“Peace is not something you wish for. It is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away.” -Robert Fulghum

In a world often plagued by conflicts and divisions, initiatives that aim to foster peace and harmony among diverse communities are crucial. One such remarkable endeavour is the Rise Up Sri Lanka project, led by the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. This project is dedicated to spreading peace and harmony while celebrating the cultural diversity that exists within Sri Lanka.

The Rise Up Sri Lanka project has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the recognition received by its predecessor, Rise Up Sri Lanka 2.0. The project Rise Up Sri Lanka 2.0 was awarded the Bronze Award for Most Outstanding Initiative in line with the Rotary Focus Area of Peace Building and Conflict Prevention at the 32nd Rotaract District Training Assembly. This recognition highlights the impact and significance of the project within the community.

This year, Rise Up Sri Lanka 3.0 was composed of three distinct phases, each with its own unique contribution to promoting peace and understanding.

The first phase involved the launch of an electronic magazine, which features beautiful and meaningful creations by school children and undergraduates across Sri Lanka who come from different ethnicities and religious backgrounds. The magazine revolved around the theme of “Let’s spread peace with the cooperation of all ethnic brotherhoods: Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher.” By engaging the younger generation in artistic expression, this phase of the project aimed to cultivate a sense of unity and respect among different ethnic groups from an early age.

The second phase of the project focused on physical actions that contribute to a cleaner and more harmonious environment. The organizing committee of the project conducted shramadana campaigns at two religious sites in Sri Lanka: the Nawinna Raja Maha Viharaya and the Methodist Church in Nugegoda. These efforts not only enhance the cleanliness of these sacred places but also foster a spirit of collaboration and peace among various religious communities.

For the third and final phase of Rise Up Sri Lanka 3.0, a webinar was organized under the theme “Promoting social cohesion for lasting peace in Sri Lanka.” The webinar was led by Ms. Sulari Kumarasiri, a dedicated volunteer engaged in interfaith activities, conflict transformation, and social initiatives. The webinar aimed to create a platform for dialogue, understanding, and the exchange of ideas on building a peaceful society. By bringing together individuals committed to fostering unity and harmony, this phase of the project contributes to the long-term goal of sustainable peace in Sri Lanka.

We believed that the project Rise Up Sri Lanka 3.0 was able to serve as a unifying force, transcending the boundaries of communities, religions and races. It also endeavoured to rebuild the lives and hearts of Sri Lankans with love, peace, unity, respect, and harmony. By encouraging collaboration and understanding among different ethnic groups and religious communities, this project set a remarkable example of how diversity can be celebrated and harnessed to create a more harmonious society.

As members of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the team behind Rise Up Sri Lanka 3.0 takes great pride in their efforts to educate and serve the community through this successful project. We aim to continue this project in the coming years, further promoting peace and unity within Sri Lanka covering all the provinces in Sri Lanka by the end of the series. Through dedication and commitment, we are making a significant difference and inspiring others to join us on this noble journey toward a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Written by Rtr. Chamika Nilakshi

Graphic design by: Rtr. Suresha Lakmali