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Sarvodaya and
Escalating Violence in Sri Lanka
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What is the situation in Sri Lanka since the most recent suicide
bombing in Colombo and military response?
The fear and tension among people who live in the North and East of
the country, especially around the Trincomalee area, have caused
thousands to leave their homes. Because of its grassroots role with
village people, refugees turn to Sarvodaya for assistance ranging
from shelter and food to genuine peacemaking during such times of
crisis.
Where some international organizations may feel unable to take on
the risk of providing such support, Sarvodaya remains committed and
stands ready to play a positive role when needed. We are already
responding with person-to-person assistance to many families who
have become refugees again.
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What is
Sarvodaya's position?
Sarvodaya is non-partisan. It does not support or endorse
any form of violence. Instead, its philosophy and official
strategy for peace, outlined in official documents, public
forums and its website, take a long-term, holistic approach.
At all levels, the role of Sarvodaya is to keep lines of
communication open to all parties in the interest of
nonviolence. Our immediate goal is to avoid contributing to
the escalation of rumor and the potential for further
conflict while offering support in ways that offer
reassurance to who wish only to live their lives in peace.
Sarvodaya leadership, district and village level workers are
responding to human needs associated with acts of violence
in addition to tsunami relief and the ongoing challenges of
ensuring a higher quality of life for all. The Movement's
commitment to people of different religions and ethnic
backgrounds has been demonstrated through its 5R (relief,
rehabilitation, reconstruction, reconciliation and
reawakening) Program during periods of civil conflict as
well as natural disasters and village-based grassroots
development for decades.
How can we keep up to date on the situation?
Through ts network of district and divisional centers,
telecenters and village societies, Sarvodaya attempts to
maintain links with the Sri Lankan people and civil society
organizations in all parts of the country and abroad.
Monitoring official media and information sources in the
public and private sector, Sarvodaya USA will stay current
by also maintaining contact with our colleagues in the
Sarvodaya Movement itself.
Updates about significant events will be posted on
www.sarvodayausa.org
and www.sarvodaya.org
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Updated May 24, 2006 |
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