Health Equity Matters and the Diversity and Solidarity Trust (DAST) are partnering to strengthen the capacity of emerging LGBTIQ+ community-led organisations across Sri Lanka. Building on collaboration under the Global Fund-supported SKPA-2 program, this new initiative funded by the Brennan Family Foundation focuses on improving governance, financial management and organisational sustainability among grassroots groups that play an essential role in advancing equity, inclusion and human rights – particularly in the area of LGBTIQ+ rights.
Through practical workshops and tailored technical assistance, DAST is supporting 10 organisations to formalise their constitutions, register with the NGO Secretariat, develop key operational policies, and build skills in resource mobilisation and communication.
The project also supports organisations to strengthen their visibility through professional profiles and active social media platforms.
Roshan De Silva, executive director of DAST said:
It is not enough to simply state that communities should be at the centre. Their capacities must be strengthened so they can claim that central role and sustain meaningful engagement. Through Health Equity Matters’ support for community-led organizations in Sri Lanka, we are contributing to build the skills and structures needed to ensure communities are not just included – but are empowered leaders in health and human rights responses.
This initiative builds on the foundations laid through the Global Fund supported SKPA-2 program, showing how complementary funding can extend and deepen impact. By investing in these community led organisations, we are helping to create the conditions for a stronger, more coordinated movement for LGBTIQ+ rights in Sri Lanka – one that contributes not only to the national HIV response, but also to the country’s broader progress toward equality and human rights for all.