Background: Sri Lanka is a country with a low prevalence of HIV infection. Nevertheless, number of people infected with HIV continues to rise with a considerable gap between the number identified and estimated. It is well known that stigma and discrimination to people living with HIV play a major role preventing people accessing services for HIV testing, care and support, worldwide.Sri Lanka is no exception. Methods: We interviewed 102 HIV patients using an interviewer administered questionnaire. In depth interviews were conducted with some of them. Results: Major discrimination was within the health sector with 43% being discriminated at health care settings. 28.4% of them had to undergo testing for HIV, before foreign employment. The rates of voluntary testing were very low. 80% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have disclosed the positive status, someone else. Conclusions: A multi sectoral appr oach is necessary to provide care, support and treatment without stigma and discrimination. There should be self help groups of PLHIV to help each other and to liaise with healthcare personnel when required.

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