A. T. Ariyaratne (born 1931) is a renowned Sri Lankan social activist, educator, and founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, one of the largest and most influential grassroots development organizations in Sri Lanka. Often referred to as the "Gandhi of Sri Lanka," Ariyaratne has dedicated his life to promoting social justice, sustainable development, and community empowerment through non-violent, people-centered approaches. His work has had a profound impact on rural development, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of peace in Sri Lanka.
Birth and Background: Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne was born on November 5, 1931, in Unawatuna, a coastal village near Galle, Sri Lanka. He came from a middle-class family that valued education and social service. His early life in a village setting exposed him to the realities of rural poverty and the social inequities faced by the underprivileged, which would later influence his work.
Education and Career in Teaching: Ariyaratne graduated from Nalanda College, Colombo, and went on to become a teacher. He began his teaching career at Nalanda College, where he was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including leading students in community service projects. His time as an educator shaped his belief in the importance of youth engagement in community development and inspired him to pursue a path of social reform.
Inspiration and Founding Principles: In the late 1950s, Ariyaratne was deeply inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the Sarvodaya philosophy, which means "the welfare of all." He also drew on the Buddhist concepts of compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) as guiding principles for his work. In 1958, Ariyaratne founded the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement with the goal of uplifting Sri Lankan communities through self-help, collective action, and non-violence.
The word "Shramadana" means "the gift of labor," reflecting the movement’s emphasis on community members contributing their time and energy to improve their own villages. The Sarvodaya Movement sought to address issues such as poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare by mobilizing communities to work together for the common good.
First Shramadana Camp: The first Shramadana camp was organized by Ariyaratne in a small, rural village. He brought together teachers, students, and villagers to collectively undertake community development projects, such as building roads, digging wells, and improving local infrastructure. The camp was a success, and it became a model for similar efforts across the country. The concept of "Shramadana" emphasized volunteerism, solidarity, and the idea that sustainable development must begin at the grassroots level.
Community Development Projects: The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement rapidly expanded across Sri Lanka, engaging thousands of villages in community development initiatives. The movement’s projects ranged from building schools and health centers to establishing microfinance programs and promoting sustainable agriculture. By involving local communities in these projects, Sarvodaya empowered people to take ownership of their own development and fostered a sense of pride and self-reliance.
Holistic Approach to Development: Ariyaratne’s vision for the Sarvodaya Movement went beyond economic development. He advocated for a holistic approach that emphasized spiritual, moral, cultural, and social development alongside material progress. The movement’s programs aimed to address the "Ten Basic Human Needs," which included not only basic physical needs such as clean water, food, and housing but also emotional and psychological needs, such as education, cultural development, and spiritual well-being.
Non-Violence and Peacebuilding: Sri Lanka experienced a prolonged civil conflict from the early 1980s to 2009, during which Ariyaratne and the Sarvodaya Movement played an active role in promoting peace and reconciliation. Ariyaratne organized peace marches, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots-level discussions to foster understanding between different ethnic and religious communities. He was an outspoken advocate for non-violence and reconciliation, seeking to address the root causes of the conflict and build bridges between the Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim populations.
Sarvodaya’s Impact in Sri Lanka: Under Ariyaratne’s leadership, the Sarvodaya Movement became the largest non-governmental organization in Sri Lanka, with a presence in over 15,000 villages. The movement’s impact has been significant, particularly in terms of poverty alleviation, rural empowerment, and the promotion of participatory development. Sarvodaya’s initiatives have helped improve access to clean water, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions of Sri Lankans.
Microfinance and Economic Empowerment: In addition to community development projects, Sarvodaya also established microfinance programs to provide low-interest loans to small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers. These programs have empowered individuals, particularly women, to start small businesses and achieve economic independence. Sarvodaya’s microfinance initiatives have helped thousands of families escape poverty and build more stable livelihoods.
Peacebuilding Initiatives: Ariyaratne’s commitment to non-violence and peacebuilding was recognized internationally, and Sarvodaya’s efforts to bring about reconciliation in conflict-affected areas earned widespread respect. During the civil war, Sarvodaya worked to provide relief to affected communities, and after the war, it continued its efforts to promote healing and unity through interfaith dialogue and community rebuilding.
Awards for Social Service: A. T. Ariyaratne’s contributions to social service, community development, and peacebuilding have been recognized both nationally and internationally. He has received numerous awards, including:
Global Influence: Ariyaratne’s work with the Sarvodaya Movement has had a significant influence on community development efforts around the world. He has been invited to speak at numerous international forums on topics such as sustainable development, poverty eradication, and non-violence. His message of grassroots empowerment and collective action has resonated with communities beyond Sri Lanka and has inspired similar movements in other parts of the world.
Sarvodaya Philosophy: Ariyaratne’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of Sarvodaya (the upliftment of all) and Buddhism. He believes that true development is only possible when it includes spiritual and moral dimensions, and when it is directed toward the well-being of the entire community rather than individual profit. The Sarvodaya Movement’s focus on self-reliance, compassion, and community solidarity reflects these values.
Legacy and Continuing Influence: Ariyaratne’s work has left a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka. The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement remains one of the most influential social movements in the country, continuing to work for the empowerment of rural communities and the promotion of social justice. Ariyaratne’s message of non-violence, compassion, and collective responsibility continues to inspire new generations of activists and community leaders.
A Vision for Global Change: Ariyaratne’s vision for a better world goes beyond Sri Lanka. He has advocated for a global movement based on the principles of compassion, equality, and peace. He has often spoken about the need for a "no-poverty, no-affluence society", where resources are shared equitably, and development is pursued in harmony with the environment. His vision aligns with many modern concepts of sustainable development and community-led change.
A. T. Ariyaratne is a remarkable figure in Sri Lanka’s history and a global icon of grassroots development, non-violence, and social justice. Through the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals and communities by promoting self-reliance, compassion, and collective action. His work has had a profound impact on rural development, poverty reduction, and peacebuilding in Sri Lanka, making him a respected leader both at home and internationally.
Ariyaratne’s philosophy of "awakening the village" as the basis for true social and economic transformation remains a powerful model for community-driven development around the world. His enduring commitment to the welfare of all, his tireless advocacy for peace and justice, and his unwavering belief in the power of people to effect positive change have cemented his legacy as one of the great social reformers of our time.
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