A Chronicle of Unity, Despair, and Hope

This zine captures the energy, passion, and desperation of the historic people’s uprising of 2022 in Sri Lanka. It serves as a counter-narrative to the violent images often depicted by international media, presenting a nuanced view of the protests. Through intimate moments and collective strength, the photos reveal the resilience, unity, and humanity of the Sri Lankan people during an unprecedented crisis.

Originally part of a documentary photography project, the work was exhibited in various locations across India, including the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Ahmedabad National Photography Festival, and the Alliance Française in Madras. The series was widely appreciated for showcasing perspectives often missing from international coverage—highlighting the state’s violent pushbacks and tender, human moments amidst the chaos.

In creating this zine, I approached the documentation with the utmost care, mindful not to turn my photographs into evidence that could harm anyone. To ensure this, I reimagined the images by zooming in, cropping, and focusing on the essence of each scene. These close-up fragments still powerfully convey the emotions, unity, and scale of the protests, without compromising the safety of those depicted.

The zine itself consists of three interconnected volumes, each designed to emphasise a unique aspect of the documentation:

Location Pin: A zigzag-folded zine featuring a panoramic photograph of the protest field, highlighting the vastness of the masses. The location pin references the exact site of this historic gathering.

Dates: A curated selection of images taken on specific dates, showcasing moments that defined the timeline of the protests.

Times: Images are titled by the exact times they were captured, providing a detailed snapshot of the protests’ intensity at particular moments.

Together, these three pieces form a cohesive narrative, documenting where and when the protests unfolded while preserving the anonymity and dignity of those involved. This zine is not just an archival piece but a testament to the unity and collective resilience of a nation in turmoil. It bridges the gap between the local and global audience, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s history.

Supported by the The Packet