For over two decades, Damayanthi Sathya Muthukumaranage has been a formidable force in the realms of feminist activism and human rights advocacy. From the war-torn streets of Sri Lanka to the community-driven projects she now leads in the UK, Damayanthi has used her creative talents to challenge oppressive systems, fight for justice, and inspire social transformation. Her journey is a powerful testament to the role of art and creativity in promoting ideological change and fostering public dialogue on issues such as gender equality, diversity, and refugee rights.
Damayanthi’s activism began in Sri Lanka, a country that endured a 33-year civil war marked by extreme violence and deep ethnic divisions. As the conflict escalated in the early 2000s, she joined the National Anti-War Front’s Media Unit, becoming a key figure in the push for peace. Through her work with this organization, she played a critical role in advocating for an end to the war, emphasizing the need for a political solution that would address the root causes of the conflict. Her efforts were aimed at not only stopping the violence but also reshaping societal attitudes about war and peace.
Throughout the war, Damayanthi's creative work became a powerful tool for her activism. Using her skills as a cartoonist, writer, and designer, she produced a series of works that critiqued the government’s handling of the conflict and called for an end to the bloodshed. Her work was not limited to opposing the war itself but extended to raising awareness about the impact of the conflict on women, children, and marginalized communities. In a deeply patriarchal society, Damayanthi’s feminist perspective offered a much-needed critique of how the war disproportionately affected women, many of whom were subjected to violence, displacement, and discrimination.
Her commitment to peace and justice did not end with the cessation of hostilities in 2009. In the post-war period, she continued to use her art as a platform for demanding accountability for the atrocities committed during the conflict. Her cartoons and articles addressed ongoing issues such as post-war impunity and the marginalization of minority communities, particularly in the north and east of the country. Damayanthi’s work during this time was both daring and necessary, as she challenged the official narratives of the government and brought attention to the voices of those who had been silenced by the conflict.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Damayanthi’s activism is her ability to fuse creativity with social justice. Her feminist poetry and visual art have been particularly influential, offering a powerful critique of the cultural and religious norms that have long constrained women’s rights in South Asia. Through her poems, many of which have been featured in anthologies dedicated to feminist literature, she explores themes of oppression, resistance, and empowerment. These works are now studied in academic institutions across the region, a testament to their lasting impact on feminist discourse.
Damayanthi’s approach to feminist activism is deeply rooted in the idea that art can be a vehicle for social change. Her creations often engage directly with the public, using accessible and visually striking imagery to provoke thought and challenge entrenched beliefs. By focusing on issues such as gender-based violence, child rights, and the marginalization of women, her work resonates with audiences across different backgrounds and communities. It is this blend of artistry and activism that has made her such an influential figure, not only in Sri Lanka but also in the broader South Asian feminist movement.
Even after leaving Sri Lanka, Damayanthi has remained committed to her advocacy for human rights. In the UK, where she has lived since 2017, she has led several high-profile projects aimed at promoting equality and inclusion. Her creative work in this new environment has been just as impactful, focusing on issues such as refugee rights, diversity, and community integration.
One of her most significant projects in the UK has been “It’s Our Right”, a campaign funded by MyFriendlyCities. This initiative sought to raise awareness about human rights and the importance of diversity in modern British society. Through a series of creative workshops and public events, Damayanthi used her art to engage with local communities and foster dialogue around issues such as social justice and inclusion. The project was particularly focused on giving a voice to marginalized groups, including refugees and immigrants, who often face discrimination and exclusion in their new homes.
Another notable initiative has been “Feel at Home”, a project designed to support refugees as they transition into life in the UK. Through this project, Damayanthi used creative expression as a means of healing and empowerment, helping refugees to share their stories and connect with their new communities. The project was not just about artistic creation but about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among individuals who had experienced trauma and displacement.
Damayanthi’s most recent work, the 1in3 project, represents the culmination of her years of activism and creative practice. Funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grant, this initiative addresses gender-based violence through a combination of artistic workshops, spoken word festivals, and public exhibitions. The project has been a groundbreaking effort to bring survivors of domestic violence into the public conversation, offering them a platform to share their experiences and helping to raise awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence in the UK. Damayanthi’s leadership in this project has been instrumental in creating spaces for dialogue and healing, both for survivors and for the broader community.
Damayanthi’s work as a creative designer and activist is grounded in her belief that societal change must begin with a shift in ideology. Throughout her career, she has used her art to challenge deep-seated cultural norms and encourage new ways of thinking about gender, equality, and human rights. Her work has been particularly influential in fostering conversations about the role of women in society, both in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Her legacy is one of resilience and purpose. From the war-torn streets of Sri Lanka to the creative hubs of the UK, Damayanthi has remained steadfast in her commitment to using creativity as a tool for change. Her projects have not only highlighted the struggles of marginalized communities but have also offered a vision of a more just and equitable society.
Today, Damayanthi continues to inspire new generations of activists and artists. Her work, now studied in academic institutions across South Asia, serves as a reminder of the power of art to challenge oppression and foster understanding. As she continues to lead creative projects that address issues of social justice, gender equality, and human rights, Damayanthi’s influence will undoubtedly grow, leaving an indelible mark on the world of feminist activism and beyond.
Through her unique blend of artistry and activism, Damayanthi Sathya Muthukumaranage stands as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of creativity to transform society. Her work has not only shaped the discourse around human rights and gender equality but has also inspired countless individuals to fight for a more just and inclusive world.
One of the translated poems by Damayanthi
In the quiet of history's shadow,
they stand, voices muffled by dust,
not by choice, but by force,
labelled, condemned, silenced.
In Europe, flames danced around them,
not for warmth, but to consume,
ashes carried by the wind,
whispering tales of the "witches" they were.
In Asia, honour became a knife,
cutting through the fabric of life,
a blood-stained veil over truth,
the echoes of their names swallowed by shame.
In Africa, where the earth is red,
they were torn from life by the hands of tradition,
stones and whispers marked their graves,
lost to the weight of customs too heavy to bear.
Across the earth, in every corner,
their stories woven into the soil,
buried deep, but not forgotten,
daughters lost in the name of gods and men.
- Damayanthi Muthukumaranage
