This report delves into the dynamics of social exclusion in Sri Lanka, where
systemic barriers rooted in ethnicity, gender, economic status, and other variables
prevent vulnerable communities from fully participating in society. Drawing on the
lived experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, plantation workers, ethnic minorities,
and persons with disabilities, it examines the multifaceted processes of exclusion
ranging from limited access to education and public services to disparities in
employment and land ownership. Highlighting the persistence of these issues
despite national commitments to free education and efforts toward fairness in legal
processes, the report underscores the enduring challenge of dismantling structural
barriers and prejudices.
Going beyond statistics, the report explores exclusion as both a state and a process,
emphasizing the subjective and objective dimensions of marginalized experiences.
Based on the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it
identifies actionable strategies for fostering inclusion and belonging. It calls for
public policies that are co-created with marginalized groups, recognizing that
meaningful inclusion not only alleviates inequality but also strengthens the fabric
of democracy and society. In a time of global and local calls for justice and equity,
this report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, activists, and citizens
committed to leaving no one behind.