Tuesday 24th January 2006 was a day which marked a turning point in the lives of the many families in Balapitiya who were so devastated by the Tsunami wave when it struck their small fishing village on 26th December 2004.

Peace is an often-mentioned word in Sri Lanka, but something that has been elusive to the island in recent years. Since Sarvodaya’s inception five decades ago, it has strived to create a peaceful society in Sri Lanka. The nature of the organization’s developmental work has always been aimed at creating a society that values peace and friendship through broad human interrelationships. On 10th January 2006, Sarvodaya took yet another “first step” in what it hopes to be an extensive, far-reaching program to initiate peace not only in Sri Lanka, but around the world.

Sarvodaya believes that peace will never come if each person keeps to his side and fights. Instead it is only a large gathering of and conversation between all sides that will ensure peace in this country. The program entitled “Community Leaders’ Gathering to Initiate Peace in Sri Lanka” was organized to facilitate this.

Dr. Deepak Chopra is renowned throughout the world for his promotion of Ayurveda healing and mind-body medicine, which combines modern science with ancient methods of healing. But he is also a great proponent of creating world peace through consciousness. This is parallel to Sarvodaya’s work in promoting development and peace through the active consciousness and participation of people. This week, Dr. Chopra made a two-day visit to Sri Lanka to witness Sarvodaya’s work and address two gatherings organized by the movement.