In the quiet village of Verugal Mavadichenai, nestled within the Eachchilampattru Division of Trincomalee, lives 45-year-old farmer Mr. Kathirgamathambi Veerapathiran. He is a husband and father of three - a daughter, two sons, and the youngest still an infant. For generations, his family has cultivated the land, making agriculture both his livelihood and his way of life.

Deeply attached to his village, Veerapathiran once served with his local farmers’ organisation. But like many community leaders of the past, he recalls with regret how they were unable to prevent the exploitation of agricultural lands and natural resources by the majority community. “We lacked the tools and knowledge,” he admits, “and because of that, our voices were not strong enough.”

That began to change when the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), in partnership with the Vriddhi Network, carried out a baseline study to strengthen traditional village-level organisations.

Through this initiative, Veerapathiran and his peers were trained in human rights issues, violations, protection, networking and documentation. Equipped with new knowledge and a sense of purpose, he rose as President of his local Traditional Farmers’ Association and began empowering others in his village.

He quickly realised that connectivity was key. Creating a WhatsApp group for traditional organisations in the Verugal Division, Veerapathiran transformed scattered voices into a collective one. Local grievances, from basic needs to human rights issues, were gathered, documented, and amplified through newspapers and websites. “When people saw their struggles reflected in the media, they felt heard,” he says.

In August 2023, his leadership was tested when illegal soil mining in Nathanodai threatened the land. United under his guidance, villagers pursued legal action and staged protests until the activity was halted. He later lodged a complaint with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission against the encroachment of the historic Kallady Malaineeli Amman temple by Buddhist monks, ensuring that rituals and worship could continue for the community.

His role expanded further during crises. On January 1, 2024, heavy storms brought devastating floods to Verugal. Families crowded into schools for shelter. Acting swiftly, Veerapathiran reached out to AHRC, securing health facilities, food, and relief aid for the displaced.

Over time, his voice began to echo beyond Verugal on issues such as the Mayilathamadu Madhavanai issue, where Tamil Cattle Farmers were threatened by Sinhalese occupiers, land disputes in Pulmoddai, to the struggles of the Thennamaravati people. Veerapathiran became a bridge between marginalised villagers and regional networks. His reputation as a defender of rights grew, not through formal power, but through persistent organising and a deep love for his people.

Today, Veerapathiran embodies a powerful transformation: a farmer who once felt powerless against exploitation has become a human rights defender, uniting communities and demanding justice across the Eastern Province.

His journey is proof that when ordinary people are given the tools to advocate, they can move mountains - or at the very least, stop them from being stolen.