Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka after eight years on a three-day tour on the invitation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena.
Sri Gurudev with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena
Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the Foundation and launched 12 vocational and technical centres around the country. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programs provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognise the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched over five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
Gurudev met war victims in Trincomalee and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at the Seetha Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the Foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. He also had discussions with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
Sri Gurudev with the Sri Lanka National Wheelchair Cricket Team set to go on tour soon
