UncoveR
truth | justice |Life
Lest we just exist and die
Act Now is a youth collective committed to advancing justice and strengthening democracy in Sri Lanka. Rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with informed and engaged citizens, Act Now works to amplify the voices of people from all walks of life and uphold the rights and freedoms of all communities.
Malaiyaha Tamil Community
2023 marked 200 years since the British colonialists brought people from South India to work on plantations in Sri Lanka. In the early 19th century, widespread famine and miserable living conditions in southern India forced the people to serve the British colonialists under slave-like conditions.
Enforced Disappearances
People were forcibly disappeared in mass numbers in Sri Lanka in two insurrections led by Janatha Vimukthi in 1971 and 1987-1989, and 3-decades long civil war. A large number of journalists have disappeared and many disappearances like the case of 11 youngsters who disappeared after being abducted in Colombo suburbs (known as Navy 11 case) happened in the South as well.
Land Grabbing
The Sri Lankan community is unable to enjoy their land rights due to various reasons such as militarization, land acquisition laws, land acquisition by government agencies such as the security forces, wildlife and archeology departments, and informal development projects.
Freedom of Religion or Belief
Extremist groups such as Bodu Bala Sena and Sinhala Ravaya spread extreme violence against Muslims. The destruction in Dargah, Digana, and Minuwangoda areas is proof of that. However, the law has not been enforced against any of that violence and justice has not been served.
Militarization
Sri Lanka is one of the most militarised countries in the world. In 2018, the World Bank estimated there were 317,000 service personnel in the country, twice the size of the UK’s regular forces. Successive governments have continued to allocate the highest allocation defence spending despite the end of the civil war in 2009.
Uncover Traveling
Exhibition
” The lack of desire for justice has put us in a miserable state. Hence, ‘Uncover’ is dedicated to truth, justice, and life. “
ACT NOW 2024