SANDHANI – South Asia Alternatives Conference 2026

The SANDHANI – South Asia Alternatives Conference was held from 3–7 September 2026 at the NICD Training Centre in Polgolla, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The conference brought together participants from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Participants from Italy and Indonesia also joined the programme, contributing their experiences and perspectives to the discussions. During the five-day programme, participants reflected on several important questions and themes, including: What is SANDHANI, and why was it formed? What has SANDHANI achieved so far? The value and importance of alternatives in creating more just and sustainable societies. The need for collective action among Asian communities and organizations to protect and strengthen agroecology and aquaecology. The importance of strengthening solidarity, sharing experiences, and developing common strategies to respond to the social, environmental, economic, and ecological challenges facing communities across South Asia. A key outcome of the conference was the development of a five-year action plan for SANDHANI. Participants identified priority areas, agreed on collective actions, and shared responsibilities among the members and participating organizations to implement the plan during the coming five years. The conference was organized by the SANDHANI Working Group and hosted by MONLAR and NAFSO in Sri Lanka. The conference provided an important space for South Asian partners to strengthen their solidarity, learn from one another, promote alternatives, and build a stronger collective movement for agroecology, aquaecology, environmental justice, and sustainable community development.

Reflecting on 15 Years of the Praja Abhilasha Network-Focus group discussions and field visits

01-Reflecting on 15 Years of the Praja Abhilasha Network – Southern Province Consultation A comprehensive evaluation of the programmes, achievements, challenges and journey of the Praja Abhilasha Network over the past 15 years is currently underway. As part of this process, active community leaders representing Hambantota, Matara, Galle and Kalutara districts gathered at the Southern Fisheries Organizations’ Office in Matara on 08 August 2026. The PALTRA study team conducted a face-to-face consultation with these community leaders to gather their experiences, reflections and recommendations on the impact of the Praja Abhilasha Network’s work, community participation, achievements, challenges and future priorities over the past 15 years. Through this evaluation, we aim to learn from our experiences and strengthen the way forward in advancing people’s rights, food sovereignty, land rights and community empowerment. 02-PA Network Assessment – Field Visits & Focus Group Discussions The Praja Abhilasha (PA) Network Assessment was successfully conducted from 15–18 August 2026, covering several provinces and communities. As part of the assessment, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in: -Northern Province – Jaffna -Eastern Province – Batticaloa -Uva Province – Janawasa 03 The assessment team also carried out field visits to Ponnaveli, Kankesanthurai (KKS), Myleddy, Ashraf Nagar and Pannama, engaging with community members and local stakeholders to better understand their experiences, challenges and achievements. During the field visits, the team also met Raheem from Trincomalee, a Government Officer in Adalachchani, and the HEO Coordinator, providing valuable opportunities to exchange information and perspectives. The entire assessment programme was facilitated by the PALTRA team, with the respective Provincial Leaders and District Coordinators taking the lead in organizing and coordinating the focus group discussions and field visits. We sincerely appreciate the commitment and support of all the community leaders, district coordinators, provincial leaders, government officials and participants who contributed to this important assessment process. Together, we continue to strengthen the PA Network and build a stronger movement for people’s rights, land rights, food sovereignty and community empowerment. 03-PA Assessment – Polpithigama and Field Visit The PA Assessment program was conducted at the Full Moon Hotel, Polpithigama, on 20 August 2026. Leaders from Puttalam, Kurunegala, and Polonnaruwa participated in the program, which was facilitated by the PALTRA team. Following the assessment program, the Polonnaruwa team and I participated in a field visit to Wadurassa and the 12 Kotasa villages, where we conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community members. 15 years of our journey – with the people, for the people, moving forward together! #PrajaAbhilasha #PA_Network #15Years #Evaluation #CommunityLeadership #FoodSovereignty #LandRights