About Us
Advancing Human Rights, Dignity and Inclusive Development
The Environment and Community Development Information Centre (ECDIC) is a Sri Lankan non-profit civil society organization established in 2004 and based in Ratnapura. For more than two decades, ECDIC has worked alongside marginalized and vulnerable communities to promote human rights, social justice, democratic governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, child protection, and inclusive development.
Our work is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to live with dignity, equality and freedom regardless of ethnicity, gender, language, social status or economic background. We combine community empowerment with evidence-based advocacy to address the structural causes of poverty, discrimination, exclusion, exploitation and inequality. ECDIC has become particularly recognized for its long-term engagement with Malaiyaha (Hill Country Tamil) plantation communities, women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalized gender communities and other groups experiencing systemic discrimination. Our programs strengthen community leadership, improve access to justice and public services, protect human rights, promote democratic participation and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Over the years, ECDIC has successfully partnered with numerous national and international organizations, including UN agencies, USAID-supported programs, the Global Fund, international civil society networks and government institutions. Through these partnerships we have implemented initiatives in human rights protection, HIV and TB prevention, child protection, gender equality, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction, education, environmental conservation and community resilience.
Today, ECDIC continues to serve as a trusted bridge between marginalized communities, government institutions and international development partners. Our multidisciplinary team combines technical expertise with deep community relationships, enabling us to design and implement innovative, rights-based programs that create sustainable social change while strengthening local ownership and accountability.
We believe that lasting development is achieved when communities themselves become informed, organized, empowered and capable of claiming their rights while actively participating in decisions that affect their future.
Overview of our Achievements
Over the past two decades ECDIC has:
- Strengthened more than 60 community-based organizations and numerous civil society partners within plantation communities.
- Worked with international partners including USAID-supported programs, the Global Fund, UN agencies and national institutions to improve health, governance and community participation.
- Supported marginalized plantation communities to obtain legal identity documents and improve access to government services.
- Established community protection mechanisms for women, children and vulnerable groups.
- Promoted democratic participation through civic education, community leadership and local governance initiatives.
- Received national recognition, including the Presidential Award for environmental conservation.
Current Strategic Priorities
ECDIC's current portfolio focuses on:
- Advancing gender equality and leadership among Malaiyaha plantation women.
- Combating contemporary forms of slavery, exploitation and trafficking.
- Strengthening institutional accountability and access to justice.
- Expanding community-led digital media and freedom of expression.
- Improving child protection systems and family resilience.
- Building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable communities.
- Strengthening local civil society organizations through institutional development.
Every project we implement combines evidence, participation, innovation and partnership to ensure sustainable impact. Rather than delivering short-term assistance alone, ECDIC works to transform systems, strengthen local institutions and empower communities to become active agents of their own development.
Our Vision
“Equal Access & Rights for All…" - A just, peaceful and inclusive Sri Lanka where all people, especially marginalized and vulnerable communities, enjoy equal rights, dignity, opportunity and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
“Influencing the change to reduce the social Injustices and enhance economic, social & health conditions of marginalized groups as well as engaging peace, coexistence and environment conservation”. - To empower marginalized communities through rights-based, community-led and evidence-driven interventions that promote human rights, democratic governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, social justice and resilient local institutions in partnership with national and international stakeholders.
Our Guiding Principles and Values
At ECDIC, our work is guided by internationally recognized human rights standards and a firm commitment to inclusive, community-led development. Every programme, partnership and intervention reflects the values that have shaped our organization since 2004.
Human Rights First
Every person is entitled to dignity, equality, justice and freedom. We promote and protect the rights of those who are most vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Community Ownership
Communities are not beneficiaries—they are partners in development. We strengthen local leadership, build community institutions and support people to identify solutions to their own challenges.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
We are committed to advancing gender equality and ensuring meaningful participation of women, girls and socially excluded groups in decision-making processes. We actively challenge discrimination, inequality and harmful social norms.
Accountability and Good Governance
Transparency, integrity and accountability underpin our governance and program management. We maintain strong financial systems, ethical standards and evidence-based monitoring to ensure responsible stewardship of donor resources.
Partnership and Collaboration
Sustainable development requires collective action. We work closely with communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, private sector partners and international development agencies to maximize impact and promote shared learning.
Innovation and Learning
ECDIC embraces innovation, research, digital technologies and continuous learning to improve program quality and respond effectively to emerging social, environmental and humanitarian challenges.
Environmental Responsibility
Healthy communities depend upon healthy ecosystems. We integrate environmental sustainability, climate resilience and responsible resource management into our development programs.
Do No Harm
All our interventions are implemented using rights-based, conflict-sensitive, survivor-centred and safeguarding approaches that protect dignity, confidentiality and safety while respecting cultural diversity.
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Executive Director