An art competition and exhibition to create community awareness citizens' rights such as freedom of association, expression and assembly was held under NPC’s project Protecting Civic Space in Sri Lanka in Kurunegala.

The event was organized by the Kurunegala Human Rights Organization in collaboration with the Civic Space Protection Committee and the Wariyapola Divisional Secretariat. About 72 participants from all ethnic communities participated in the art competition and exhibition, which was judged by a panel of artists, teachers and government officials.

Participants created 55 paintings related to the themes of freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, which were then exhibited. Certificates were awarded all participants of the drawing competition with special certificates to the five best art works. Leaflets, bookmarks and key tags on protecting civic space were distributed to attendees.