Annual Progress Report 2018

ANNUAL REPORT
2018
NATIONAL FISHERIES SOLIDARITY

Authored by: NAFSO
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Annual Report of NAFSO-Year 2018
Progress in 2018
National Fisheries Solidarity Movement[NAFSO]
Building a Fisher People’s Movement in Sri Lanka is a NAFSO’s dream in the last 22
years and with right strategies and partnerships we have come long way to reach our
goal.
“Progress requires setbacks; the only sure way to avoid failure

is not to try. But, we tried, as we want to make progress!
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/progress
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Content:
1. Basic information of the organization
2. Year 2018 in Brief – Convener’s message
3. Introduction
4. About NAFSO
5. Vision, Mission and Direction of NAFSO
6. Geographical coverage of the organization
7. Map of the working districts
8. Partner organizations
9. Land Rights Campaigns
10.Internally Displaced People
11. Policy and Advocacy
12.Gender Justice and Women
13.Youth and Environment
14.Active Citizenship for Development Network
15.Community Tourism Program
16.Finance Summary
17.Way Forward:
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1. Basic information of the organization :
Name of the Organization -National Fisheries Solidarity Movement
Registration Number/Registered date -L 18201/ 2001. 01. 25
Address of the Head Office -No. 10, Malwatta Road, Negombo. Sri Lanka.
Telephone Number -+-94 031 223 9750
Fax No. -+-94 314 870 658
E- mail -nafsosl@gmail.com
Web site -www.nafso-online.org
Name of the Head of the Organization -Herman Kumara
Position -National Convener
Responsible for Administrative matters: Pradeep Wanigasuriya
Position : Admin Secretary
Financial Responsibility :Lawrance Shanthikumar
Position : Accountant
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2. Convener’s Message- Year 2018 in brief
Year 2018 was a year with much challenges to the whole of the country and CSOs the, while NAFSO in
particular. The unconstitutional regime change was observed while Supreme Court of SL played a vital
role to reinstate the elected government. However, NAFSO did not directly involve to such political
role played by some civil society organizations. As NAFSO analyzed, the current government role in
civil and political arena was somewhat democratic while the economic and social arena the balance
sheet was worse than the previous regime. The development plans adopted by the government were
disturbing the most vulnerable groups and also the small scale food producers which NAFSO is
addressing the issues. So, the 4 years period balance sheet was not positive to us as a mass based
organization.
However, we admit some of the practices such as right to information act was used to empower our
communities and this was a positive outcome of the current government. The Government officials
were somewhat positive towards civil society activism on human rights. Quite number of
representation to the government officials and ministry of foreign affairs facilitation on Midterm
review of UPR process was an indicator to this positive attitude of the government. NAFSO facilitated
the process and we are happy to coordinate this work as CSO collective on HR during the coming
years too.
Our members of the land campaign conducted very aggressive campaigns during the year through
the formation of district land networks while linking with district level civil society organizations. The
importance is those organizations lead the district campaigns and set the targets and we can see this
as a bottom up approach of the empowerment process. However, even after striving hard, we were
not able to mobilize the masses with adequate impact against the port city although People’s
Movement Against Port City attempted to mobilize the civil society through International Fact Finding
Mission[IFFM], media campaigns, Scholar meetings, and convening the PMAPC committee regular
basis. The importance is the most of the CSOs have given up the attempt to mobilize the communities
while we continue to fight with the Colombo International Financial City[CIFC] which is directly
connect with Chinese Belt & Road Initiative and we foresee the possible consequences to the coastal
communities, environment and fishing industry as a whole in the future.
Sri Lankan society needs lot of efforts to empower women, most importantly the war affected
women and girl children for their wellbeing. NAFSO continued to organize those women in war
affected in northern and eastern districts and attempt to empower women connecting them through
southern women and forming national women federation. We see this area as one of the most
organized work within NAFSO while putting more efforts to consolidate the on going work.
The attempt to formation of a national youth movement which is sensitive to the current
environment disasters as well as sustainable future through disaster management and sustainable
agriculture were strengthened last year. Almost all the district organizations, except few had
attempted to reach the target of the membership formation. NAFSO experienced the youth
motivation and their mobilization for environmental protection work such as tree planting, garbage
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management, prevention and control Dengue epidemic, sustainable agriculture through home
gardening were some of the successful stories we can gather. In many districts, the Youth district
committees were formed after several years of efforts.
One of the major area of target is to establish a Sustainable fisheries policy which is the responsibility
of the Ministry of Fisheries of the GOSL. The year 2018 was one of the year which we received land
mark success as the Ministry of fisheries had succeeded to draft a national fisheries policy, and to get
the Cabinet of ministers approval though there is no approval from the Parliament. However, we are
concerning two things.
 The empowerment of Small Scale Fisher Communities through the drafted National Fisheries
Policy,,
 The focus of the policy is to respond to Blue Ocean Economic Policy based on Blue
Development of the seas, which is not a sustainable one in the long run,
As a fisheries organization, working towards the sustainable future of both the industry and the small
scale fisher communities, we have a big role to play to make the policy a sustainable one. One of the
work we focused during the year was to use ILO fishing convention 2007, (C-188) as a tool to ensure
the safety at sea and possible social security measures to the communities while aiming at a survey
on Social Security measures for the SSF communities. We continue those efforts during the coming
year while forming people based and increasing members in our citizen forums and connect them
through the other CSO forums in Active Citizenship Development Network. We are attempting to
bring the social and economic issues forward and build people’s forum to take the leadership to
address them. Many of the work in our hand need to assess the success and continue for success of
the movement.
So, we do hope the year 2019 will be more challenging as the country is moving towards the
elections. However, the regional council election 2018 showed how the country is moving and what
are the new political trends of the country as newly formed Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna won more
than 65% of the country’s southern regional council bodies.
Our effort is to continue to build up the people base, educate and consolidate the formation of youth
movement, strengthening the national women movement through southern and northern people to
people dialogue, and the continue our efforts to formation of National Fisher People’s Trade Union
for take the leadership for demand rights of the fisher people.
Amidst all these situations, it is very important matter to assess the capacities of our members as well
as the activists, the knowledge, skills as well as the Attitudes as they are serving as the agents of
transformation of the society towards a better place.
We continue our efforts to make the world a better place. It is possible and it must be done with
collective efforts of unattended, unorganized, most marginalized people in the world.
We are working to Unite them our role as NAFSO.
Herman Kumara,
National Convener, NAFSO.
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3. Introduction:
We expect to highlight the background of our organization, our work, achievements and our future
direction for the year. Most of our work have always been aimed at empowering the communities and
to resist the dispossession, dislocation, displacement and destruction of environment around the
country.
Our partner organizations are actively engaged to implement the programs which are planned together
with them down to the village levels. The emerging issues from neo-liberal economic policies
devastate the fisher communities and small-scale food producers as a whole; hence, our attempt to
bring fishing communities together as a Social Movement and unite them across the globe. Moving
beyond the sector, NAFSO attempts to work with many other small food producer groups, human
rights groups as well as other agencies which could strengthen the struggle against the globalization
and the resistance building.
Towards these ends, NAFSO uses the basic strategies of Togetherness, Awareness, Campaign and
Training [TACT] and capitalizes on the effectiveness of such process. The national secretariat and the
17 partner organizations work diligently and with commitment to empower the communities in the 15
districts. The village level small groups to district level regional bodies up to the National Fisher
People Unity of the Northern Province, National Women Federation, Youth Movement for
Environment and Social Change [YMESOC] and National Fish Workers Trade Union, gave the way to
get organized the fishers, women and youth in this process.
We engage to ensure human rights of the Sri Lankan Society with much challenges to our own lives
and faced with courage and commitment. Whether it is by working on the International Guidelines on
Small-Scale Fisheries or publishing basic research on internally displaced peoples [IDPs], NAFSO has
been relentlessly working for 20 years to help vulnerable Sri Lankan communities. With this report,
then, we record all these for our future reference and furthering inspiration. All these are learning and
growing process for our activists, leaders and members in the long run. We do hope we do our part to
the Sri Lankan society and the world as a whole and to be happy to see people gaining some positive
results with our committed work
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4. About NAFSO:
NAFSO was first founded in 1992, as a part of the training & animation section of SEDEC [Caritas Sri
Lanka]. On 08th June 1997, it was established as an independent organization.
In November 1997, NAFSO became a founding member of the WFFP, the World Forum of Fisher
Peoples. In 1997, it won the Margarita Lizarraga Award of Food and Agriculture Organization for the
translation of Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, which is known as CCRF of FAO. Later that
year, NAFSO initiated the participatory crafting of the first National Fisheries Policy about the needs
of the fisher folks. As a result of the 2004 tsunami that hit the country, NAFSO launched a massive
tsunami rehabilitation, resettlement, reconstruction, and reconciliation program in 2005, with support
from various donors around the world. It was able to lead the facilitation of the formulation of the
Citizen’s Report for the tsunami rebuilding process in the country. It was during this time, then, that
NAFSO’s work with internally displaced people from war and calamities began to emerge.
After the war ended in 2010, NAFSO launched a campaign to resettle war-affected IDPs and bring
sustainable life and livelihood for the victimized families. Moreover, NAFSO engaged in
democratization and sustainable Peace and Reconciliation process working through networking with
hundreds of like-minded organizations, oftentimes leading Peace and Sustainable Development
Strategies across the country.
NAFSO through its membership in the World Forum of Fisher Peoples [WFFP] was one of the key
organizations that co-crafted with the FAO the International Guidelines on Securing, Sustainable
Small-scale Fisheries in the context of Poverty Eradication, which was adopted in June, 2014. NAFSO,
in behalf of the WFFP, continues to sit in the Steering Committee of the Farmers’ Forum of the
International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD], the Rome based organization for food
producer groups.
In 2016 and 2017 NAFSO engaged in the UN Human Rights processes of UPR and CEDAW. It
functioned as the lead for the collaborative body of civil society actors on the CESCR process.
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5. Vision, Mission and Principles of NAFSO:
Vision
“A Just and Prosperous Society” where resources and their benefits are distributed equally and where
justice and peace prevail for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, and gender
Mission
Establishment of Sustainable Fisheries and Food Sovereignty through formation of a Fisher People’s
Social Movement in Sri Lanka
Principles
 Food Sovereignty
 Protection of Natural Resources and Human Rights
 Gender Justice
 Peace and Ethnic Harmony
 Environmental Protection and Climate Justice
6. GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE OF THE ORGANIZATION

National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) is working in 15 districts out of the 25 districts with
a base of 17 partner organizations in them:
 Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaithivu and Mannar districts in the Northern Province;
 Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts in the Eastern Province;
 Puttlam and Kurunegala districts in the Northwestern Province;
 Gampaha and Kaluthara districts in Western Province;
 Galle and Matara districts in Southern Province;
 Monaragala district in Uva Province; and
 Polonnaruwa district in North /Central Province.

Every working district has one partner organization except Puttlam and Gampaha districts which have
two partner organizations each.
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8. Partner Organizations:
Name of Organization Postal Contact Person Contact Contact Email ID

[Registration Address Number
Number]
1. Southern Kandapahala, Maduka 0777625692 madukasampath@gmail.com
Fisheries Dondra, Sampath/ L.Y.
Organization- Matara Wasantha
Matara
[MA/DS/SS13/
2002]
2. Southern Devineegoda, Dulip 0773184530 duliprangajeewa1977@
Fisheries Rathgama Rangajeewa gmail.com
Organization-
Galle
[CEA/6/6/17/71
/18]
3. Kalutara Marakkalamul D.D.Sushila 0773858557
District la, Hena Road, Damayanthi
Solidarity Beruwala
Organization
4. Sri Vimukthi 115, St. Subashinee 0721383334 subashinidp@gmail.com
Fisher Women Mary’s Road, Deepa
Organization Negombo
5. United 139, Pitipana Marcus 0772836524 -
Negombo South, Fernando
Lagoon Fisher Negombo
People’s
Organization
6. Puttalam No. 262/D1, Loyel Peiris 0771529507 -
District ThalavilaWell
Fisheries a,
Solidarity Barudalpola,
Organization Thoduwawa
7. Praja Palugaseegam A.A.Jayawathie 0710714691
Sanwardana a, Saliyawewa
Padanama Junction,
Puttlama
8. Mannar District No. 75, Salt Benedict Croos 0778708568 benadictcroos@icloud.com
Fisheries End road,
Solidarity Periyakade,
Mannar
9. Rural Labour Urumbirai N. Inbanayagam 0777043635 inbam.nayagam@gmail.com
Society North,Urumbi
[VS/SS/VOR/2 rai, Jaffna
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Name of Organization Postal Contact Person Contact Contact Email ID
[Registration Address Number
Number]
006/03]
10. Mulaitivu Nedunkulam, N. Vaseekaran 0775581837 vasithurai230@gmail.com
District Poonakary,
Fisheries Killinochchi
Solidarity
Organization
11. Trincomallee 84, Boundary M.M.Raheem 076973850 sanjatrincom@gmail.com
District Road,
Fisheries Poopuhar,
Solidarity Trincomale.
Organization
[DS/TG/SS/VSO/144]
12. Batticoloa No.25. Sashikaran 0776510508 shashi.batti@gmail.com
District Sahayamatha Poonyamoorthy
Fisheries Church Road,
Solidarity Mamangam.
Organization
13. District Media Road, Kalanthar 0752417010 kalantharisadeen@gmail.com
Fisheries Pasarachchene Isadeen
Solidarity- i, Pottuvil,
Ampara Ampara
[AM/DPS/5/NGO]
14. Meridiya Deewaragama, Manoj Silva 0776916640 manojmeredeya@yahoo.com
Organization New Town,
[NCP/TK/NGO Polonnaruwa
/148]
15. Praja No. 22, Sanjeewa 0779950398 saman10817@gmail.com
Sahayogitha Senasuma, Sampath
Sansadaya Makulpotha, Jayawardene
Kurunegala
16. Kilinochchi 4th, Mile Post, A,Satheshwaran, 0766237962
District Poonakary
Fisheries
Solidarity
17. Uwa Wellassa Polpalathawan R.G. Pemalatha 772400402 lathawellswaya@gmail.com
Women a Road,
Organization Handapanagal
a, Wellawaya
18. Praja Abilasha No.10, Francis Raajan 0777943480 fraajan@gmail.com
Land Rights Malwatta
Network Road,
Negombo
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8. . Governing Body of NAFSO:
Members of the Board of Trustees

a. Rev. Sr. Victorine Rodrigo [Perpetual Help Congregation]-Chair Person
b. Dr. Mrs. Janakie Jayawardene, Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo
c. Mrs. U.M.G.L. Fernando, Convener, We Women Lanka, Former NAFSO staff
d. Mr. Herman Kumara, Secretary, National Convener, Ex-officio member
e. Mr. Sampath Pushpakumara, Attorney-at-Law
f. Mr. Sirimal Peiris, Convener, People’s Health Movement
Members of the Advisory Board
a. Sr. Deepa Fernando- Holy Family Sisters
b. Dr. Soosai Anandan – Professor of Geography, University of Jaffna
Members of the Management Committee of the Year 2018

a. Herman Kumara – National Convener
b. Pradeep Wanigasuriya – Admin Secretary
c. A.L. Shanthikumar – Accountant
d. Sanjeewa Sampath- Representative of the Coordinators
e. R. Wasantha Nonis People’s Representative
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9. PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR 2018
Land Rights Campaigns:
1. Conducted Workshop on Right to information Act- 26-27th May 2018. at the Oruthota Chalet hotel, in
Digana.
Plantation Tamil community in Maskeliya/ Ashrof Nagar-IDPs/ Ragamvila village/Sashthrawela/ Pasikuda/

Sampur/ Pallimunai/Mahiliddy/ Kepapilavu/Pulakudiruppu/ Iranaithivu/ Irudeniyaya/ Kalahagala/ Rathgama/
Pelwatta block-03/ Santhosapuram/Kalpitiya Civil society leaders/ farmers society and fisheries society
25 people took part in the workshop. Mr. Jagath liyanarachchi and Ms. Ravindra Sumathipala took part as
resource persons. Priyankara Costa facilitated the workshop. Participants were educated on Right to information
Act in order to use the act as a tool for their campaigns. At the end of the workshop participants have filled the
application form for the relevant authority to obtain the information.
Mr.Francis Raajan, Coordinator of PA Mr. Jagath Liyanarachchi, lawyer educates the

network address the audience participants
02. Conducted a four day workshop on VGGT/VGSSF & Fisheries Policy-On 11-14 June 2018 at Paradise
Hotel in Negombo
The workshop was conducted through the support of NAFSO and FAO. FAO has funded for this workshop. PA
did the coordination part with NAFSO. 40 people took part at the workshop. The workshop based on VGGT and
VGSSF guidelines. It specially discussed about these guidelines to use for the advocacy work during the land
and fisheries campaigns. Two FAO representatives have taken part at this workshop. Ultimately, participants
have prepared a module of VGGT and VGSSF in order to educate the people in the grassroots.
03. Conducted the Annual General Body Meeting on 22nd March 2018 with 35 people and new steering
committee was elected. Following are elected for the core team- Mr. Herman Kumara elected as the president,
Ms. Deepa Subashini as the Treasurer, Mr. J. Pathmanathan as Vice President and Mr. Priyankara Costa as the
Secretary of the network.
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04. Conducted a Seminar on Land Grabbing on Tourism impact at Town Hall in Mullaithivu. There were 312
people took part in the workshop. We have launched a report on "The Vanni-Civilian Land under Military
Occupation" during the Seminar. STP has supported for the research and printing of the survey report. We have
presented the report to the political and religious leaders during the Seminar.
Mr. Herman Kumara, National Convener of NAFSO Mr.M.M. Raheem of Silawathurai, Mannar, is
addressing meeting addressing land rights forum
05. Conducted "The Inland Tank Survey" in Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala districts. We have selected ideal
places for the survey in both districts. Polonnaruwa (Kalahagala/Nawanagaraya/ Bediwewa ), and in Kurunegala
-(Hakwatunawa, Ma-Eliya and ).
The data collection of the survey was completed in October and finalized and launched the report on 21st
November, the World Fisheries Day held at Polonnaruwa. Prior to finalize the report, series of validation
meetings were conducted to finalize the report and its contents.
Mr. Asoka Karunarathna has been appointed to write the final report. We have appointed 4 field staffs and two
district coordinators to collect information. Interviewed 102 people for this survey. But we target to interview
100 for this survey.
Discussion with the fisherman related to the survey Getting information from fisherman related to the survey
In Polonnaruwa, with Manoj and Ashoka, resource In Polpithigama, Kurunegala, with Ajith and Sampath
person of tank survey and the resource person Ashoka Karunaratne
06. On the 5th May 2018- Conducted a Training on Inland Tank Survey for the field staff at Rambe,
Kurunegala- 6 people have been trained on data collection for the Inland Tank survey. Mr. Asoka Karunarathna
has trained the enumerators.
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07. Conducted a conference on Women Policy and development -on 8th June 2018 at Library Hall in Jaffna-
120 people took part in the event. Minister of women affair in Northern Province council took part as a chief
guest. Herewith government officials took part at this event. A committee was formed to draft a women policy
for the northern province of Sri Lanka.
Miss. Anandi Sahsidaran, Minister of Women Representatives of the government agencies, CSOs and
Affairs in the Northern Provincial Council different communities in the gathering
Is addressing the audience
08. Conducted the Women's Day - on 19th May 2018 at the Town hall in Negombo. 480 people took part at the
event. It specially highlighted the women's land issues and CEDAW recommendations. Chairperson of the
National women's committee took part at the meeting and explained the government position on CEDAW and
the implementation.
09. Conducted a meeting with Wildlife Department in Polonnaruwa- 8 people took part at the meeting. Miridiya
Fisheries organization has initiated the discussion. a relationship was built among them. Due to the collective
interventions, now the electric fences were erected in certain areas. Such as, Bendiwewa and Aluthwewa border.
10. Meeting with Secretary of the Land Ministry on 25th April 2018 at the Ministry of Land in Battaramulla.
Herman/Raajan/Jayantha/Mishpa/Robert represented the communities. We, have handed over our petition to the
secretary. The secretary promised to pass the letter to the Hon. Minister.
11. Conducted a workshop on People's commission by PARL Network on 11-12 May 2018 at the Nagarodaya
Hall in Colombo. 18 people took part at the event. Basic concept was discussed at the workshop. This
participants guided the commissionaires who are going to take part in the People's commission and the role of
the commissionaires and our expectation were discussed and agreed.
12. Conducted a Media tour in Iranaithivu on 23rd April 2018. 7 journalists took part in the tour. Print and
digital media people were present.
13. Conducted a media Briefing in Jaffna in Feb 2018. 9 people took part. we expected. PA has specially
highlighted the internal displaced People's issues and land issue at the workshop.
14. Conducted a Protest in Batticaloa in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka-on 12th June 2018 on Water and
Land grabbing issue at the park in Batticaloa. About 200 people took part at the protest. People have protested
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to stop the construction of the water factory which is harmful for the farmers those who live around the
Pullumalai area. The people’s struggle is ongoing.
15. Conducted a protest on Ashrof Nagar land Issue on 16th May 2018 in front of the Addalaichchenai
Divisional Secretariat in the Eastern Province. The people of Ashraf Nagar demanded to release their own land
which was occupied by the army. 28 people took part at the protest out of 69
16. Conducted all faith religious prayer about Keppapilavu issue from 25th to 30th March 2018 at Keppapilavu
village in Mullaithivu in order to get the attention of the public as well the higher officials over the continuous
struggle. Each day around 25 people took part. And it continues for 5 days.
17. Conducted a Protest in Sampur in eastern Province -on 15th May 2018. 48 people took part at the protest.
When the military supposed to clear the terrain of the people, people came forward to oppose. After the protest
the military stopped the bulldozing the land. But still the land haven't been released by the military.
18. Conducted a meeting on Iranaithivu Resettlement in Colombo 23rd May 2018 .27 people took part at the
meeting. The meeting was aimed to get the civil organizations support to resettle the people at the same time to
get the basic support for their resettlement.
19. Conducted a Meeting with Holy Family Convent on Iranaithivu issue 23rd May 2018. The meeting was
aimed to get the basic support to resettle in their own land. So the Students agreed to construct 50 toilets during
the fund raising event in Dec 2018. Before that they agreed to provide two water tanks.
20. Conducted a Scholars Meeting on Port City -on 27th Jan 2018 at Cardinal Cooray Hall in Negombo- 215
people took part in the event. Scholars from different sector addressed and pointed out the adverse effects of the
port city project.
Prof. Sumanasiri Liayanage is addressing Participants of the scholars meeting held at

In the scholars meeting while Dr. Harini Cardinal Cooray Center at Thammita, Negombo
Amarasuriya is chairing the session,
21. Conducted the Farmers’ Day on 12th Oct 2018 at Urumbirai Sri Paththara Kaliyamma Kovil hall in Jaffna.
Agriculture Minister of Northern Provincial council took part at the event. 115 people participated at the event.
Specially discussed about the importance of the organic farming.. The Minister emphasis that the genetically
modified seeds are not suitable for our country. PA has provided Tree plants to the participants on that occasion.
Minister told that he has a more plants in his ministry people can apply to get them free of charge.
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22. Conducted the Fisheries Day on 21st Nov 2018 at the Royal college in Polonnaruwa- 546 people took part at
the event. President's private secretary has taken part as a chief guest, at the same time Women affair minster of
Northern Provincial Council" Mrs. Ananthi Sashitharan also took part in the event.
23. Conducted a Round Table discussion on Military Land grabbing on 10th Dec. 2018 based on the Human
Rights Day. After the event people went to hand over the petitions to the Embassies. Such as: America/ Nepal/
South Africa/ India/ Norway. At the same time handed over the petition to the Ministry of Resettlement as well.
24. Conducted the world Food Day campaign- Tree plants and seeds were given to 15 districts around Sri Lanka
to plant under the theme "Let us heal the mother earth by planting a tree"
25. Conducted media briefing on 10th December 2018 on military land grabbing.
26. The land grabbing issue was brought to Geneva in 2018- A woman from Iranaithivu attended and witnessed
for their land issues in Geneva session.
Achievements of the Network during the Past six months

1) Due to continue struggle, The Iranaithivu Island (The Island is located in the Northern Province of Sri
Lanka) was released in May 2018.
2) The people have started their livelihood back and earns well, the income of the families have been
increased in Iranaithivu people.
3) Women headed families (widows) are able to engage in fishing what they have practice before displaced
in 1990. They are earning more than 500 rupees now, if they find the market the income will be
increased by many folds.
4) About 15km electric fence was erected from Nawanagara to Kalahagala in Polonnaruwa district in order
to block the elephants entering to the villagers in February 2018 by the Wildlife department. (Praja
Abhilasha has mentioned in the report of the Elephant and human conflict issues which published in
2016 December as recommendation. The wildlife department has followed many recommendation of
the report. )
5) On 1st of January 2018- the Keppapilavu people's part of land was released by the military which they
occupied since 2009
6) The main road to the Puthukudiruppu which has been blocked by military since 2009 was reopened.
7) Paanama people have built a small temporary community hall through their contribution 0n 29th June
2018 - PA has motivated and encouraged the people to do so.
8) Electric fence was erected by the Paanama, Ragamwela villagers in June 10, 2018 in order to protect
from the wild elephants which enter into their village Ragamwela.
9) 683 acres of land for resettlement has been released by the Ministry of Defense and Sri Lanka Army
with District Secretary, in Jaffna to the owners of the land who are living with friends and relatives and
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in welfare camps. This will enable the resettlement 964 families of which 316 families are living in
welfare camps.
10) Minister of the wild life accepted the concept of the farmers of Irudeniyaya and planned to implement.
11) Started to remove the Teak trees which is harmful for the forest cover.
Failures and challenges:

1) The PA is unable to concentrate on Kalpitiya issue. The struggle is not moving as we expected.
2) Some leaders are still providing information to the military as they get some benefits from the military
such as illegal fishing, some lifting bans on restricted areas. This creates a division among the
community, thus, the slowness or inability to move forward on such issues.
3) Unable to complete the Survey report on Inland Tank survey as planned and delayed two months to
complete.
4) PA is working on many struggles with limited resources so we have to prioritize some struggles for
special attention
5) People in Keppapilavu have been divided and the leader has left from the campaign .However PA has
intervened and facilitated to form a temporary leadership team to lead the Kepapilavu struggle.
6) People in Negombo who works on Port city issue have been divided, because the Government provides
the loans to fisher people who affect by Sand mining and Environmental Destructions.
7) Government policies called "vision 2025" will affect the campaign,
8) Some of the leaders betrayed the struggles by joining with the political parties or running with the
election candidates in local government election in Feb 2018.
9) Postponing the Paanama and Pallimunai court case consistently due to the absence and non
responsiveness of the government officials. Therefore people are getting fed up and giving up the sprit.
10) 72 families land have been lost their land again in Sampur due to capturing the land for construct the
outlet of the coal power plant in S
Providing leagal support for the land campaigns :

A. Target communities are empowered to obtain ownership, use and documentation of their land
A5& A6. Conducted Community Legal Training & Clinics in all the 5 Districts which consisted of 32 sessions
and 528+408 community members participated.
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Chitra, NAFSO animator is addressing Youth at Legal training in Trincomale( Erakkandi)
the Legal training on land in Jaffna
Results/Impact
- 31 Community leaders(20M & 11F) received Legal awareness and knowledge on specific land issues.
- The participants were much motivated and gained confidence in pursuing their local land related issues
- A very clear understanding on how to use (RTI) Right to Information facility
- Hands on experience in applying, requesting required information through RTI procedure
-As planned 5 members from each district, Total 25 leaders participated in the full workshop . .
-528 [M-153,F-375]People gained better understanding of RTI
-Gained clarification on the process of field survey and follow up steps done by Government officers in view of
preparing a land permit.
-Impact of rapid mega development projects and their adverse impacts and legal implications were highlighted
- 408 Participants of the five districts gained deeper understanding of their issues on their land through the Legal
Clinics
A9.District level forums with government officers responsible for land administration( One Forum was
conducted for the Eastern Province on 31st July 2018 ) Participants : 18 [M-16,F-02]Total-47[M-41,F-06]
Results/Impact
- The problems faced by the Land officers in dealing with these land issues were diagnosed
- Complexity in the legal process was discussed and guidance were sought from the Commissioner and
Secretary
- As to how to deal with these issues in practice were discussed
- Suggestions were proposed to amend the existing procedures in dealing with these issues
- Were able to mobilize 47 Government officers in the Eastern Province in direct contact with these land
issues in Eastern Province
- This was a good opening for the initiation of dialogue between community leaders and Govt. Officers
B1 Build capacity of community leaders (Total-five programs ,185 participants [M-53,F-132]

Results/Impact
- Both in Monaragala and Ampara this was the 2nd round of Capacity building training. A good number of
leaders equipped with proper understanding of the importance of collaboration and networking were
formed.
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- In Jaffna, Trincomalee and Mullaithivu during these training around 20 youth leaders were identified
and orientation on leadership was given. As a result we were able to obtain their voluntary support for
the other activities in the districts.
Capacity development training in Ampara Group discussion of the training in Ampara
B2.Formation and strengthening of district level PARL networks (District Level PARL meetings were held in 5
district.18 programs -402 Participants [M-199,F- 203 ]
Results/Impact
In All the 5 districts the PARL Network is established and they continue to function independently as a District
Network Body consisted of various CSOs working in the districts. Each District Network has their own office
bearers and some groups have come out with specific names to identify their mission in the district. For an
example, Trincomalee Network group name themselves as “ Trincomalee Makkalkural” Voice of the Trinco
People, Moneragala as “ Wellassa Protection Collective” etc. Each district PARL Network has more than 8 to
10 CSOs working collaboratively for the common objective of realizing the due Land Rights of the People.
Their contribution and participation in District level as well as National Level Advocacy Campaigns and
Lobbying sessions are to be appreciated as a continuous sense of solidarity is growing among them. All of these
district groups are being strengthened through Capacity Building Training and regular monitoring visits by the
BMZ Project Team.
PARL meeting in Ampara PARL meeting in Ampara
B4. Strengthening digital influencing capacities of PARL to create a public discourse on community land rights
(A 2 Day residential workshop on Digital Influence to increase the capacities of community leaders )
Results/Impact
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- 21 members gained the basic knowledge on the importance and usage of Social Media such as Facebook,
Twitter, Messenger.. -
Those without Facebook accounts were made to create their own Facebook account on the spot
- A good number youth 7 total (3 F and 4 M) participated
- A tentative media strategic Plan was developed for each district.
- They are in the process of developing their own small video to highlight their land issues in
Mullathivu- Moneragala youth initiated to open the face book page “Wellassa Protection Collective” and started
to share their experiences.
B5 Support national public campaigns on land rights (The 1st National Campaign was held on 21st August 2018
at Colombo with the theme of “Land is Our Life”)
2nd National Campaign of this year was held on 21st November at Polonnaruwa Royal College Premises.
546[M-280,F-334,Dis-04] members
(02 campaigns with 1346 participants [M-492, F-854,Distircts -06]
Results/Impact
In both National Level Campaigns, the members from the different districts participated with greater enthusiasm
and they were well prepared prior to the campaign in their own village communities by the district coordinators.
All took part in the protest walk and engaged very actively in distributing leaflets, handbills. etc with one voice
shouting “ Land is our Life..” amidst the crowded Lipton Circle. It displayed their conviction and commitment
to this struggle of claiming their rights to their own Lands.
Most of the Community Leaders who represented their views both at the public workshop as well as in the
meetings with the government officials gained greater confidence in expressing their own rights and needs.
Some were also exposed to the foreign Diplomatic mission during the handing over of the letter of appeal,
demanding the release of Lands, specially in North & East.
A deep sense of solidarity and unity which rose above the difference of ethnicity, religion, cast and class was
something commendable. They believe that unless the oppressed, the pressurized do not voice out their demands
unitedly no body will hear them, no one will respond to them.
Prepare report on land grabbing and translate to English and Tamil:

The report will fill the shortage of study reports with credible facts and figures on existing land issues.
We were able to collect information on present situation of the communities who lost their lands. Also
were able to update old data that we had on land areas holed by the government and military forces and
also on IDP camps remaining in North. Land campaign is strengthening with the up-to-date
information we have now.
After the printing of the report, itwill useto educate people, authorities and media on the situation and
ill effects to the communities by land grabbing
Public event to mobilize broader support for policy changes

A protest march in Colombo: Participants from 5 districts Total-250[M-103,F-147]
Results/Impact
- An overall awareness was able to be raised among the participants at the gathering in the Park
22 | P a g e
- Members were very well prepared with posters and placard depicting their own land issues and
problems in each district..
- A well aligned disciplined protest march from Park to the Lipton Roundabout drawing the attention of
General Public and the Officials of Town Hall which were highlighted in several Media channels
- 250 Members from 14 District took an active part in the entire protest march
- An eight member Team representing the issues and district went to the Land Ministry and handed over
the statement of demands
- The content of our demands made in a form of leaflet (3000 copies) were distributed
In the absence of Minister, Secretary of Land Ministry, Mr. W.H.Karunarathne promised to get an
appointment for us to meet the Minister Mr. Gayantha Karunathilake in a future date.
Consultation with community and government officials at divisional, district and national level
Discussion was held with the government officers responsible for land administration and Community leaders of
Lahugala Divisional Secretariat with total participants 16[M-14,F-2]
Results/Impact
- An opportunity was provided by the DS office members to thrash out the different understandings and
misinforms regarding current land issues.
- Were able to bring about a closer interaction between community leaders and Land officers
An action plan was developed to further deepen the cordial relationship established between officers and
the community leaders
Assessment of current livelihood situation and vulnerabilities of returned/evicted families

(Conducting the field survey in the 5 districts, Preparation of the final report containing the livelihood
opportunities in each district, Initiate the formation of selection committee)
Results/Impact
- District Coordinators and volunteers trained conducted the survey with the guidance of CEFE NET
Team Members. 750 Forms were distributed in 5 districts.
- 671 completed Survey forms were received
- Focus Group Discussions were held in all districts with enthusiastic participation of government officers
and community leaders.
- Initial discussions were held in all 5 districts and in all the places government officials promised to
support this venture
Selection of the 600 of returned/evicted families for the livelihood support
Livelihood Selection Committees (5) Five programs -95 Participants [M-50, F-45]
Women Leadership & Gender Trainings (4) Four programs 140 participants [M-35, F-105,Dis-02]
Results/Impact
- An Opportunity emerged to build up a good rapport with around 35 to 40 Government officers ( GN,
EDO, Asst. Planning Officer, Women coordinators, Agriculture officer, Officers of VIDATHA,
Fisheries development officers..)
- During the selection committees we were able to convince the committee members that Livelihood
assistance is not an end itself, but a supportive means to enhance their livelihood and continue their
struggle.
- As per the remarks we made in the 2nd qtr report we were able to abide by those conditions and
proceeded with the selections committee meetings successfully.
- Were able to awaken total number of 140.community members in 4 districts and quite a number of men
took part in these trainings.
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- This training cleared several longstanding myths on Gender, equality, rights etc.
- It also opened the minds of both men and women recognize and accept each other more respectfully.
- Clarified and affirmed the responsibilities of each other.
Livelihood & skill development Trainings

The 1st Module of Training, developing a Business Plan was conduct in all the 5 districts during the
month of November. The total number participated is 587[M-78, F-509
Results/Impact
- Majority appreciated this module on BP as it was very pragmatic and relevant to their day to day
business activities.
- Many thanked as this threw much light on the Household Economic management, specially women
commented on this during the feed back
- Irrespective of the receipt of Livelihood assistance this training was very much enlightening.
- Men saw the need of planning and evaluating their small businesses using this simple tool
-Many were motivated to apply this tool into their ongoing current businesses in crop cultivations and to
accesses those activities.
Mr. Elilmuthalvan, Facilitator is giving advices in Jaffna Mr. Palitha Desanayake, Facilitator guides a participant to
Develop the business plans for the participants
Way forward.
Challenges and Risks:
 The issue we tackle in the Project- LAND ISSUES – is a highly sensitive topic from the point of view of
both people and Government. However as we have launched into the action specially in the North and
East the screening and surveillance by the NIB is a major Challenge and Risk we and our field officers
face. This surveillance continues …
 Our involvement with the people and communities affected with land grabbing is continually monitored
by National Investigation Bureau and our visits to these sites and meeting places are followed up not so
rigorously but definitely with a very diplomatic approach.
 People still continue to be subjected Political manipulation, and enslavement expecting personal benefits
for themselves rather than demanding their rights as a community. As a result they are unable to retain
their determination and commitment to these Land Campaigns. However we continue to struggle to keep
them awaken…
 To upkeep the moral and determination of the communities in the struggle of reclaiming their lands is the
highest challenge we face as these communities are often distracted with cheap political campaigns and
false promises.
24 | P a g e
 Systematic and gradual Land Grabbing is very shrewdly and attractively disguised in the Implementation
of the National Physical Plan (NPP2015-2030) and Megapolis Development Plans of Vision 2020.This is
the biggest challenge. Most of the Government Officers are aligned with this Project.
 Relocation of people due to resettlement process…the communities with whom we were working have
been dispersed and scattered. Now we have to change our strategies and rebuild these groups.
 Out of the 5 scheduled Consultation Discussions with Government officers and Community leaders, we
were able to complete only one session (at Lahugala).The other sessions could not be held due to the
prevailed political instability and indifferent working environment in the government sector. We will
pursue this in the 1st quarter of 2019 in collaboration with Institution for Constitutional Studies.
Action taken to manage these Challenges

 We have always been trying to continue our work with transparency and respecting democratic principals
while ensuring the rights of Citizens.
 We strictly adhere to the continuous awareness raising and motivation of the people involved. We quote
our past experiences and lesson learnt in this process of educating the people.
 To boost the moral and confidence of people in pursuing the goals of this Project we strive to bring more
stake holders and join hands with other organizations to build greater strength .
 Expanding our work and uniting and networking with similar struggles, we engage to build strong land
rights movement to resist and to propose alternative ways to overcome the issues,
 Continuous dialogue within PARL network nationally and to highlight the issue at many for a to educate
and strengthen the land rights campaign in WFFP, ESCR Net, SAAPE, PANAP No Land No Life
campaign,[PANAP produced a video “The right to resist Land grab” is circulating worldwide and
Paanama campaign is highlighted in the video]
 The leadership formation is conducted and enhanced the capacities with awakening internal abilities of the
people to take up the issues in to their hands.
 Regular meetings among the project team and also with the ICS partner members.
 To develop of a strategy to build up a better, closer relationship with the Government officers and to get
them participated in our work and to organize certain activities through them and involving them would
be our approach to overcome the said challenges.
 To change our terms, approach and strategies in campaigning for Land Rights. More slant towards
awareness raising and advocacy rather than confronting and agitating to win the rights of the people,
towards the desired goals.
 We are more alert and take necessary steps to avoid any confrontations with these officials but we keep
our integrity and we are open to share whatever information they seek as we are acting within the legal
framework without any political motives.
 Compare to previous years we have taken quite number of steps in reaching out and establishing good
rapport with the relevant government officers in District and Divisional secretariats in the 5 districts.
Workshops held for government officials, community leaders have paved way to keep communication
open. Involvement of number of officers in our Capacity Training Programs and Women Leadership &
gender as well as Livelihood skill development trainings has created conducive atmosphere.
25 | P a g e
10. Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs):
On IDP issues, NAFSO engaged in several activities with following objectives in 2018:
Objective 01. To empower North, East and South communities by organizing and capacitating affected and
vulnerable sectoral groups [Internally displaced persons [IDPs], fishing communities/Fisher union and National
women federation] in those communities into claiming their rights and strengthening North-South harmony and
Reconciliation.
Objective 02: To carry out Collective advocacy campaigns and lobbying against land grabbing, displacements
due to mega scale development projects.
Objective 03: To carry out Collective advocacy campaigns and lobbying against land grabbing, displacements
due to mega scale development projects.
Main activities:
1. NAFSO engaged in IDP issues, we observed the difficulty the Govt. faced due to military pressure
one side and the unjust voices of extremist groups against release of land in the N/E on the other
side. And also NAFSO worked for the resettlement of people in Valikamam north in Jaffna,
Mullikulam in Mannar districts. At the same time we engaged to bring out those land issues to the
national arena on the land problems in the districts of Mulaitivu (Kappapilaw and Pulakudirippu)
and Kilinochchi(Irainathivu) districts that are beyond the scope of the program.
 A study survey was implemented based on the IDP camps in the Northern province to
identify the existing situation of the camps for advocating the government to take proper
actions to resettle the Internal Displaced People
 Conducted 20 focus group discussion on current situation of IDP camps life in Jaffna
 National campaign was organized demanding the land rights of the displaced people and
other sectors.
 Conducted media discussions on IDPs issues, issues of resettled people and all over the land
 issues.
 Conducted silent march, discussions with Government district Secretary, Divisional
Secretary and other officers on resettlement process and needs of IDPs
 Special National protest on land issues at Iranaithevu in Kilinochchi
 Conducted Workshop on PRA system for collecting the information about new land issues
in North
 Conducted Workshop on PRA system for collecting the information about new land issues
in Jaffna District.
The youth participants of the PRA workshop A practical session of the PRA workshop
26 | P a g e
2. One of NAFSO strategies to address those issues was to build up strong social movement. With the
aim of building a social movement we have created a National Fisheries Trade Union with regional
units in districts basis.
 Conducted workshop on importance of Fisheries trade union and ILO declaration
 Conduct district wise union meeting.
 Conduct 2 National meeting of National Fisheries Trade Union
3. Due to the actions taken by women, especially women headed households, the movement was able
to form district women federations which were under the direction of national women federation.
We, the national women federation took a decision in early 2017, we will support to run the
regional council elections in any political party they run with the aim of ensuring the 25%
participation of women in the decision making bodies. Importantly, our women leaders in many
regional councils are running at the local government elections, the regional council elections
February, 2018. There are around 16 candidates running for the elections from Ampara[4],
Batticoloa[2], Galle[1], Gampaha[2], Kilinochchi[3], Moneragala[4], Mulaitivu[1] and Puttlam[1]
districts. One of the most exiting group of women members are running for the elections is that the
“ARUMBU” women group from Kilinochchi district.
4. Networking and Strengthening of District level Organizations
 Workshop was conducted for community leaders in each district organization with the
purpose of strengthening the district organizations as well as district activists to find the
solutions for the people’s issues as a strong district organization. There was a good
opportunity to analyze the Strength, weakness, opportunities and challenges and developed
future plans based on the SWOT analysis.
 Conducted three awareness raising programs on collaborative work with other civil society
organizations, government officers, saving system and report writing for leaders.
 Conducted two awareness program on Local government system and How to support to the
annual budget of Local government.
5. NAFSO program has contributed immensely to the successful voicing out of the people in a
strong and steady manner. At the same time, our work had the encouraged us and provide wider
assistance to strengthen the work against unsustainable development projects such as Colombo
Financial City, known as Colombo Port City, other Mega Development Projects under the
National Physical Plan-2030 and also under the Vision 2030 of the so-called national
government. According to the analysts, all those programs are going against the better future of
majority poor and specifically those who are depending on natural resources for the food
production.
 The ruling government is also following the development strategies of the former
government. The special fact that the ruling government has planned to implement the
National Physical Plan for 2030 which was created by the former government with few
changes but people don’t have any understanding about the national physical plan. As well
as NAFSO team didn’t have better understanding about the national physical plan to aware
the people. A workshop was organized to educate the activists about the national physical
plan.
 There are different issues which influence the reconciliation process as well as many issues are arising
in the country. A conversation was started among the people to explore the facts, issues which
influence to the reconciliation in district level to convince the government about the tendency.
NAFSO engaged illegal fishing issues in the Sri Lanka water and also we worked against trawling
fishing. We worked closely with Northern Province fisher community and parliamentarians.
27 | P a g e
 Organized meeting with Northern province fisher leaders on current situation of trawling fishing
and fisheries development in Northern districts
 Organized meeting between North parliamentarians and fisher community leaders to get support
for new bill in the parliament against the trawler fishing in Jaffna.
Conducted three dialogue between Fisher leaders of Northern Province Fisher People’s
Unity[NPFPU] and Mr. Sumanthiran (Member of Parliament) on new bill against the trawler
fishing in Vavunia and Jaffna.
NAFSO engaged special action on UPR and ESCR processes with 94 organizations in Sri Lanka.
Support by UPR info, based in Geneva.
 Conducted 10 district wise awareness programs on UN systems, UPR process and to draft the
parallel UPR report of CSOs.
 Organized National validation meeting of UPR and ESCR civil society reports.
 Conducted three regional workshops on validation of drafted people’s UPR recommendations, in
Galle, Hatton and Vavunia.
 Conducted National workshop on validation of UPR recommendations in Colombo.
 The CSO Coalition on UPR SL conducted preparatory advocacy workshops on Pre session in Sri
Lanka, New Delhi and Geneva and future action after the UN recommendations.
 Conducted three pre session on UPR in Sri Lanka, New Delhi and Geneva.
 A media briefing on CSOs' shadow report on UPR.
 Conducted National planning workshop with UPR recommendation on how to build up the
collective action for implementation of recommendations.
Mr. Sampath Pushpakumara, Lawyer is addressing A part of participants of the workshop

In the workshop while HR commissioner Ambika is
Also present at the stage
Achievements / results of this process:
 Advocated the rights of IDPs through collecting the data about the existing situation of the people in
IDP camps, the resettlement mechanism of the government and actual numbers of individuals in the IDP
camps.
 Displaced people got land back – Valikamam North in Jaffna 500 ha and Keppapilawu in Mullaithevu,
ha. Also, 38 extended families got 76 perches land and each family got 2 perches each as most of the
families did not have even a single perch for living and now they have at least a small plot of land to
survive.
 Main actors of the members in district organizations identified the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Challenges to the movement. It helped to prepare future plans for the district organizations to
28 | P a g e
function strongly as well as identify the diverse ways to sustain the financial situation of those
organizations.
 Through women federation activities, Partners of NAFSO learned the existing social, economic,
political and cultural situation of the women-headed families in the north.
 Strengthening Keppapilawu land campaign working closely with people’s agitations and helping them
to visualize and bring the campaign to national and international debates. Mrs. Jeyaseeli, one of the
leaders in the campaign, was able to attend CESCR committee meeting at Geneva and was able to bring
light to the campaign through UNHRC process while working with ESCR working group in Sri Lanka.
 Getting a wider publicity for the land campaign in Keppapilawu and Mullikulam through different
media.
 Developed the people’s contribution for land campaign and increased the concerns of the government
for the whole land issue in the country through agitations launched, media interventions and advocacy
locally and internationally through researches conducted in collaboration with various agencies.
 We have submitted documents to Department of Labour for the registration of the Trade Union and got
the letter of trade union registration in January 2018.
 NAFSO led to mobilize civil society organizations and to compile reports and submit 2 civil society
parallel reports to UNHRC (CEDAW & UPR). Collaborated with LST in leading the civil society
collective report on CESCR, ensuring incorporation of Land, Food, Fisheries and Women-Headed
House Holds & IDP situations among others.
 One of the main engagement of NAFSO was to strengthen the debate to include ESCR into the
Fundamental Rights chapter of the newly drafted constitution of the GOSL, as the Sri Lankan civil
society divided whether to include this in to fundamental chapter or not.
 NAFSO launched grassroots level dialogues on the issues, which are hindrance to the reconciliation
process in the country, in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna districts in the current
context. This helps in getting the most affected into the discussion table so that they “learn” more the
ropes of voicing out their concerns.
 Launched a dialogue on the Neo Liberal economic policies and how they affect poor and marginalized
people through educating the activists on National Physical Plan-2030 of the government, which the
activists began to motivate and animate the members to understand the economic realities.
 10 women leaders (NAFSO members+ 2 activists) have registered candidates at the forthcoming local
government election. Two from Batticaloa, 4 from Matara, one from Putthlam, one from Kilinochchi
and two from Negombo.
 2 women leaders of the women federation participated General Assembly of the World Forum of Fisher
Peoples’ held at New Delhi in India and brought the Sri Lankan fisher women issues to the global forum
of fisher people. The strong women involvement in fisheries issues in SL was highlighted and
appreciated by fellow participants.
 District Fisheries Solidarity Movement established own office in Jaffna with the support of NAFSO &
other concern organizations.
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 Valarpiray Women District Committee of Mannar district got 500,000 LKR from the divisional
secretariat for road development for Pesalai of 50 village housing scheme due to continuous lobbying
being organized by the Valarpiray women district committee.
11. Policy and Advocacy:

Objective:
The necessity to focus Key National policies, laws or implementing structures on fisheries and land more on the
security and livelihood of SSF families and for the protection of natural resources has been recognized at
political level.
Activity:
As first step 15membered team was trained for the data collection, Priority was given for youth group members
(one from each district). Attached to the group a one member of district staff was also educated to assist the
district researcher and monitor the district data collection process.
The research included collection of personal data of 50 person’s sample of affected people by land grabbing in
each district and collection of GPS location data on grabbed land locations. The collection of data carried out in
15 districts where NAFSO works in.
Achievements:
The trained group identified and collected data on land issues together with geographical location data in most
of the areas. (Data in some areas were unable to gather, due to security reasons)
20 land issues has been identified by all district group where lands has been grabbed directly by a government
institution or government has indirectly supported to another party to grab the lands belongs or occupied by the
people. Availability of specific data such as geographical location data, ownership and relevant documents on
ownership on land
Activity:
Preparation and publish of online map
Achievements:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EXvdyfpqbxIICmnHM4aN933hXEU609yC&usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kRNc0xmaG93FtqXfO7g3_GStrId7-L7J&usp=sharing
Activity:
Preparation and publishing data base on grabbed lands
https://landdatabase.blogspot.com
Achievements:
A database on grabbed lands was built together with the Mapping, which contains the details of affected people
and details on the issue. Violation of VGGT guidelines can be identified through those issues in the map and
database. Data base will be used in future advocacy and lobby work on land rights
Activity:
A consultation meeting with Professionals was organized to collect their opinion for the fisheries policy update
and get their opinion on government fisheries policy draft which was open for public comments.
The program was held with professionals with different areas of professions that included members from
government institutions relevance wit fisheries, Academics from different universities and Civil society
members.
30 | P a g e
Together with consultation we initiated a federation of professionals to work on small-scale fisheries in policy
level mainstreaming voluntary guidelines of SSF by FAO. Professor Oscar Amarasinghe who is prominent
academic figure in fisheries elected as president while NAFSO’s Convenor Mr. Herman Kumara acting as Vice
President of the Sri Lanka forum for Small-scale fisheries (SLFSSF).
The event was conducted in Kelaniya University auditorium. There were more than 40 participants including
professionals from ministry of fisheries, National aquatic research and development institute, academics from
three universities and civil society members.
http://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/national-fisheries-policy-draft-is-open.html
Professor Oscar Amarasinghe is addressing Part of the participants of government officers at the
the policy briefing audience at university of Kelaniya policy briefing meeting held at University of
Kelaniya
Achievements:
The consultation gives a valuable inputs to the fisheries policy which were included in the submitted report to
the ministry of fisheries to consider to include in to fisheries policy already in the process as well as inputs are
using in advocacy process among communities on fisheries policy after including them in to the people’s
fisheries policy. Furthermore, the meeting gave us opportunity to establish a professional’s forum, which will
work as professional’s interactive platform to advocate on small-scale fisheries. It will also act in share in
information, assisting the state in policy making and implementation, voicing the needs of the small-scale
fishing communities, establishes links with regional and international organizations who work towards
sustainable small-scale fisheries, specially on VGSSF by FAO.
Activity:
17 public consultation meetings (Two in Trincomalee and one with NAFSO district staff) were conducted in all
15 districts NAFSO works in. Programs were conducted after educating the matters in government policy
proposal draft.
People were given written and verbal comments for the Government proposal and also additional proposals to
include in to the document we are preparing to submit to the government. Community members and community
leaders participated in consultation meetings of each districts.
Community members from 15 different locations who involved in different types of fisheries livelihoods were
among the majority participants. Apart from fishers, farmers also participated in inland areas. We expected 300
community members to meet and were able to consult 285 out of that 108 were females.
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Polonnaruwa district:
Date: - Jan 11th 2018
32 persons participated to the program that included 21 females. Participants from Inland fisheries and farmer
communities participated.
Ampara District
Date: - 12th Jan 2018
24 male participants were participated in the program all were fishermen.
Batticaloa District
Date: - 15th January 2018
25 persons from fishing communities were participated to the program and 2 were females.
Trincomalee District
40 participants were there at the program, which included 10 female participants from fisheries community of
the district.
Gampaha District
20 participants were there at the program including 12 females from Marine and lagoon fisher communities.
Puttlam District
22 participants were present at the program that included 8 females. All were from lagoon and marine fisheries
sectors.
Mannar District
Date: - 22nd Jan 2018
19 were participated which includes 11 females from marine and lagoon fisheries communities.
Matara District
Date: - 23rd Jan 2018
21 Participated including 11 female participants from marine fisheries communities.
Galle District
17 persons participated including 9 female participants from lagoon and marine fishery communities.
Jaffna District
Date:- 25th Jan 2018
16 were participated 9 out of 16 were females from marine fishery community.
Mulative District
22 participants including 14 females were participated to the program.
Kilinochchi District
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Date:- 26th Jan
19 community members were participated to the program (all male)
Kurunegala District
Date:- 2nd Feb
22 were participated including 1 female participant.
Monaragala District
33 participants were participated (all male)
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/district-consultations-for-fisheries.html
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/nafso-started-peoples-consultation-on.html
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/consultations-of-district-activists-on.html
Achievements:
Through the inputs from the communities we were able to prepare comprehensive fisheries policy proposal to
the government. NAFSO involved in educating them comprehensively on the government fisheries policy
proposal and participants given their overview with new proposals to include in fisheries policy. NAFSO will
also include their proposals in people’s fisheries policy updates, which is already in use in advocacy and lobby
work on fisheries policy establishment process.
Activity
Preparation of Policy document with the updates, The Report was produced with the inputs of fisher
communities and professionals from relevant fields as well as inputs from the VGSSF and VGGT documents as
a product for submits to the ministry of fisheries to included in to fisheries Policy.
Achievements:
The report prepared with proposals and comments given by fisher community, farmers and professionals, civil
society were submitted to the ministry of fisheries. Matters recommended by the people and professionals from
the VGSSF, VGGT as well as from UN-SEDAW treaty also included as recommendations for the national
fisheries policy.
Activity:
The report prepared by NAFSO was submitted to the ministry of fisheries. On behalf of the policy formulation
committee, secretary to the ministry accepted the report after a brief discussion with NAFSO’s representatives to
the event.
http://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/policy-proposal-submission-to-ministry.html
Achievement:
With the given opportunity selected representatives from NAFSO met with the several officers from Ministry of
Fisheries and submitted the prepared report after brief discussion. Secretary of MoF accepted the report with
an assurance of consideration the matters proposed by communities during the finalizing the fisheries policy
draft prepared by the authorities of the government.
33 | P a g e
Mr. Hettiarachchi, Head of the policy drafting Secretary of MoF is receiving the NAFSO drafted policy
committee in MoF refers the NAFSO proposal proposals from Admin Secretary, Pradeep Wanigasuriya
of NAFSO
Activities:
Media briefing was conducted in the form of dialogue between fisher communities and media personals from
several institutions on the Fisheries policy draft submitted and the results of discussion conducted with
authorities.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/peoples-media-dialogue-on-peoples.html
Achievements:
Representatives from partner organizations of National Fisheries Solidarity from about 12 districts around the
country and community leaders, representatives of fisher unions and other civil society organizations
participated used this opportunity to share their experience on ground level realities in fisheries and to explain
what they expect from Fisheries policy preparing by Ministry of Fisheries.
Several Medias including TV channels and web based news channels have published the news based on the
discussion.
Mr. Herman Kumara, National Convener Mr. Alam, Chairman of Northern Province Fisher People
of NAFSO is explaining the context of the meeting Unity is addressing the gathering
Activity:
Dialogue between authorities and NAFSO is continuing on voluntary guidelines on small-scale fisheries. (VG-
SSF). We were able to conduct a direct discussion with the government representatives who participated a
program on VGSSF at Negombo for community leaders and activists of NAFSO.
34 | P a g e
In another event as platform for policy formulation on empower women was organized and conducted with the
participation of women affairs minister and former secretary to the state women affair minister was held at
Jaffna public library and during the program we were able to raise the issues of fisher women and suggest to use
from VGSSF as tool for answering policy requirements on fisher women.
Apart from that, NAFSO created policy briefings on VGSSF and VGGT and submitted to the fisheries ministry.
http://www.nafso-online.org/2018/06/3rd-day-putting-vggt-vgssf-work-shop.html
Achievements:
VGSSF has become a main topic in dialogues between NAFSO and policy makers of the government and has
resulted. In the consultation meeting conducted with professionals on fisheries policy, we were able to deliver a
well-formulated message to the government authorities on importance of VGSSF.
Activities:
A report was prepared based on the survey conducted on grabbed lands, which were used by fisheries and
farmer communities in 15 districts where NAFSO works in. A filtered data on each land issues which were
selected from the survey and previously collected data by NAFSO were used. The report format was simplified
to a one A4 size hard paper for one land issue. A report with up to date data on grabbed lands were drafted. We
selected 13 land issues to consider and build the report based on them.
Achievement:
We were able to collect information on present situation of the communities who lost their lands. Also were able
to update old data that we had on land areas holed by the government and military forces and also on IDP camps
remaining in North. Land campaign is strengthening with the up-to-date information we have now. After the
printing of the report, it will use to educate people, authorities and media on the situation and ill effects to the
communities by land grabbing.
Basic findings:
Lands belong to People who are still in IDP camps in North Monaragala - Palwatta land issue which the people
work as labours in their lands without entitlements. Panama Land issue where farmer and fisher people driven
away by armed people in nine years ago and not allowed to settled down even after a cabinet decision taken to
release the land. Keppapialw land issue in Mulative where military occupying a village area belongs of 104
families. Trincomalee people are arsing land issue with mega city development project which could affect for
3000 families. Silawathura land issue in Mannar where Navy taken over a village. 111 families have been
displaced due to grabbing of 36 acres. Around 150-acres of land areas have been captured by military which
belongs to 69 families in Ashrofnagar, Ampara. 22 families have displaced due to grabbing of 2 acres of land
plot by Navy in Pallimunei, Mannar. The fisher people face difficulties due local and migrant fishers in
Mulative. Forest department is trying to remove farmer communities to build artificial elephant corridor in
Irudeniyaya in Kurunegala district. 230 families have been affected as a result of grabbing of Iranativu Island by
SL Navy in Kilinochchi.
35 | P a g e
People are campaigning against the land grabbing and demanding their land back
Activity:
Video Documentary was prepared on the land issue.We documented on most affected communities due to land
grabbing. Priority was given to fisher communities in all regions as continuing the violating of land tenure rights
in coastal belt. The video is being uploaded to NAFSO YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/iTrIp02mitU
Achievement:
A visual tool for lobby and advocacy on land right violation is available with NAFSO and online. The video can
use in education campaign on land issues.
Activity:
15-member districts deployed a poster campaign together on Land rights on 17th of November. The demands
were “Stop resource grabbing under the mask of blue green economic vision – Let us adopt people based
national fisheries, agriculture and land policies – Let us ensure food sovereignty. Posters were produced with
both Tamil and Singhala languages. 100 posters were pasted in each district.It produced a leaflet and distributed
among respected district communities
NAFSO together with district communities from 12 coastal districts and 3 inland districts come together to stage
a demonstration against land grabbing and demanding food sovereignty. The event was conducted parallel to
world fisheries day commemoration at Polonnaruwa on 21st of November. ~600 people participated in the
event. Fisheries Day commemoration meeting was held after the walking demonstration held.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/01/national-level-campaign-for-land-rights.html
Achievements:
Even though the link is not clear about the impact, our campaign as well as other CSO campaigns has
accumulated results in the field. Government authorities have taken steps to conduct land survey in Palwatta
and conducted land Kachcheri to find out related documentation and land issues of farmers
36 | P a g e
President Maithripala Sirisena announced that the people in North and East should be given back the land they
are entitled to.1 Military released 8.5 acres of land plots in total extent in Batticaloa on 27th Of December.
Accordingly, 2 plots of land in the Kilinochchi district, 194 and 285 acres, will be released to its rightful owners.
A 500 acres land in Mulative and a 120 acre land in Puthukudiyirippu are also due to be released, according to
the army.
Activity:
The ILO fisheries convention was translated into Singhala and Tamil language and printed, distributed among
district organizations to carryout discussions with local authorities.
Achievements:
Since ILO fisheries convention ratification by Inter National Labour Organization, Sri Lankan grass root level
communities had no chance to read or understand the content of the convention.Translation in to Singhala and
Tamil languages, 700 copies were printed and destributed among district communities.Content of the document
easily reach the grass root level as documents are available in both local languages.
Activity:
Two issues of NAFSO’s newsletter “Sindusara” were published during the time. The first issue focused on
women’s rights and related issues. 350 copies were printed and distributed among district communities. The
second issue was on environmental issues especially on plastic debris. 350 copies were released in second issue
too.
Achievement:
Two issues of printed “Sindusara” newsletter circulate 700 copies among communities. First issue was created
under the main theme of Women’s rights and gender equality situation in Sri Lanka, the necessity of courage
and temper for women participation in political arena, Women and environment etc were among the articles
included in the issue. The second issue was published on the topic of Environment pollution by Plastic. Some
youth members are also provided articles to the newsletter. 350 copies of each issue was printed and distributed.
Activity:
Training of proposal writing and Project Cycle Management was held. As the request by the participants, the
program was conducted exclusively on project writing. 26 activists of NAFSO were participated to the program
from 15 districts. The program was conducted by PALTRA on March 28th and 29th
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/proposal-writing-skill-development.html
Achievement:
Members from 4 districts out of participated district members Matara/Galle/Kurunegala Gampaha) drafted new
project proposals. Whether it was not successful in gathering funds, Matara district proposal was submitted to a
local funder. Others also hoping to submit their proposals once a suitable funder is found. 10 out of 26
participants were women activists.
37 | P a g e
Mr. Saman Hamangoda, The facilitator is giving Group discussion to complete the assignment
advice based on a practical activity
12. Gender and Women:

Main activities for Gender and women program 2018:
Conducted district women committee once in two months (Matara, Galle, Negombo, Jaffna, Mannar,
Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee)
 The “Marumalarchchi” Women district committee held it’s annual General body meeting on 20th April
at Kithul village at Batticaloa.
Elected new office bearers, Prepared action plan for the new year and assess the successes and failures
of the women group.
Most importantly the women admitted their failures individual basis as well as collective district group.
Women District Committee Meeting is being held in Miss. Wadiwel Amma, women leader is addressing the
Batticoloa: Herman & Lavena attending the meeting Meeting at women district committee meeting in Batticoloa
Need a strategic intervention to reunite the displaced people by war, between the people those got the land and
beginning the resettlement process and those who are still in the IDP camps for 29 years since 1990.
The district committee of Jaffna held at Thangachchimadam on 7th July. There were some heated arguments
between two groups regarding how to engage the land rights issues.
N. Inbanayagam the Jaffna district coordinator of NAFSO said, “We are happy when people get their land back
and resettled. If people say we did this ourselves is what we are happy to hear. But the unfortunate thing is the
people attribute the hard and risky work to other people and garland them who did not even open their mouth for
support.”
38 | P a g e
Finally, the district committee prepared a plan how to approach authorities to get the support for resettlement as
well as get the land back.
“Poonthalir” District women committee held at Jaffna, Leader of the group Tharmarajinie is addressing the group while
the secretary and the treasurer of the group and the other participants in the audience.
Valarpiri Women District Meeting:
Mannar District Fisheries Solidarity Movement conducted district committee meeting of "Valarpirai" District
Women Federation in Mannar on 1st June.
Valarpiri women district meeting is being held at the center of Mannar District Fisheries Solidarity
"THENDRAL” Women District Federation conducted it's district committee meeting in Mullaithevu on 31st
May, 2018. Members discussed following issues and plan out them future action.
The main Issues discussed:
* Land issues and displaced community members in Keppapulawu.
* Livelihood issues of Women headed Families
* Communication issues between Government structures and People
* Basics needs for Resettlement people
During the discussions, the members said that "We don't know about Right to Information. We want to know
about it because we have to deal with Government officers for our issues and basic needs.
39 | P a g e
"Kilakku Sooriyan" District Women Federation:
"Kilakku Sooriyan" District Women Federation conducted it's District committee meeting on 12 of July 2018 at
Akkaraipaththu in Ampara district. The team decided to organize the general discussion with Government
Officials and Authorities on Village level issues. The main issues emerged at the discussion are given below;
* Land issues at Ashraf Nagar due to military interventions,
* Human & Elephant conflict and crisis of the current development model,
* Drinking water problem of the local communities,
* House skin issues at Deegavapi settlement,
* Small loan system & micro finance schemes,
* Pre- school issues for the village children,
“Kilakku Sooriyan” district women federation is being held at Akkaraipaththu in Ampara Women leaders are facilitating
the meeting.
13. Youth and Environment:

Objective:
Y-MESOC is strengthened and capacitated to direct local communities on disaster risk reduction and sustainable
natural resource management.
Activity:
The situation that garbage has created in the country and in the world was identified by the youth and designed
according to their request. Selected members from district youth groups from14 partner organizations of 13
districts were participated to the garbage management-training program conducted by NAFSO. The program
held on March 15th and 16th.3 persons from each district were participated to the program. Two-day program
was consisted with theory and practical sessions on garbage management.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/training-of-trainers-on-household.htm
Achievements:
20 youth together with 12 activists from 12 districts participated to the garbage management training conducted
for 2 days in March 2018. About 30% young participants were new members. (~ 0.6% of new members over
the existing membership)Trained participants have engaged in district level trainings for their youth group
members.12 District organizations possess at least one youth members and one activist who can deliver training
on garbage management in household level.
40 | P a g e
Mr. Anurada, Consultant of Garbage Management A part of youth participants in the training at Negombo
In the Municipal Council in Colombo is explaining the on
Going practices of garbage management efforts of the GOSL
Activity:
Two day training for a selected youth group on survey method and tools to conduct survey in 15 districts, the
program was conducted with the objective of identifying of community hazards and vulnerabilities, using PRA
tools in each district where participants come from.
Selected youth leaders from 14 district organizations were participated to the training program conducted on 9th
to 11th of May 2018 by NAFSO. Tools on Participatory Rural appraisal (PRA) method were trained during 3-
day training program conducted at Negombo.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2018/09/training-for-youth-on-identifying.html
Achievement:
27 members from youth groups and 14 activists from 14 districts participated to the program conducted in
Negombo and out of 27 youth 11 were female and one out of two youth was a new member.
All participants are now skilful with 6 PRA research tools to use in research on disaster manage.
Each group has conducted the PRA based research in relevant district. Two separate disaster issues were
identified in two villages in each area and completed their fieldwork. Research reports from all districts were
submitted to the NAFSO office and finalisation process has started.
Mr. Gamini Tilakarathne is involving Group discussion in the PRA training on
41 | P a g e
In educating the youth on PRA survey for DRRM program DRRM program
Activity:
Trained youth and the staff of district organizations conducted the household garbage management programs in
all 15 districts. Most of the districts have reached their target of educating 100 members from 100 families of
the district.
 Galle district.
73 women and 34 men from 9 villages have been educated and trained on the subject.
Link: https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/01/household-garbage-management-and.html
 Matara District:
77 Women and 15 men have been educated on the subject from 16 village areas.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/garbage-is-resource-matara-district.html
 Monaragala District:
65 Women and 46 men have been educated on the subject from 6 village areas and one Sunday school.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/01/sustainability-through-garbage.html
 Kurunegala District
95 Women and 68 men have been educated on the subject from12 village areas were educated. This
included 84 members of the youth group.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/01/improve-womens-participation-in.html
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-youth-group-educated-on-household.html
 Polonnaruwa District
60 Women and 30 men have been educated on the subject from 8 village areas. This includes youth
group members too.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/garbage-management-program-miridiya.html
 Puttalam District
83individual (52 Women and31 Men) have been educated on the subject from 13village areas.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/putlam-district-faces-threat-of.html
 Kaluthara District
105 Women and 16 men have been educated on the subject from 10 village areas and one Sunday
school.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/garbage-management-training-for.html
 Gampaha District
103 Women and12 men have been educated on the subject from 7 village areas.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/negombo-youth-conducted-household.html
 Mannar District
 Jaffna District
58 families (40 women and 18 men) have been educated on the subject from 2 welfare camps. Both
villagers are IDP camps.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/education-on-garbage-management-jaffna.html
 Kilinochchi District
20 Women have been educated on the subject from 3 village areas.
 Mullativu District
42 | P a g e
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/03/district-level-garbage-management.html
 Trincomalee District
 Ampara District
Achievement:
1174 Individuals which includes 821 women and 353 men form115 number of villages from 14 districts have
been educated and trained on household garbage management practices. (by ethnicity 890 Singhala,193 Tamils
and 91 Muslims have been educated)
Two youths from two village areas of each district were involved in training of communities as they were
trained to educate the communities in district level communities on garbage management. All together they have
conducted about 60 training sessions in 14 districts (no data on Batticaloa)
13 families from Kurunegala district, in Dematagala, which trained on compost production uses their skills to
improve their home garden production and grow food for the family.
Kurunegala youth group who are from Polpithigama central collage involved in preparing compost using
organic wastes in school and the program is successful in managing garbage.
Activity:
NAFSO conducted tree planting program in all 15 districts as planned. On tree planting program, NAFSO came
to a common agreement with the district coordinators to allow a district youth group to put up plant nursery
centrally and distribute plant. Kurunegala district group took over the work. On June 2018 we taken the
requests from district activists on type of plants (Species) they needed as it differs according to the geography
and climate condition as well as space they have of the area.
The program was planned to conduct in September - October time period since no need of watering the plants as
monsoon starts and it rains until end of December. Plants were distributed as requested by district groups.
Highly populated Suburb areas like Negombo have no enough space to plant forest plant. So less number of
plants was distributed and all were domestic fruit plants.
Before implementing the program, an awareness session was conducted by the district staff for the participants
who included importance of trees/forests to the environmental health and effects of climate change.
https://nafsochronicles.blogspot.com/2019/02/repanting-with-youth.html
Achievements:
In Ampara and Jaffna government officials participated to the event. Matara youth together with elders and
religious community leader participated to the program.
Climate consciousness was created among participants through the program. Continuous process to protect
trees and newly planted trees around the own environment, has been created by the district groups. Kurunegala
district youth members who took the responsibility of plant nursery has decided to continue the nursery and
provide plants if required by district organizations and get income through selling plants. Kurunegala District
youth group has involved in planting more than 300 plants in the areas as they had ample plants and space. We
were able to plant 2200 trees exceeding our target of 1500.
43 | P a g e
2200 plants were distributed among district youth group and planted. By the end of December 1585 plants were
in good health which is 72% success rate.
Plant nursery in Kurunegala conducted by Chanaka Delivering the plants to districts organizations
Pradeep of Mihimawage Daruwo Youth Organization by Mihimawage Daruwo Organization
In Polpithigama.
Activity:
PRA research was conducted to identify community hazards and vulnerabilities and resources vis-à-vis climate
change on the fisheries resources and fisher community. We targeted 2 areas/villages from each district with
two different hazard risks and conducted the research.
Two reports were produced by each district based on the research findings. (Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa
produced only one report each)
Analysing and compiling workshop was conducted together with district groups who conducted the PRA
research .As some collected research data is not credible or deficient, we had to spend much of the time to do
the corrections in individual PRA reports prepared by the groups. We were able to make an outline for the main
report using those PRA 28 district level reports.
Achievements:
Credible 28 district PRA reports available as base for the main report preparation. Combined draft PRA report is
available created based on 28 district reports.
Activity:
A draft disaster mitigation Manuel was prepared in Singhala language and translation has been planned to Tamil
language. A trial was carried out in field with youth in Negombo to asses the practicality and understandability
of the mannuel before the translation and printing of the disaster Manuel. We have developed and included 10
training modules for community level DRR trainings.
44 | P a g e
Achievements:
NAFSO youth groups will be using this Manuel to educate communities in their villages on disaster.
Preparedness and will help to reduce the effects to such communities. Draft Manual has been used to test the
practicality of the content.
Activity:
Annual General Body meeting of Y-MESOC was conducted in "Kamataha" training centre in Puthlam district.
During the two-day time period, group discussed on the district level programs conducted as well as progress in
youth movement building. On second day, time was allocated to discuss on youth and envioronment work
proposals for next three years.
Achievements:
Youth membership has increased up to 1,032 which is about 18% increase in membership. 65 Youth members
form 13 districts participated to the annual general body meeting. Youth and environment work conducted for
last 12 months of 2018 were evaluated by the participants. District plans for next 12 months in 2019 were
reviled by the district groups. Proposals were drown for activities to carryout for next three year work plan for
the BFTW.
Mr. Pradeep Laksiri Fernando, Youth and Environmental A youth leader, Chanaka Pradeep is addressing
Coordinator of NAFSO is addressing the Youth AGM at the youth after he elected as the Chairperson
Mundel, Puttlam, at the Youth AGM, 2018
Activity:
Two news letters were generated during the time period. Each Newsletter is focussing specific area of concern.
In our third issue, we focused on "food". Food without poisons, Organic farming, revitalizing the earth, Health
effect of inorganic agriculture. Traditional Vocabulary of paddy farmers (in paddy field) were among the topics
discussed. Responsibility for the 4th quarter newsletter was taken by Kurunegala district youth group to writing
articles. Selecting of articles and editing was done by the editorial board of NAFSO.
Achievements:
District staff using the newsletter to educate district communities during group meetings conducted monthly.
We submit the newsletter to other likeminded organization as well. There are youth and elderly members who
are interested in writing are submitting articles to the newsletter. NAFSO editorial board is selecting suitable
article to be published.
45 | P a g e
Activity:
District youth group meetings were held in 15 districts. One meeting was held in September parallel to tree
planting work and used the time to educate the youth on importance of protecting and replanting of trees and
deforestation effects to the environment and people. Meeting was held bimonthly and meeting day is fixed by
the district youth group and mainly focussing on planning and monitoring of youth activities as well as youth
group membership development.
Achievements:
Youth group meetings have been held accordingly in all 15 districts. Youth Membership up to December 2018
as follows. Jaffna – 60, Kilinochchi- 40, Mulative – 35, Trincomalee – 40, Baticaloa – 35, Ampara- 60,
Monaragala – 40, Matara – 100, Galle – 55, Kaluthara- 32, Gampaha- 60, Puthlam- 60, Kurunegala- 120,
Polonnaruwa- 200 and Mannar- 35.Sofar 1032 youth have taken membership. Some members who were being
members for few years of the Y-MESOC youth groups have left due to some personal reasons.
Mr. Laksiri Fernando, Youth and Environmental Some participants of the youth meeting in Matara
Coordinator is addressing the youth meeting in
Matara
Activity:
District level youth group meetings have been conducting regularly except for Mulative, Kilinochchi and
Monaragala (for different reasons). The groups are meeting once in two months for discuss future plans and
evaluate previous actions specially.
Achievement:
13 out of 15 districts started to conduct their bimonthly meetings to discuss their activities and evaluate them.
Generally as activity groups are conducting educational program including trainings by youth members who got
trainings through NAFSO’s training programs and also they are involving environment protection activities.
Youth are engaging in lobby activities to protect the environment. (e.g.:- Lobby activities against port city
Youth conducted a beach cleaning program on May in Negombo and a program on planting mangroves in June.
More than 150 mangrove plants were planted on edge of the Negombo lagoon. Some youth members involving
in article writing to the “Sindusara” newsletter, which is printed by NAFSO. Almost all youth groups in
districts have increased their membership except for Kilinochchi district so far.
46 | P a g e
14. Active Citizenship for Development Network: ( UNDEF)
United Nations Democracy Fund [UNDEF] supported to conduct this work through Law and Society
Trust. National Fisheries Solidarity Movement is one of the partners of UNDEF project which is lead
by Law and Society Trust ( LST). Center for Society and Religion [CSR] and Uva Community
Development Center are the other partners of the network. The overall objective of the project is to
contribute to build a culture of governance where citizens, state and non-state actors work together to
achieve more inclusive and sustainable local development outcomes for citizen in Sri Lanka. The
specific objective is to strengthen the participation of civil society in the development process of local
government policy and its implementation for promoting effective and participatory governance,
transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka.
NAFSO implemented the project activities in 11 local government domains such as Thelippillei
Pradeshiya Sabha, Wadamarachchi East Pradeshiya Sabha, Trincomalee Urban Council and Town and
Gravest Pradeshiya Sabha, Addalachcheni Pradeshiya Sabha, Mannar Urban Council and Pradeshiya
Sabha, Musali Pradeshiya Sabha. Three new Citizen Forums were formed in Muttur in Trincomalee,
Aliyadiwembu and Tririkkovil in Ampara district. Although there were 11 local government domains,
it properly functioned 9 citizen forums in this period. There was an issue related to Thelippillei in
Jaffna. Aliyadiwembu and Tririkkovil citizen forum worked collaboratively as one citizen forum.
The citizen forums process highly concerned the most marginalized people in order to organize toward
develop capacities in participating on development process. It initiated to encourage the voiceless
people to participate in the governing to ensure their rights on development because opportunities are
not given them and their expectations and needs are not included in the mainstream decision making
steps. It organized the indigenous people who are living in Sampur as a citizen forum. Responsible
authorities do not initiate to provide services for the indigenous community systematically. They are
facing number of difficulties. Their land rights have not been ensured because it has decided to use
their land in order to build a power plant. Not having drinking water facilities is one of the major issues
of them. The citizen forum process was able to organize the indigenous people and started dialogue
with local government.
Planned activities were conducted in order to achieve the target of the project. Members were
organized around the citizen forums as a platform which can be used to keep coordination with local
government authorities on development. It concerned to develop the capacities and understanding of
the citizen forum members. And citizen forums participated in the process which worked toward ensue
the right of the people on development. Regular meeting of the citizen forums were held and people
participated in the meeting actively. Citizen forum members shared their experience through the
exchange meetings. Women participation in the citizen forum was high and women were mentored to
undertake the leadership positions. Citizen forum process conducted two awareness programs for the
staff of the local government bodies in Mannar and Muttur in order to enhance the understanding
related national policy on local government and their roles. This effort made a good opportunity to
build up the relationship with the local government bodies.
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Regional citizen forum meeting in Mannar Citizen Forum met the Commissioner of Local
Government in Mannar
Active Citizenship for Development Network [ACDN]
The Active Citizenship for Development Network has four partner organizations such as National
Fisheries Solidarity Movement, Center For Society and Religion, Uva Community Development
Center, and, the Law and Society Trust. NAFSO implements the project based in coordination with
the Urban Council in Mannar district and Town & the Gravest Pradeshiya Sabha and Urban Council in
Trincomalee district
National Fisheries Solidarity Movement backed up the people to take actions toward to approach the
aim organizing poorest and most marginalized people in order to ensure ESCR through the
intervention of citizen participation based on the citizen forum process. Our attempt was to strengthen
the people participation in local governance through participation of citizen and civil society actors in
decision making by implementing the planned activities accordance the project in this period. We tried
to contribute in the conversation/ campaign to establish the ESCR as a fundamental right through
constitution reform. According to the boundaries, NAFSO facilitated to implement the project
activities to contribute the whole process of ensuring the ESCR in the country.
Strengthening the vulnerable and most marginalized people based on the citizen forum was an
important effort because their voice should be included in governance as well. Most marginalized
people live without voice in the grass root level suffering from various issues. We tried most
marginalized people to be bind with the common campaign as an important partner. Village level
meetings were conducted to identify and encourage the excluded groups to be engaged with the citizen
forums in Mannar and Trincomalee districts. Meetings were organized with the citizen forums to give
a space to the marginalized people as well as to engage with common social struggle in taking actions
toward to ensure the ESCR of the citizens. It attempted to give an understanding about the ESCR and
fundamental rights for the citizen forum members. Awareness programs for CFs on ESCR and
Fundamental rights were organized in Mannar and Trincomalee in this project period. NAFSO has
initiated in engaging with the international mechanism submitting reports such as UPR, CEDAW and
ESCR with the collaboration of civil society organizations. NAFSO led conversations in order to
consult the people about ESCR and UPR committee’s recommendations in relation to CSOs report in
2017.
48 | P a g e
Conversations were organized as a part of CSOs intervention to aware the people about the
recommendations on ESCR and UPR in Mannar and Trincomalee. Citizen forums visited the LGIs
regularly to convince different issue of the people handing over the petitions to the chairman but the
council of the LGIs did not function this period. Citizen forums met the secretary of the LGIs in
Mannar and Trincomalee districts. Not only the secretary of the LGIs but also citizen forum visited the
Assistant Commissioner of the Local Government in Mannar and Trincomalee districts in this project
period. District Citizen Voice meeting which is the district level gathering to lead the advocacy
campaign was held in both districts. District Citizen Voice highly concerned the attempt of the
government to implement the National Physical Plan based on the Trincomalee district. There is a
threat for the many citizen forum members who live in the land which belong to the government. There
is a master plan of the government to build Metro Region in Trincomalee. It has to ensure customary
right of the people although there is no legal deed to ensure the right of the land. District Citizen Voice
involved ensuring the ECSR of the people taking actions in different ways. NAFSO used different
Medias to disseminate information related to social struggle continually.
NAFSO printed the 3 volumes of “Sindusara” magazine with the support of project allocation. The
magazine is printed by the organization to publish and share the findings/ information in relation to the
activities which are implemented by NAFSO. ESCR and related issues were highlighted in the
magazines. Gatherings were organized to strengthen the link with the like-minded organizations in this
period but NAFSO as well as citizen forums usually keep coordination with other CSOs when organize
the campaigns in the field. The citizen forums convened the advocacy dialogue with the political
representatives and government officers to convince the important of establishing ESCR in Mannar
and Trincomalee districts. Meetings were organized in both districts. There was a good dialogue in the
meeting. Commissioner of local government also participated in the discussion. Two leadership
trainings were held to build up the capacities of the citizen forum members in order to take the
responsibility to lead the social struggle. It used the street drama to motivate the campaigners to be
participated in the social struggle with spirit.
Awareness programs for CFs on ESCR and Leadership development training for the community
Fundamental rights in Trincomale leaders in Trincomale
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15. Community Tourism:
Under the Community Tourism program of National Fisheries Solidarity Movement ( NAFSO), 17
representatives of Asian Health Organization ( AHI) arrived to Sri Lanka on 21 of March 2018. The
team visited several places in Negombo, Polpithigama and Kandy within their tour. NAFSO arranged
home stay for them being organized the members of the organization in Negombo and Polpithigama.
The AHI team experienced the economic, social, cultural and political situation in the country. They
studied the life style and health situation as well as tasted the local food in the home stay in
Polpithigama.
AHI team was able to get the experience about the life pattern of the fisher community, women
engagement of fisher industry, conventional food in the home stay in Negombo. The group visited the
line house in the plantation sector in Kandy. The team stayed 2 days in the line houses with the family
members. Community of tea state has a different culture and life pattern. AHI team experienced the
situation of the area. The team stayed 11 days in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Herman Kumara, National Convener AHI team learn about the organization of NAFSO
of NAFSO is welcoming a representative of the Japanese team
50 | P a g e
16.Finance Summary:
17.Way Forward:
Year 2019 would be more challenging year. On one hand it is everyone now focus
attention on elections, mainly provincial councils as almost all of the terms will be over
this year. At the same time, the debt crisis would be serious and GOSL need to focus
attention to pay instalment for the loan. Last year, GOSL has to give away 15,000 acres
of land adjacent to Hambantota harbor as a result of the failure to pay the loan
instalment to China. So, the alternative is to cut off the subsidies to poor in the country
while facing the danger of losing the election. Our challenge is to demand the funds
allocations from the government for wellbeing and welfare assistance to the
communities whom we are working.
Continuation of the Land for landless and the IDPs are some work ahead of us. This
51 | P a g e
would be challenging as GOSL says they have released 95% of private own land while
this is not the real picture of the situation. Convince the authorities and getting civil
society support for the land rights campaigns will be hard part of our work. We do
hope our role to motivate as well as mobilize the communities will be a challenge.
However, our hope is Power of People. Forming the people base and motivating to
demand the rights is our main tasks ahead. Our hope is women leadership. They have
the courage and take the leadership in difficult moments in the past. We do hope this
will be the reality in the future too.
Also, youth will be the future of our work. Importantly, youth demand their space not
tomorrow, but they want it today itself. We do hope youth engagement to make the
environment is most important part of the work. Because, as we are living today, the
environment is facing serious threat and our youth take serious look in to address
those issues. Our role is to utilize the youth energy they possess to make the world a
livable one for all.
52 | P a g e

Annual Progress Report 2018

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Annual Progress Report 2018

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ANNUAL REPORT

NATIONAL FISHERIES SOLIDARITY

“Progress requires setbacks; the only sure way to avoid failure

2. Year 2018 in Brief – Convener’s message

5. Vision, Mission and Direction of NAFSO

6. Geographical coverage of the organization

7. Map of the working districts

9. Land Rights Campaigns

10.Internally Displaced People

11. Policy and Advocacy

12.Gender Justice and Women

13.Youth and Environment

14.Active Citizenship for Development Network

15.Community Tourism Program

Name of the Organization -National Fisheries Solidarity Movement

Registration Number/Registered date -L 18201/ 2001. 01. 25

Telephone Number -+-94 031 223 9750

Fax No. -+-94 314 870 658

Web site -www.nafso-online.org

Name of the Head of the Organization -Herman Kumara

Position -National Convener

Responsible for Administrative matters: Pradeep Wanigasuriya

Position : Admin Secretary

Financial Responsibility :Lawrance Shanthikumar

6. GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE OF THE ORGANIZATION

 Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts in the Eastern Province;

 Puttlam and Kurunegala districts in the Northwestern Province;

 Gampaha and Kaluthara districts in Western Province;

 Galle and Matara districts in Southern Province;

 Monaragala district in Uva Province; and

 Polonnaruwa district in North /Central Province.

Name of Organization Postal Contact Person Contact Contact Email ID

Members of the Board of Trustees

Members of the Management Committee of the Year 2018

Land Rights Campaigns:

Plantation Tamil community in Maskeliya/ Ashrof Nagar-IDPs/ Ragamvila village/Sashthrawela/ Pasikuda/

Mr.Francis Raajan, Coordinator of PA Mr. Jagath Liyanarachchi, lawyer educates the

Prof. Sumanasiri Liayanage is addressing Participants of the scholars meeting held at

Achievements of the Network during the Past six months

Failures and challenges:

7) Government policies called "vision 2025" will affect the campaign,

Providing leagal support for the land campaigns :

B1 Build capacity of community leaders (Total-five programs ,185 participants [M-53,F-132]

Capacity development training in Ampara Group discussion of the training in Ampara

PARL meeting in Ampara PARL meeting in Ampara

Prepare report on land grabbing and translate to English and Tamil:

Public event to mobilize broader support for policy changes

Assessment of current livelihood situation and vulnerabilities of returned/evicted families

Livelihood & skill development Trainings

Action taken to manage these Challenges

Mr. Sampath Pushpakumara, Lawyer is addressing A part of participants of the workshop

Achievements / results of this process:

11. Policy and Advocacy:

12. Gender and Women:

Valarpiri Women District Meeting:

13. Youth and Environment:

Mr. Gamini Tilakarathne is involving Group discussion in the PRA training on

Active Citizenship for Development Network [ACDN]

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