Community Advocates for Improved Public Toilets in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, a cultural and historical gem in Sri Lanka's Central Province, is renowned for its rich heritage, and tourism place. Despite Kandy's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city struggled with poorly maintained public toilets managed by private vendors, causing difficulties for women, children, and the people with disability. Determined to improve conditions, the 'Rising for Rights' project implementing partner, Women Development Center, FANSA Sri Lanka, raised the issue through the WASH Monitoring Centre, established to handle complaints about WASH issues. The center filed a request under Sri Lanka's Right to Information (RTI) Act.

With the relentless determination of network partners and communities led to significant improvements in Kandy's sanitary facilities. The public toilets were renovated with handwashing facilities, soap, and privacy measures were introduced, large price boards were installed to ensure transparency. This intervention raised awareness among municipal and urban development authorities about the community's rights to adequate sanitation facilities. It also demonstrated the power of community action and the effective use of the RTI Act to hold authorities accountable.

By leveraging legal frameworks and persistently pushing for their rights, these women have significantly improved sanitary conditions in their city, ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for all residents. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in driving social change.