Our Impact
The ocean
for everyone
Despite the rising popularity of Sri Lanka’s coastal waters, local women and girls remain excluded of its recreational, economic, and environmental benefits.
Imashi’s Story
"It was a turning point in my life because I learned so many things from SeaSisters’ lessons and activities. Not only surfing and swimming, but also other things like caring, sharing, and making new friends. The SeaSisters community gives great opportunities for Sri Lankan women and girls.”
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The Power of SeaSisters
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In Season 7,
we empowered
women and girls through
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swim and surf lessons & community events.
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Our Areas Of Change
Women's
Empowerment
Improve confidence, develop collective power, and open economic opportunities for women in Sri Lanka’s surf tourism sector.
Environmental Stewardship
Swimming &
Surfing Skills
Increase swimming and surfing skills and restore the ocean as a safe and enjoyable space following the 2004 tsunami.
Economic Empowerment
Ocean Connection
& Safety
Increase swimming and surfing skills and restore the ocean as a safe and enjoyable space following the 2004 tsunami.
Local
Leadership
Training participants to become instructors, facilitators, and community leaders to build capacity for sustainable long-term impact.
Open economic opportunities for women in Sri Lanka’s by building skills, creating jobs, and opening up a network in the surf tourism sector.
Spread environmental awareness, foster sustainable practices, inspire action and empower participants to become ocean protectors.
IMPACT AREA: WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
“Sri Lanka is a conservative society with deeply rooted cultural norms, especially around gender roles.”
In Sri Lanka, local women and girls are hardly seen in the ocean. Despite growing up on an island, the sea remains out of reach for many due to traditional gender norms and cultural expectations. Before joining SeaSister Season 7, 95% report facing barriers simply because they are women.​
These factors have prevented the ocean from being 'an accepted space' for them. However, after completing the program, 90% of participants said their view on gender roles had shifted.
– Niyas (SeaSisters Participants S7)
Impact Stories
"When I'm in the water, I can hear my own voice." - Sanu
Growing up in a small fishing village, there are many expectations for Sri Lankan girls like Sanu. By learning to swim and surf, they are challenging these norms and creating new opportunities.
In 20XX, Sanu became one of the first female surf instructors on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. She was able to break free from societal constraints and rediscover her potential beyond what had been imposed on her.
"I want to tell every Sri Lankan women: it's okay to go outside and have fun!" - Chamani
Joining SeaSisters in 2018 with her daughter Sithumi, the sea was a completely new place for Chamani, despite living alongside it her whole life. Today, she loves surfing and inspires other women to step out of their comfort zones.
Learn more about her inspirational story here.
Growing up in a small fishing village, there are many expectations for Sri Lankan girls like Sanu. By learning to swim and surf, they are challenging these norms and creating new opportunities.
Sanu
IMPACT AREA: WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
IMPACT AREA: WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
"At SeaSisters I was able to learn something I never thought I could do in my life! I love it so much!"- Sriyani
"SeaSisters taught me how much I missed the ocean
even though I live near it."- Kalpa
Kalpa was curious about SeaSisters and wanted to learn how to swim. She started out as a translator and joined the swim lessons right away back in Season 2. Her mother, Sriyani, came too, and together they reconnected with the ocean.
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Since then, Sriyani discovered a love for the water she never imagined and Kalpa grew into a powerful role within the community. Now, in 2025, she’s our Co-Director of Human Resources & ...??, leading the future of SeaSisters.
