Building Social Justice Cooperatives in Sri Lanka 

In Sri Lanka, The Social Architects (TSA) is revitalising participatory democracy and local economies through the creation of Social Justice Cooperatives (SJCs). Since 2019, TSA has mobilised rural communities across 60 villages to assert their rights and demand transparency from local authorities. 

In 2024 with support from KIOS, TSA established 19 active SJCs in 10 districts, conducting 885 field meetings that engaged over 14,000 people. These cooperatives became platforms for civic education, legal empowerment, and democratic participation. Members received training on the Right to Information Act, SDG goals, and human rights law. Importantly,SJC representatives took part in 45 local government meetings, marking a significant shift towards inclusive governance. 

Youth participation was a key component of the initiative. TSA set up 20 Children’s Shadow Pradeshiya Sabhas (CSPS), reaching over 7,000 children—many of whom were the sons and daughters of SJC members. These youth bodies explored local governance and justice, ensuring that the next generation develops the confidence and knowledge to influence decision-making. 

“Our communities have started to speak the language of rights.The SJCs enable people once silenced by fear and marginalisation to engage with power structures on their own terms.” – Sherine Xavier, Director

Photo: TSA.

KIOS has supported the work of TSA since 2019 with funding from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation.