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
7 June 2019
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."
3 May 2019
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.
1 May 2019
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...
12 March 2019
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.
20 February 2019
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.
6 November 2018
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.”
2 September 2018
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.
9 May 2018
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."
2 February 2018
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.
7 January 2018
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."
22 December 2017
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."
12 December 2017
Right To Information Requests in Sri Lanka Reveals Process for Blocking Websites
Information released by the Telecom Regulatory Commission revealed that from 2015 onward 13 websites had been blocked, including a number of websites publishing political news, and a few pornographic sites.
13 October 2017
The World’s First ‘EleFriendly Bus’ Curtails Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka
The human-elephant conflict has reduced by 80% since the Elefriendly Bus started running. In the first seven months, the number of conflicts fell from 83 to 21.
6 May 2017
The Objectification of Women in the Sri Lankan Press
The representation of women in Sri Lankan media over the years has breached many ethical standards, resulting in the reinforcement of negative stereotypes.
2 April 2017
The Evolution of Sri Lanka’s #Instameet
The fifth meeting of Instagram users took place in Negombo city in Sri Lanka. A notable change from the previous ones was the shift from using smartphones to cameras.
19 March 2017
In Northern Sri Lanka, Incidents of Military Intimidation Threaten Reconciliation
"There was clearly anger from the side of the military that people were getting their land back."
15 February 2017
Families in Sri Lanka Stand Up to the Soldiers Who Took Their Homes
Dozens of families in Sri Lanka have been protesting in front of an Air Force camp, demanding the return of their homes, which have been occupied since 2009.
13 November 2016
Two Slain Youth Become Tragic Symbols of Ongoing Police Brutality in Sri Lanka
This post by Raisa Wickrematunge originally appeared on Groundviews, an award-winning citizen journalism website in Sri Lanka. An edited version is published below as part of a content-sharing agreement with...
21 October 2016
Sri Lanka Pays the Price for Past Government's Extravagance
The huge sum of money spent canceling an order for new Airbuses could have funded a whole lot more.
22 September 2016
The Office on Missing Persons in Sri Lanka: A New Chapter or Another Empty Promise?
Thousands of people have disappeared in Sri Lanka since the 1980s stemming from conflict in the country, and their loved ones still don't know what happened.
