoration was held with the participation of victims’ families and human rights defenders who have been advocating for justice and accountability. A religious ceremony was also conducted, offering prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragic attack.

ESDF facilitated its seventh “Minority Women’s Network Meeting” in the Puttalam District under the project “Minority Empowerment for Democracy and Pluralism (MEDP) in Sri Lanka.” The meeting was held at the ICE Talk on 28 March 2026.

The meeting aimed to conduct an internal evaluation of the MEDP project’s progress and harvesting outcomes and to identify key outcomes, changes, and lessons learned from the experiences and reflections of the women beneficiaries.

Women participants from the targeted minority groups shared their experiences and the changes brought about through the MEDP initiative. Through their active participation, ESDF was able to review and document significant outcomes, community-level changes, and important lessons learned, including best practices from the project.