This series of empowering stories of five sex workers from around the island is a product of Prajadiriya Padanama to showcase the lived experiences of sex workers. Voices from the Shadows
Voices from the Shadows
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Diary of a sex worker
This initiative by Standup Movement Lanka showcases the lived experiences, hardships, challenges and violence faced by sex workers in Sri Lanka. Diary of a sex worker
Living through the Pandemic: A brief report on status of Sex workers in Kurunegala District
Kururnegala District in the North Western Province in Sri Lanka came under COVID-19 threat early in the pandemic. During the country’s first lockdown from March to May 2020, a number of cases were identified from the district. When the lockdown was lifted in May 2020,…
Sexual Service Providers – Rights and Realities: A Feminist Dialogue by SWASA | Colombo, Sri Lanka | August 2025
In August 2025, Sex Workers and Allies South Asia (SWASA) hosted a groundbreaking roundtable in Colombo titled “Sexual Service Providers – Rights and Realities.” The dialogue brought together feminist activists, legal experts, labour rights advocates, and sex workers…
VAMP Institute training on Digital Literacy: Navigating the Online World as a Sex Worker Activist
SWASA Bangladesh, partnered with Ashar Alo Society, held a two-day training from 8 to 9 September 2024. One representative from 14 CBOs that SWASA is currently partnered with attended this two-day VAMP Institute. The objectives of the training were: Strengthening and…
“Voices of Resilience” – A Needs Assessment of Female and Trans Sex Workers in Colombo and Gampaha
The Abhimani Women’s Collective and SWASA conducted a series of focus group discussions female and trans sex workers from Colombo and Gampaha to explore their social, legal, economic, and sexual and reproductive health challenges. Hosted at the Trans Equality Trust,…
Assessment report On the Labour Rights of Informal Sector Workerswith a focus on FSWs
This study by Standup Movement Sri Lanka examines the status and experiences of female sex workers (FSWs) in Sri Lanka, with comparative insights from India and Thailand. The report highlights how legal frameworks, social attitudes, and economic structures perpetuate…
Voices from the Shadows
This series of empowering stories of five sex workers from around the island is a product of Prajadiriya Padanama to showcase the lived experiences of sex workers. Voices from the Shadows
Diary of a sex worker
This initiative by Standup Movement Lanka showcases the lived experiences, hardships, challenges and violence faced by sex workers in Sri Lanka. Diary of a sex worker
Living through the Pandemic: A brief report on status of Sex workers in Kurunegala District
Kururnegala District in the North Western Province in Sri Lanka came under COVID-19 threat early in the pandemic. During the country’s first lockdown from March to May 2020, a number of cases were identified from the district. When the lockdown was lifted in May 2020,…
Sexual Service Providers – Rights and Realities: A Feminist Dialogue by SWASA | Colombo, Sri Lanka | August 2025
In August 2025, Sex Workers and Allies South Asia (SWASA) hosted a groundbreaking roundtable in Colombo titled “Sexual Service Providers – Rights and Realities.” The dialogue brought together feminist activists, legal experts, labour rights advocates, and sex workers…
VAMP Institute training on Digital Literacy: Navigating the Online World as a Sex Worker Activist
SWASA Bangladesh, partnered with Ashar Alo Society, held a two-day training from 8 to 9 September 2024. One representative from 14 CBOs that SWASA is currently partnered with attended this two-day VAMP Institute. The objectives of the training were: Strengthening and…
Sex workers use theatre to counter patriarchal narrative
Praja Dirirya Padanama based in Puttalam district in Sri Lanka operates a dropping center for sex workers. They also provide daily nutrition for sex workers and their families during the Covid19 pandemic. They use theatre to counter patriarchal narratives that…
Short film based on Covid19 experiences of Sri Lankan sex workers
Based on Sexperinces: COVID 19 SEXPERIENCES: A Collection of Stories by Sri Lankan Sex Workers
Sri Lanka Sex Workers and Allies call for Decriminalisation to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Submitted by: The Grassrooted Trust / Standup Movement Lanka/ Community Encouragement Foundation / SWASA North/ Trans Equality Trust Email – [email protected] / [email protected] This submission can be published on the UN website for public…
Panel discussion on socio-economic challengers and access to justice
A public discussion on ‘Women’s Histories of Sex Work in Sri Lanka’ was held on 12 December 2023, from 9.00 – 14.00 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Sri Lanka. This event was part of a series of exhibitions, workshops, trainings and…
CEDAW – Sri Lanka
This annexure presents case studies on sex work in Sri Lanka, compiled and submitted to the CEDAW Committee in January 2025 by Sex Workers and Allies South Asia (SWASA) and partners.
The Cost of Sex: A limited series podcast
This limited series podcast enters the world of sex work during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Over six episodes that share real-life experiences of women sex workers and interviews with people that are working with them as allies, this series focuses on the struggles…