By: Isuru Parakrama
June 01, Colombo (LNW): In a vibrant and defiant show of solidarity, members of the Malayaga community and civil society allies gathered in Kandy this afternoon (June 01) to mark a landmark celebration of queer pride.
The event brought together a diverse cross-section of Sri Lankan citizens committed to challenging entrenched discrimination and calling for long-overdue recognition of the rights of individuals across the spectrum of sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
Organised under the banner of ‘Malayaga Pride’, the march coursed through the heart of the city in a colourful procession. Traditional drummers and dancers from within the queer community led the way, blending cultural heritage with modern activism.
Participants carried rainbow flags, placards, and banners, all conveying a unified call for justice, dignity, and the dismantling of outdated laws that continue to marginalise LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.
This year’s demonstration placed a strong emphasis on the intersection of ethnic and queer identities. The Malayaga people, descendants of Indian Tamils brought to Sri Lanka during colonial times to work on tea estates, have long faced systemic socio-economic and political exclusion.
Within this historically oppressed group, queer individuals often endure double layers of discrimination — both from broader society and within their own communities.
A core demand echoed throughout the rally was the repeal of Sections 365 and 365A of Sri Lanka’s Penal Code — archaic colonial-era laws that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships between adults. Although rarely enforced in recent years, these laws continue to legitimise societal stigma and expose LGBTQIA+ individuals to harassment and discrimination by authorities.
Marchers also used the platform to highlight issues that transcend identity politics, focusing on broader struggles for economic justice and land rights — both of which disproportionately affect the Malayaga population.
Organisers noted that many within the community continue to live in informal settlements on estate land with limited access to basic public services, making it difficult for queer individuals to find safe spaces, access healthcare, or live openly.
The march was backed by grassroots organisations and activists working on both human rights and social justice. Public speeches called on legislators to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver meaningful legal reform.
Participants also underscored the need for inclusive public policy that reflects the lived experiences of all citizens, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Photo Courtesy: Denver Mark Facebook Page
