Traveling Photo Story Exhibition
ABOUT US
“The lack of desire for justice has put us in a miserable state. Hence, ‘Uncover’ is dedicated to truth, justice, and life.”
ABOUT ACT NOW
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.
Our mission is to safeguard democracy at every level and to influence decision-making institutions through collective action, advocacy, and civic engagement. By equipping and mobilizing grassroots youth with knowledge and skills on human rights, good governance, democracy, justice, and peace, we nurture a generation of active citizens ready to challenge injustice and shape a more just, inclusive, and democratic Sri Lanka.
Act Now is a movement driven by young people who choose to speak up, participate, and act for the future of the country.
“It is a shameful fact that no constructive effort has been made to eliminate the slave-like life of malaiyaha Tamils.“
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PROJECTS COMPLETED
Lest we just exist and die
Sri Lanka is the oldest democratic country in South Asia. But, yet, have the events taken place within our borders truly compatible with ‘democracy’? Reflect for a moment. How many people around you live in a constant state of injustice?
Do you know that Sri Lanka has the second highest number of enforced disappearances in the world? While the largest portion of national income should ideally be allocated to education or health, the highest allocation is for national security. One region in Sri Lanka is one of the most militarized areas globally. To date, 21 mass graves have been unearthed in this country, yet no fact-finding mechanism has been established for any of them.
The state has seized lands from ordinary people. Do you accept that Sri Lanka still subjects its biggest foreign exchange earners to slavery-like conditions? Impunity has been the only response to periodic violence against oppressed and minority groups. For decades, people’s movements, journalists, and social activists have been hunted down not only by criminal activities but also by constitutional laws.
However, we have collectively chosen not to discuss and give heed to these serious challenges to democracy, as they endanger our socio-political lives and force us out of our comfort zones. As a result, victims, their families, and victimized communities are isolated in their constant struggle for justice. Yet, many recent examples show that this history of great violence and injustice will one day collapse upon us.
Turning a blind eye to injustice is only a countdown to the day we become victims ourselves.
Arousing public sympathy by highlighting the experiences of victims of various injustices in Sri Lanka will not suffice to ensure justice. Through these photos and stories, you will confront the reality that we live in a country soaked in blood and tears. As you face this reality, victims hope you will stand in solidarity with them on their journey towards justice. We strongly believe that instead of just existing and dying, we should utilize every moment to work towards justice.
“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
visualizing justice through the lens
