South Asia - A Novel Approach to Spread Message in Sri Lanka

A Novel Approach in Sri Lanka

During the recent 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP), a convoy of seven red, green and blue three-wheel tuk-tuk (motor powered rickshaws) rolled along Colombo’s busy streets carrying portraits of South Asians who have made a commitment to change the course of HIV/AIDS. This novel approach of spreading the message of HIV/AIDS epidemic reached out to diverse communities in a way never before attempted in Sri Lanka.

The exhibition featured large, sensitive portraits of South Asians who have made a commitment to change the course of HIV/AIDS. The photographs highlighted the realities and emphasized the positive directions people are moving in order to rise above difficult situations. Each story centered on a different aspect of the disease, a different reason for committing to help others.

Drivers Tell the Story

In the course of this innovative mobile photography exhibition, the tuk-tuk drivers, proud of their dramatic impact, became messengers for the cause. They helped people understand the causes and effects and the need for a different mindset to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Asia.

At the Colombo’s Fort railway station and the busy Pettah bus stand, where all journeys for the majority of Sri Lankan citizens begin and end, interest in the exhibition and its subject was high. Most confessed to knowing very little about HIV/AIDS. The portrait of the Sri Lanka’s Positive Group President, Princey Mangalika, and her message, “I can tell a married woman living isolated at home that she can get infected,” resonated with and touched the women in particular.

The tuk-tuk drivers, who had received instructions in sharing the narrative to accompany the portraits adorning their vehicles, relished their newfound role as HIV/AIDS communicators. They were adept in explaining the disease and the exhibition.

The success of the approach attracted many organizations such as Global Fund, which expressed interest in holding a similar exhibition in Geneva and a London Gallery will host it on December 1, World AIDS Day.

Portraits of Commitment

The standing and mobile "Portraits of Commitment" exhibitions were made possible through the World Bank’s Small Grants Youth Initiative program and organized by the World Bank Sri Lanka office in partnership with the exhibition producers Pathshala, the South Asian Institute of Photography, and the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development of UNAIDS.

The book by the same name commissioned by UNAIDS features photographs by the renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam and insightful interviews by Karen Emmons illustrating the diverse forms of compassion and roles that leadership can take in confronting AIDS.

Information and photo contributed by Chulie De Silva, External Affairs Officer, Small Grants Program Coordinator of the World Bank, Sri Lanka.

Additional Resources

- HIV/AIDS in South Asia: Understanding and Responding
This review was undertaken to provide a basis for rigorous, evidence-based HIV policy and programming in South Asia. (Read More »)

- India's 3rd National AIDS Control Project
The World Bank is helping India to curb the spread and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS in the country. (Read More »)

- South Asia: Development Data
A wide range of social and economic measures on South Asia, including links to the World Bank's most important online development databases. (Read More »)

- South Asia: Analysis and Research
Compilation of all the World Bank's publications on South Asia, with 'search' options and links to analysis and research on other South Asian countries. (Read More »)

- World Bank Program in South Asia
Launching pad to all information on World Bank activities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.(Read More »)