Launches were conducted by Samathai Feminist Friends, Third Eye Local Knowledge and Skills Activists Friends, and the Nirani Women Artists Group across various districts. Discussions and collective outcomes were facilitated through diverse art forms, including songs, performances, poster-making, and collaborative artistic expressions that articulated a shared vision for a future free from patriarchy, domination, violence, oppression, subjugation, injustice, abuse, and cruelty.
These mini-launches marked a meaningful step in the One Billion Rising movement, as participants stood together to imagine and actively build a world where all people are equal, sovereign, valued, and free.
New Year Walk | Batticaloa – 1 January 2026
The Core One Billion Rising (OBR) family in Batticaloa launched One Billion Rising 2026 with a vibrant street procession and performances, culminating at Gandhi Park.
Activists and children walked together with banners, songs, and drums, offering flowers and New Year wishes to the public for a year free from violence. The songs called for freedom from violence and domination, and powerfully affirmed equality, love, and compassion.
Kite Festival | Trincomalee – 31 December 2025
As part of One Billion Rising, the E-Wings Independent Women and Children’s Center organized a vibrant kite festival at Trincomalee Beach as an end-of-year celebration under the theme “Let Us Build a Country with Equality.” The event was organized in collaboration with women’s associations of the Trincomalee Pradeshiya Sabha and Trincomalee Municipal Council.
Bringing together women and their families, the celebration also featured the “Her Voice, Her Rights” award ceremony, honoring women leaders who are driving meaningful social change.
An exhibition of paintings and posters on the theme “Freeing Ourselves from Violence and Capitalism” was planned alongside the One Billion Rising launch in Puttalam. Due to the cyclone, the physical exhibition and launch were cancelled.
In response, a virtual exhibition was launched on South Asian Women’s Day, ensuring the voices and creative expressions of the artists continued to reach wider audiences.
Workshop | Nuwara Eliya – 15 November 2025
A one-day workshop on “Freeing Ourselves from Violence and Capitalism” was conducted with the youth and children of the Avvai Children’s Forum, alongside a mini One Billion Rising launch. The session created space for dialogue, learning, and collective reflection, strengthening young people’s voices and commitment to building a future free from violence and inequality.
Discussion | Batticaloa – 5 November 2025
A one-day discussion on Art for Social Change, focusing on “Freeing Ourselves from Violence” and “Freeing Ourselves from Capitalism,” was conducted with a group of university and A/L students. The discussion encouraged critical reflection, creative expression, and youth engagement in using art as a tool for resistance, justice, and social transformation.
Workshop | Batticaloa – 4–6 October 2025
A three-day residential workshop on Art for Social Change, focusing on “Freeing Ourselves from Violence” and “Freeing Ourselves from Capitalism,” was conducted for a group of young artists and theatre activists. The workshop provided an immersive space for learning, creative exploration, and collective reflection, strengthening art-based activism for social justice and transformation.
