Due to political turmoil in her home country, Reshmi moved from Sri Lanka to Hong Kong with her parents at the age of three.
Growing up as an asylum seeker, she faced obstacles to access education and basic rights. She became a member of class committees and joined extracurricular activities to escape from some of the harsh realities she was surrounded by. These experiences later motivated her to become a social justice advocate and helped her gain knowledge on human rights and social issues.
Hong Kong is home to Reshmi more than the city that she was raised in. Even though it is a city full of diverse culture, there are still countless narratives of injustice and discrimination. So, despite the barriers created by her status, she hopes to be the bridge between the majority and asylum seekers.
Reshmi believes that everyone is entitled to basic rights and representation. Her past encounters with people who view their family members with disabilities as burdens have shown her how people with disabilities are often treated unfairly and are looked down upon. To her, they are gifted individuals who deserve equal respect and encouragement. She wants to help people with disabilities speak out, and be meaningfully included in society.
After taking the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam, Reshmi’s dream is to study human rights law. Reshmi is an active participant in RUN and Christian Action Centre for Refugees, where she speaks about issues involving refugees and asylum seekers. During the community meetings held by these NGOs, she also shares her insights on refugee children’s education, their living standards and job prospects.
Reshmi enjoys reading books, especially those on refugees, migrants, and women’s empowerment. She also likes to go hiking with her mother in her spare time.