Sarvodaya Shramadhana
The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement is the largest people's organization in Sri Lanka. Beginning in one village just 40 years ago, Sarvodaya gained momentum quickly throughout the island. In these past 40 years, the organization has grown exponentially from one village center to over 15,000. With departments focusing on disaster relief, education, children’s and women’s advocacy, and environmental protection to name a few, Sarvodaya is known across the country and the world as an exemplary model for community growth and advocacy.
The primary philosophy that helps our movement to thrive is that of shared labor. In fact, our name is the Sri Lankan translation of this concept. In order to create sustainable growth within Sri Lanka, Dr. Ariyaratne believed that there must be labor shared between members of a community. He believed that this not only helps to complete each project quickly, but it also helps to foster a sense of community and peace. This is especially important in a country like Sri Lanka that has been struggling through years of ethnic conflict and hostility.
Sarvodaya continues to promote the Shramadhana movement throughout the island, fostering peace-building initiatives as it helps to make Sri Lanka into a better country.
Our Founder: Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne
A.T. Ariyaratne was born on November 5, 1931 in Unawatuna village in Galle District of Sri Lanka. He had his school education at Mahinda College, Galle. Then he attended a teachers college, after which he was a high school teacher until 1972 at Nalanda College Colombo. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Vidyodaya University of Sri Lanka and later received an honorary doctorate of D.Lit. from the same university.
Ariyaratne, a strong believer in Gandhian principles of non-violence, rural development and self-sacrifice, has shaped the Sarvodaya Movement in ways that forged a significant link between secular principles of development and Buddhist ideals of selflessness and compassion. As a devout Buddhist, he has led tens of thousands of “family gatherings” and meditations with millions of people throughout Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. Ariyaratne is a devout Buddhist and continues to be active in Sri Lankan politics and community development.
