Direct Relief International, a California based international health service organization, has honored Sarvodaya and its Executive Director Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne. Direct Relief dedicated its 2005 annual report to Dr. Ariyaratne and Sarvodaya for “the dynamic Sri Lankan community organization he leads; for extraordinary, sustained leadership in thousands of Sri Lanka’s village communities, for joining altruistic ideals with productive initiatives and for the enormous efforts undertaken in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami to help people rebuild their communities and lives.”

Direct Relief was cited by Forbes Magazine as a U.S. charity with 100% efficiency and charitable commitment. In 2005, Direct Relief provided over $119 million worth of medicines and medical equipment to partners in 53 countries.

Read the report