After witnessing the increasing trend of violence leading to the polls, Sarvodaya declared a 12-day meditation campaign starting from 18th of January with the aim of “harnessing the spiritual energy of individuals through out the country to ensure a peaceful presidential election 2010 and to contribute to creating a peaceful society”.

The meditation started with prayers and blessings from the venerable maha Sangha and religious dignitaries representing Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths. This was followed by Dr.A.T.Ariyaratne leading the one hour meditation

Regular daily meditations will continue to be held through out the country and the programme will end on 29th of January.

PURPOSE: A non partisan effort by the people of Sri Lanka to ensure a peaceful presidential election 2010, and to ensure your life, your livelihood, and your vote is respected.

WHY: Leaders from the religious, civil and business communities have jointly proposed to ‘MEDITATE FOR A PEACEFUL ELECTION’ over this 12 day period. Peace is the birthright of the Sri Lankan people. By participating in a meditation practice with the intention of peaceful conduct during the ongoing presidential election period, we take personal responsibility for its outcome.

HOW: By harnessing the spiritual energy of individuals throughout the country we cultivate a peaceful mindset and we collectively create a peaceful society. Daily meditation times are suggested and techniques widely used in all the diverse spiritual traditions of the major religions. These suggestions can be simply followed by all Sri Lankans concerned about a peaceful election.

WHEN: 12 days. Regular daily meditations and a series of mass public events will be organized around the country with the support and participation of all communities. On Sunday 24th January, from 3-5pm, large scale mass meditation and prayer events will be held in all districts.

WHERE: In your home, your workplace, your school, your place of spiritual worship, anywhere and everywhere you enjoy being. The suggested daily meditations are between 6-7am, 12-1pm and 7-8pm. Specific types of meditation, prayer, chants, visualization and songs, will be outlined by the various groups promoting the initiative, and will cater to the diverse spiritual backgrounds of all the people of Sri Lanka.

YOUR role: By focusing your effort, energies and thoughts, on the single objective of ensuring a peaceful election, YOU take part in a powerful collective effort that unites all peoples of Sri Lanka. You influence the outcome.

Peace is a central virtue common to all spiritual faiths. ‘Let us spread compassion to all’.

We must make sure to take the election process forward with peaceful thoughts, peaceful strategies and peaceful action. In this regard the following meditation will help to guide us on to a path of non-violence as an individual, as a group and as a collective.

Common Guidelines:

• Do not think or speak of political parties, colours, symbols or persons
• Do not think or speak of socio-economic situations in the country
• Meditations to be lead by persons not engaged in party politics
• Thoughts, strategies and actions to be compassionate
• Once the meditation is completed go back to your day’s work or head back home without hanging back in groups.

Approach:

• Dress in clean cloths and sit in a comfortable posture with a straight back.
• Place your right hand on top of your left.
• Hold your neck straight while keeping the head slightly bowed.

First Instance:

• Consciously forget all thoughts of the past.
• Erase future ambitions and needs from your mind.
• Spend 2 minutes in silence with attention on your body.
• Reflect on the good virtues and compassion of the teachers and/or leaders of the faith you hold.

Second Instance:

During this moment bring your attention to the top of your head, hair, forehead, neck, eyebrows, eyes, nose, lips and think that your body is light in weight, healthy and well. Take and release three deep breaths.

Third Instance:

At this moment focus your still mind fully on to your body. Evoking waves of compassion in your heart, starting from yourself spread compassion as follows.
May I …
- be free of hatred
- be free of anger
- be free of jealousy
- be free of sadness and discomfort
- Live in peace and happiness.

Along with me, may all in my household/workplace …

- be free of hatred
- be free of anger
- be free of jealousy
- be free of sadness and discomfort
- Live in peace and happiness.

May all beings in my village, in my town, in my province, in my country and in this world

- be free of hatred
- be free of anger
- be free of jealousy
- be free of sadness and discomfort
- Live in peace and happiness.

Spread waves of compassion to all being in this universe.
Because of this thought and energy of compassion feel purified blood flowing through your body. Pay attention to the environment around you.
Reflect on your neighbors, friends and relatives living in peace and respecting others opinions.
Think that it be the same with people engaged in the election process.
Visualize a poverty free society.
Wish for a country with good governance, lead by leaders with long-term thinking, full of peace, happiness and prosperity.
Release a deep breath and conscious that you are ending the meditation, open your eyes.

Evoke merits on your parents and gods. With your wishes and determination held strong end the meditation.

Couple of simple spiritual reflections to practice daily on your own at your home/ work place or while traveling.

1. Bring your full attention on to your body.
Take in and release three deep breaths.
Visualize a peaceful polling station.
Visualize voters casting their votes and returning peacefully.

2. Place your hands touching your stomach.
Watch the stomach rise and fall with each breath.
Visualize your village, town and the country.
Visualize a community engaged in their activities in peace, happiness and freedom.

Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement recently initiated 5R Fund for the people of the Northern Province in Sri Lanka who have been affected by the recent displacement due to the war. This initiative will strengthen the Sarvodaya 5R process which comprises of Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Reawakening of the affected people. The recent fighting has displaced almost 280,000 people in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and currently a rapid resettlement process is underway.

The 5R Fund for the Northern Province was initiated with generous contribution from Mr. M. Mariappan from Tamil Nadu Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. Mr. Mariappan along with Professor Narayana Samy from Gandhigram Rural University contributed 3,400 US Dollar to the Fund, which has been a collective contribution of friends from India who support the Sarvodaya Movement, especially from Tamil Nadu to show their solidarity to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Mariappan mentioned India is impressed of how Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka adapt and develop the concept of Sarvodaya and Gandhian philosophy as institute, which most the Indian institutes failed to do over decades.  He further stated, this is a very small contribution from a large country, but he committed himself to spread the message to the Sarvodaya supporters in India, especially to the Gandhian followers.

Dr. AT Ariyaratne, Mr. Mariappan and Professor Narayana Samy

Handing over the money

Addressing the occasion Dr. A. T.  Ariyaratne, the founder, president of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement conveyed the gift is small but greatly appreciated.  India has been involved in the conflict of Sri Lanka from the beginning and this is a very valuable initiative to heal the wounds of the war.   Furthermore, Sarvodaya Sri Lanka will be in close relations with all Gandhian institutes in India in the future too.  He appreciated the valuable presence of Mr. Mariappan and Professor Narayana Samy who have been friends of Sarvodaya for decades.

Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, the General Secretary of Sarvodaya, also appreciated the contribution of the Friends of Sarvodaya in Madurai and other Gandhian Institute.  He valued the strong sprit in which this donation has come and also the commitment demonstrated voluntarily.

Initiating the Fund

Dr. AT Ariyaratne and Mr. Mariyappan

Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne will be visiting India in April 2010 to participate in gatherings including Gandhi International Meeting.  He will be visiting a number of Indian leaders in this trip to get their support to this important initiative. Mr. Walter Link, a social entrepreneurship expert from the United States, Mr. Saman Algoda, the Executive Director of Sarvodaya, Mr. Subasena De Silva, the Deputy Executive Director was also present at the occasion.

Sarvodaya friends in India can contact Mr. Mariappan and Professor Narayana Samy to contribute to this valuable effort. They can be contacted by the following mailing address:

Tamilnadu Gandi Smarak Nidhi,

Gandhi Memorial Premises

Tallakulam

Madurai-625020

They also can be contacted by telephone,

0091-452-2530900

Mr. E. L. A. Careem welcoming the guests

The delegation met with the child ex-combatants who are being trained in the Sarvodaya Vocational Training Center at Sathurukkondan. They also met and discussed with the parents of the trainees at the Vocational Training Center.

The gathering

Speaking to trainees

Speaking with children

Meeting the parents

Mr. E. L. A. Careem, the Senior Executive Assistant of Sarvodaya for the Eastern Province was also present at the occasion.

Mr. Philippe Duamelle planting a tree at the premises

Parliament of the World’s Religions

The plenary

Dr. Ariyaratne delivered speeches on ‘Poverty and Development’ and ‘Earth Charter as Global Ethics for a Sustainable Future’ along with several distinguished religious and lay speakers around the world. He also had the opportunity to present Sarvodaya to the participants in a seminar titled ‘Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement – Grassroots Development, Conflict Resolution and Education’.

Dr. Ariyaratne with participants

He also served as panelist in several other engagement sessions.

Dr. Ariyaratne with Michael Beckwith

To read the official website of the event please click here

Throughout the years of development Sri Lanka has seen, the Northern and Eastern areas have been neglected due to the war. With the dawn of peace, the possibilities for these areas are now boundless. The project will begin with 10 general awareness programmes to garner interest in the initiative and the appointment of 50 selected youth community leaders. 50 village information centers will then be set up, equipped with Tamil language learning material and Microsoft trained trainers to educate the residents of the area. Telecentre operatives in the area will also be provided additional training to upgrade their own knowledge and capacity.

Speaking on the future of the project Mr. Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka emphasized on the need for developed education in the newly liberated areas. “With businesses now moving to the North and East, the need for the youth of those areas to be employable is now higher than ever before. Without the proper skills, the employability of the residents of the North and East are dangerously low- stalling the development process. By providing these areas with ICT education, we believe that a vast area of untapped potential will be mobilized toward the development of themselves, the North and East as well as the country as a whole. Microsoft Unlimited Potential can create the greatest possible impact in building a virtuous cycle of sustained social and economic development. This cycle drives communities; helps build connections to form new communities; is fueled by local and global partnerships; and, most importantly, ultimately becomes locally sustainable. Sustainability is a key indicator of effective programs and activities, and is our long-term measure of success”.

Mr. Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne

Through the Sarvodaya-Fusion, Microsoft Sri Lanka and HSBC will directly touch the lives of 1950 youth through training and education on ICT. The ripple effect of this endeavor however is immeasurable. By training the youth of the villages in the previously war torn areas, Microsoft Sri Lanka and HSBC believe growth will occur in many ways; through increased employability, the application of technology to village based micro enterprises and implementing education gathered through the use of technology to better the productivity of small enterprises.

Mr. Nick Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, spoke on the importance of educating and developing the employability of the youth of the North and East. “The lack of education prevents the youth of the North and East benefiting from the development taking place around them. The lack of facilities and trainers in the North and East is a factor that we aim to change through this initiative. We believe that providing the residents of these areas the means to help themselves will go a long way toward making them truly independent and giving them the power to better their own circumstances and develop their communities. This initiative will change lies in ways that we can only guess at; that change and the benefits that will come from it to the individual, the local community and the Sri Lankan community as a whole is what we believe will make a difference”

Mr. Nick A. Nicolaou

Information that was previously unavailable to residents in these areas, opportunities to bring in practices and systems that will enhance the productivity of local businesses and the overall output of the North and East which have been in use for years but were simply out of reach to these areas due to the war are now not simply a possibility but a probability. The fact that technology enhances lives is an established fact, the lives that the partnership will touch are lives that have been denied the opportunity to grow and benefit for decades – leaving a thirst for education and development that will benefit greatly though the opportunity the partnership provides.

Speaking at the launch event Mr. Tim Dubel, Director Community affairs, Microsoft Inc. was enthusiastic about the opportunities this tie up afforded the economy as a whole. “The conflict in Sri Lanka has held back the countries growth for decades. The liberating of the Northern and Eastern areas of the country affords many opportunities for both development of the community in that areas as well as affording the residents of the North and East the chance to contribute to the development of their community as well as the nation as a whole. We believe that the governments’ declaration of the year 209 as the Year of English and Information Technology is a far sighted step to enhancing the scope of development, resulting in rapid advancements in economic development”.

Mr. Tim Dubel

Additional factors of the partnership include HSBC’s planned provision of scholarships to students in the North and East, aimed at empowering them with the skills to take on the challenges that development of their community now afford them. The bank will also provide the necessary hardware to enable the learning process to be a success. Microsoft Sri Lanka, for their part will be providing expertise, software, curriculum and funds to enhance the longevity of the project, ensuring that the education provided will be passed on and not just a one off occurrence.

Speaking on the grant and scholarships Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Executive Director, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement emphasized on the need for projects to enhance the knowledge base of the Northern and Eastern Community. “For decades the only thing the youth in these areas knew was conflict, they have been denied basic education and the right to prosper due to circumstances not of their own making. Therefore the ability to learn and to benefit from the vast power of technology is bound to enhance their lives greatly. The increased business activities in the North and East have opened up opportunities that the youth in this area were unable to benefit from due to the lack of proper education and knowledge on technology. The training provided by Microsoft and HSBC as well as the scholarships and computers will enhance their skills, increasing their employability and affording them a chance to make the most of the development sweeping the nation”.

Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne

Sarvodaya, the largest Non Governmental Organization in Sri Lanka is committed to providing the northern and eastern communities of Sri Lanka with opportunities that have been denied throughout the long decades of conflict. In its 50 year history, the movement has brought about change in over 15,000 villages around the Island. Sarvodaya-Fusion, ICT for Development arm of Sarvodaya, would find this as an opportunity to extend their 10 years long experiences and expertise of introducing Information Technologies to the communities in North & East provinces. The benefits envisioned through the partnership between Microsoft Sri Lanka, HSBC and Sarvodaya will bring about a new future to the lives the project touches in the North and East.

This CSR project was not put together lightly; very clear goals of enhancing the number of individuals in the areas that are trained in the use of technology, enhancing the number of individuals employed because of the training and enhancing the perusal of additional education and training are some of the major factors. The partnering of two of the largest Multinational companies in Sri Lanka, both of whom have established a strong CSR background and have a history of projects aimed at bettering the lives of Sri Lankans everywhere, make a powerful statement; that the corporate giants have not grown complacent with the state of the local economy. Both Microsoft and HSBC believe in the potential for the North and East to contribute to the development of the Sri Lankan economy – a right that was denied throughout the long years of war. The project will ensure that the youth of the country are provided an opportunity to move past the past they have known, toward a better and more prosperous future with the use of technology.

Partnership

Awarding the grant

Microsoft Unlimited Potential helps individuals and communities around the globe achieve their goals and dreams through relevant, accessible and affordable technologies. Its mission is to enable new avenues of social and economic opportunity extending particularly to the estimated 5 billion people who have yet to realize the benefits of technology. As a global technology leader, Microsoft Corp. is dedicated to serving communities around the world. Innovative technologies and local partnerships are transforming education, fostering local innovation, and enabling jobs and opportunities to help create a continuous cycle of sustained social and economic growth for everyone.

Participants

To see the paper article on Daily News please visit here

The Chief Guest of the occasion Mr. Daniel Toole, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia was warmly welcomed by the children. Distinguished guests included Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, the founder-president of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Mr. Philippe Dumelle, UNICEF’s Country Representative for Sri Lanka, Mr. Jagath Wellawatte, Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority.

Welcome to National Child Protection Authority

Mr. Daniel Toole, Cheif Guest of the occation

Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, the Executive Director of Sarvodaya in his capacity as the South Asian Regional Coordinator for the Global Network of Religions for Children ( GNRC) introduced the ‘World Day of Prayer and Action for Children’ saying “ The 20th of November is a very special day for Children. It was 20 years ago that the United Nations adopted the ‘Convention on Rights of the Child’. We all care for children and we are an organizations working for and with children with a spiritual philosophy.  We got together to declare a special day that we can devote for children using spiritual and religious values. Today we are launching the ‘World Day of Prayer and Action for Children’ for the Asian region and similar events will be launched in South America, Africa, Middle East, Japan and many other countries.”

A special video message from Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, the leader of the Arigatou Foundation of Japan offered his blessings to the children and the proceedings of the day. “It is my heartfelt prayer that, on this day, every child could joyously celebrate his or her own infinite spiritual potential — the potential to play, laugh, love, meditate and pray, the potential to change the world.” said Rev. Miyamoto in his message. 

During the key note speech Mr. Daniel Toole brought attention on the plight of the children in the region. “South Asia has nearly 600 million children, the largest number of people under the age of 18 of any region of the world.  They make up around one-third of our population; and yet they are, of course, 100% of our future. But, more than half of these children live in poverty, yes more than half, and 42 million do not go to school.  Combined, these deprivations compromise their future – and ours.” said Mr. Toole.     

“Each of us here has a key role to play to make the required changes and build on the Convention on Rights of the Child. This is our individual and collective responsibility. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, children bring light to our world, and in turn we must all do more to stop the shadows that fall on their futures. This must be the focus of our prayers and of our concerted action.” He further stated.

The event was made colorful by performances from children that highlighted how good religious virtues will help the positive development of children.  

Christian drama

Tamil dance

A dance at the occation

A group of children from the Shanthi Asharm, India highlighted challenges that children face in society through dance and drama.  The performance by the children of special from the Sunera Foundation brought smiles to the audience and at the same time conveyed a strong message about every child’s right to play and participate in society.

The Islamic drama performed by a group of children from Kalmunai highlighted teachings from the Holy Kuran about the safeguarding of children and their well being. The children performance conveyed to the audience how applying good religious virtues children can find success in their lives. 

A group of children from Moratuwa lit up the stage dressed as Angels performing to the song ‘Namo Mariyani’ with a message that each child is special and that all god’s children with goodness in their hearts are looked after by Angels.

Young announcers

Child participants

The Buddhist Performance by Children from the Suwasetha Centre in Akuressa was based on two stories from the time of Lord Buddha that shows us the compassion and care that religious leaders must give to children.

The last of the children’s performances was by a dance troupe of Mrs. Rajini Selvanayagam and brought to stage a message of religious harmony and good will.

During the event a special moment of prayer and blessing for children was led by religious leaders from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and the Baha’i faith.

The event culminated with a group meditation session led by Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne invoking a wish for the betterment of children world wide.  It was a highly powerful moment with all in the audience holding a lamp in their hands as they unleashed a powerful spiritual force for the well being and protection of children.

Group meditation by Dr. AT Ariyaratne

Crowd with light

The hope

The launch event will be followed up with a week of action across the region, leading up to the ‘World Day of Prayer and Action for Children on the 20th of November, organized by the members and partners of Global Network of Religions for Children.

Dr. AT Ariyaratne with Mr. Toole

The organizers of the event

A World Day of Prayer and Action for Children takes place every year on Universal Children’s Day, November 20, which is also the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On that day, all over the world, in every community, and in all places of worship, prayer services will be accompanied by one or two common, measurable actions for the survival, development and protection of children.
The event held at the ‘Nawa Rangahala’ premises of Royal College, Colombo will be a collective of Religious Leaders, Organizations working for Children and most importantly over 600 Children from all over the country as well as children and other special invitees from India, Nepal and Maldives. Honored guests include   Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the founder of the Sarvodaya Movement, Mr. Philippe Dumelle, Country Representative for Sri Lanka, UNICEF.

With the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children giving, the launch event itself gives prominence to children and will be hosted by children from the South Asia region. Children from Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Matara and guest teams from Sunera Foundation and Mrs. Rajini Selvanayagam’s troupe will perform on stage.

The event agenda includes child friendly language and performances suitable to capture the minds of the children.  Emphasis is on conveying spiritual messages through cultural performances. Each of the performances by Children will highlight aspects of religion in nurturing the positive development of a child.  The event will culminate with a common meditation session unleashing a spiritual force for the well being of children across the region.

The launch event will be followed up with a week of action for the betterment of children through Sarvodaya and its network of partner organizations.

The founder- president of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne has received many grants throughout his life long service to community development in Sri Lanka.  A trust fund was established in 1984 to appreciate the work of individuals who also devoted their lives to the same principles of Dr. A.T. Ariyarantne and Sarvodaya which includes compassion, development and peace.  This year, the annual awards ceremony honored Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya, Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Deshabandu Jezima Ismail, Mr. Asoka Devendra, Mr. N.W.E. Wijewantha. 

Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne welcomed the distinguished guests and mentioned how rare it is to find people of this caliber like these awardees in today’s society.  After three decades of brutal war, the awardees have demonstrated perseverance in the name of peace, coexistence and development.  Distinguishing the efforts of these individuals is important to recognize in the current context of establishing ethic harmony among all communities.  He also mentioned that Sarvodaya will continue its efforts to empower the village communities to lead towards Grama Swaraj through its Deshodaya initiative.

The chief guest for the event Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator, during his speech mentioned how he studied about Sarvodaya as the best example for fighting poverty while empowering people and communities 25 years back.  He conveyed how Sarvodaya has used the principles of peace, unity and brotherhood and applied it through communities.  Like in all places when a war is finished, doing this is not easy.  There are wounds to be healed, there is trust to build.  He stated that there is much work to be done after a war in order to establish normalcy in the lives of the affected people, however with partnership amongst the government, UN, INGOs, and NGOs, like Sarvodaya who is a leader in uplifting people through village development, he is confident that obstacles will be overcome and peace and development will remain.

Professor Carlo Fonseka is a scholar in medical science and a recognized public speaker.  As a keynote speaker he referred to the UN Charter and stated that the war is created in the minds of the people and to finish the war you need to finish it off in the minds of the people. He stated that many people have changed the imprint of the world but for peace Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne would be amongst the honored.

The vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees was from Jezima Ismail.  She was awarded in appreciation for her services in establishing women’s organizations. She mentioned how she has received many awards but this one in particular is greatly valued to her.  She noted how the award ceremony completed with great success.

The Governor of the Western Province Hon. S. Alavi Maulana was also present at the occasion.

Watch the video here

(Photo Credit:Anura Peiris)