By: Staff Writer
March 16, Colombo (LNW): The Grassroots Conflict Prevention in Sri Lanka Project (GRACE), a €2.1 million initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by World Vision Lanka, continues to make a significant impact on vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka. Running from April 2023 to March 2025, GRACE aims to address critical conflict drivers such as resource scarcity, economic hardship, ethnic and religious tensions, and the effects of natural disasters.
The project has directly benefited 227,815 individuals, contributing to their long-term well-being through various interventions. A key element of GRACE’s success is its close collaboration with local communities and administrations, ensuring sustainability and ongoing positive outcomes.
Notably, 156,992 individuals have received support in conflict resolution and social cohesion, while 60,417 have been trained in violence prevention and rapid response mechanisms. In addition, 10,406 individuals have improved their income opportunities through income-generating activities and savings groups.
Implemented across five areas—Kalpitiya, Nawagattegama, Mundalama, Wattala, and Ja-Ela—GRACE integrates both development and peacebuilding efforts, fostering stability and economic resilience in the region. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions, GRACE has helped bridge community divides, creating a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.
The project’s impact was celebrated during the “A Maze in GRACE” closure event, held on 25 February at the Don Bosco Development Centre. This event marked two years of transformative progress and offered participants the opportunity to interact with stakeholders, women’s groups, and youth, who showcased their achievements and shared the personal effects of the project on their lives.
The event featured an interactive maze, panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities that highlighted GRACE’s role in driving social change and strengthening conflict resolution.
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the session dedicated to personal impact stories, where stakeholders shared how GRACE contributed to their communities’ recovery and economic empowerment. This was a powerful reminder of how collaboration among diverse sectors can foster positive change.
European Union Ambassador Carmen Moreno commended the project, noting its tangible results in empowering women and youth while supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts.
She emphasized the European Union’s commitment to promoting climate-neutral, socio-economic growth. GRACE Project Manager Deepthi Silva expressed that the initiative had created a space for transformation, dialogue, and hope, enabling communities to break barriers and embrace change, thus sparking a ripple effect of positive transformation across the region.
