In Sri Lanka Lanterns Honor the Past and Give Hope for the Future

At 7pm on December 26th, a ring of light will illuminate the coast of Sri Lanka in a display of solidarity in remembering the country’s 40,000 victims of the Tsunami. "There is a light in all of us…we just need to share it," goes the mantra that is propelling local NGO Sarvodaya’s "In Loving Memory" project on the one year anniversary of the deadly waves.

"This special event is designed to unite the citizens of Sri Lanka by embracing all religious and ethnic communities in remembering those lost," explains a representative of Sarvodaya, JDC’s primary partner and implementing organization in Sri Lanka.

Lanterns, which are being distributed to all individuals who lost family or friends in the natural disaster, have been made of local materials by many of the 2,000 women who acquired handicraft skills through livelihood retraining provided by JDC in partnership with Sarvodaya. "Making these lanterns has relieved our sorrow," says Wijeyanthi, a young woman who participates in the JDC/Sarvodaya Economic Empowerment program who lost loved ones as well as material possessions during the Tsunami.

And preparing the tens of thousands of lanterns was no small task. In addition to gathering the materials and fashioning them, each of the lanterns is hand printed with a remembrance message in three languages and leaves space to write the names of the deceased. "The women who participated in the production of lanterns displayed great commitment and fortitude in overcoming obstacles an meeting near impossible deadlines," explains Rohana Jayaratne, a Sarvodaya volunteer who organized the event. "This project is indicative of a major milestone in the recovery process of affected women."

Harnessing the skills of these women — many of whom lost husbands, children, incomes and "life" as they knew it — in such a spiritual and united effort has provided them more than economic benefits. Jayaratne points out that the project has proven both cathartic and empowering. "It has given them courage and confidence to move on to higher levels of achievement."

Danka, a preschool teacher further explains that being involved in the "In Loving Memory" project has brought the women closer to each other and given them the strength and purpose to rebuild their lives. "It makes us feels as if the whole world has suffered with us here in Sri Lanka."

In the Galle District, where tens of thousands of families have been touched by JDC/Sarvodaya projects, locals have been invited to come to predetermined locations along the seashore on the exact evening that the Tsunami hit last year and light their candle in unison. The ceremony will be led by Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, the founder and spiritual leader of the Sarvodaya movement.

Other families wishing to do will light the remembrance lanterns in their homes in front of pictures of the departed; in a temple, kovil, church or mosque; or at a community gathering. "It is hoped to create a symbolic ring of light and community gathering around the entire island to serve as a fitting memorial for the victims."

December 2005