Breaking Barriers: How SeaSisters is Changing the Face of Surfing in Sri Lanka
On any given day, the beaches of Sri Lanka are dotted with surfers carving through the waves. But look closer, and one thing becomes clear: the lineup is often male, and very foreign. For many Sri Lankan women, the ocean has long been a place of restriction rather than recreation—until now.
SeaSisters Sri Lanka, a grassroots initiative dedicated to empowering local women through swimming and surfing, is rewriting that narrative. “If you look out at the waves, you’ll mostly see tourists,” says Kalpa Gandhari, Director of Program & Community. “Local women are rarely in the water—not because they don’t want to be, but because they never had the chance.”
Cultural expectations, a lack of access to swimming lessons, and deeply ingrained fears have kept generations of women on the shore. SeaSisters is changing that by providing a safe, supportive space to learn.
“It’s about more than just water skills,” Gandhari says. “It’s about confidence, community, and breaking barriers.”
One of the most powerful transformations came from a mother who survived the 2004 tsunami. For years, she and her daughter avoided the sea. But through SeaSisters, she found the courage to step back into the water. “Watching fear turn into joy—that’s what this is about,” Gandhari says.
If you're looking to give back to a community that gives so much, SeaSisters is an inspiring and effective charity that truly makes a difference to Sri Lankan women. As a nonprofit, it relies on donations to keep its programs running and expand access to more women. People seeking a meaningful impact can contribute directly, helping open the ocean to a new generation.
