Groundviews is a citizens journalism website based in Sri Lanka. The site uses a range of genres and media to highlight alternative perspectives on governance, human rights, the arts and literature, peace-building and other issues.
Latest posts by GroundViews
In Sri Lanka, a people’s uprising for system change
Sri Lankan jurist, author, poet, and activist Basil Fernando contemplates what lies ahead of Sri Lanka amidst the intensified anti-government protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Thugs attacked peaceful protesters, Sri Lanka in turmoil
After 30 days of peaceful protests, the Rajapaksa regime unleashed its thugs on the anti-government protesters in Colombo. The resignation of the Prime Minister followed and violence broke out amid curfew.
Sri Lankan state of emergency condemned locally and internationally
In the span of five weeks, the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared another state of emergency amid ongoing anti-government protests highlighting the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Redefining identities: Land encroachment in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province
Trincomalee’s claim to being at the centrality of Sri Lanka’s pluralistic and multicultural identity continues to be re-interpreted as a place homogenous to one race, one religion, one ethnicity.
To flee or not to flee? That is the question in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankans are facing the bleak prospect of a full-blown economic crisis, and one in four, mainly the young and educated, say they want to leave the country.
Who’s trying to silence the fearless voice of Sri Lankan journalist Tharindu Jayawardhana?
One of Sri Lanka’s most promising young journalists is facing intimidation following his reporting on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
Burqa ban in Sri Lanka would undermine national security and human rights
Many in Sri Lanka and abroad are condemning the impending ban on wearing burqas and other full-face coverings in public as a breach of human rights.
October – A bleak month for freedom of expression in Sri Lanka
This article offers a snapshot of challenges to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka during the month of October, 2020.
Understanding pandemic fatigue
As we continue to struggle to maintain safety measures, it is important for us to shift from a culture of blaming to one that supports and leads with kindness.
Actually, anti-Blackness has everything to do with Sri Lanka
"As long as colonial legacies continue to govern our sense of identity, politics, and society. . . we will continue to be complicit in anti-Blackness."
Reactions to the presidential pardon of Sri Lankan rightwing religious leader
"Given Gnanasara’s past record of hateful speech, the Presidential pardon amounted to disrespect to all those who had suffered religious freedom violations in Sri Lanka."
The Sri Lanka Niqab ban and the politics of distraction
Ever since the identification of the all-male group of bombers behind the massacre as members of militant group ISIS, Muslim women have borne the brunt.
White flags: Sri Lankans in mourning
Sri Lankans are still coming to terms with the death of hundreds during the terrorist attacks on April 21, 2019. The colour white is used to symbolise mourning in Sri Lanka.
The challenges of mapping street harassment in Sri Lanka go beyond data collection
Even when women do make police reports, they must battle a victim-blaming culture and a system that is insensitive to the needs of survivors of sexual abuse.
150 years of Ceylon Tea: A day in the life of a plantation worker
The wages Sri Lankan plantation workers earn are nowhere near enough to bear the costs of living for the family, so many are forced to look for work elsewhere.
Stories of Sri Lankans who are “Taking a Stand” for democracy
“Though I’m 92 years old, I feel I must make a stand for democracy.”
For most Sri Lankans, bribery is just a fact of life
The establishment of a new Special High Court dedicated exclusively to hear cases of corruption spurs debate about the phenomenon's ubiquity in all sectors of society.
An uneven playing field for female candidates in Sri Lanka
"They expect more women to come into politics, but when there's no support for us or action taken against harassers, we are left wondering if we are wasting our time."
Building Resilience: Responding to Cyber Violence in Sri Lanka
Groundviews interviews five Sri Lankan women who have been targeted online, often through vicious commentary on their appearance. Photos were taken by Sri Lankan artist, photographer, and writer Deshan Tennekoon.
In Sri Lanka, Families of the Disappeared Treasure the Everyday Items Left Behind (Part Two)
"It’s the lack of progress on the part of the government which led to series of protests highlighting the plight of families of the disappeared, political prisoners...and land occupation."
In Sri Lanka, Families of the Disappeared Treasure the Everyday Items Left Behind
"When we were displaced, this blazer and four sarees were all I had in a bag. This is all I have of his possessions."
