We are creating history here in this Pearl of the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, where the first URI National Assembly was inaugurated just days ago. Dr. A.T. Ariaratna, Magsaysay Award winner and founder of the Sarvodaya Movement, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp in the presence of several dignitaries.
"We have to deduce the wisdom from every religion so that it becomes a collective reservoir for the safety of humanity," said Dr. Ariaratna.
Dr. Abhaya Gunasekara, Chief Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council of Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address. In my speech addressing the assembly, I said: 'Peace is restoring the cosmic balance. Whenever we deviate from the original assigned order, there is violence and destruction.'
The Assembly was held at the beautiful Sarvodaya Hostel in Trincomalee District, a place that suffered greatly during the 30 years of internal conflicts.
Now, it is so peaceful, yet abuzz with a beehive of URI and Sarvodaya activities under the leadership of our Global Council Trustee Ravi Kandage, Jeevaraj (President of URI CC in Trincomale and coordinator of Sarvodaya Northern region), Professor Kamal Waleboda, Vijay Kannangara, Hathiathulla Maulavi, Rajakanta Padmanabha Gurukkal, Abdul Majeed Maulavi, Fr. Lalit Gunatilaka, Rev. Waththawe Dhammaloka Thero and so many other important people blessed the meeting with their presence.
