About me

PEARL is a Tamil women-led, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization that seeks equality, human rights, and justice for the Tamil-speaking population in Sri Lanka, who remain the most marginalized and conflict-affected on the island. Our vision is for a Tamil nation that is inclusive, free from oppression and able to determine its own future.

PEARL was formed in 2005 by volunteers who went to Sri Lanka and witnessed the human rights violations and hardships of Tamils affected by the armed conflict. Upon their return to the U.S., they created PEARL to increase engagement between Americans and elected officials, and to urge the U.S. government to play a role in improving human rights in Sri Lanka. Over a decade later, PEARL has been advocating for human rights in Sri Lanka with U.S. policymakers, the United Nations, European Union and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. PEARL’s focus has been to amplify Tamil perspective and demand for justice; pursuing accountability for mass atrocities through strategic litigation; and documenting militarization and Sinhalization in the North-East.