The 5th Annual National Congress of the Savisthri (Women for Development Alternatives) Movement was at the on the theme with the participation of the needy women in the farming, fishing and plantation labour sectors in the Six Districts viz: Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, NuwaraEliya and Anuradhapura, where Savisthri implements it's programmes.
Approximately 500 members including invitees from the network of organizations, "Women's Action for Social Justice" (WASJ) participated in this national event which went along with the International Women's Day, the commemoration of which fell on 08.03.2008.Theme : "Awakening the Conscience of the Sri Lankans against In justice".
Place and Date : Campbel Park, Borella, Sri Lanka on 13.03.2008 from 1000hrs to 1600hrs.
Place and Date : Campbel Park, Borella, Sri Lanka on 13.03.2008 from 1000hrs to 1600hrs.
Contents
• The day's programme commenced with religions observances which was followed by an oration delivered by M/S. Neetha Hendavitharana a member of the Active Womens Collective.
• The final speech was delivered by Padma Pushpakanthi the National Secretary of Savisthri giving in a nutshell the activities of the Savisthri Movement since it's inception in the year 2002. She explained that inspite of action purported to have been taken by various parties against injustices meted out to people, especially to women, no remedial action has yet been taken to put a stop to this matter. Yet, women are not been respected and recognized in the society as they are biologically born as women.
• Mr. Sarath Fernando of MONLAR delivered a speech on the escalation of the cost of living which has placed a heavy burden on the masses especially the women who bear the brunt of all injustices.
• Signatures were collected to a petition regarding this matter and when once this activity is finalized it would be handed over to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksha in the near future.
• There were few other speakers who delivered speeches on the theme of the congress.
• The annual General meeting of "Savisthri" too was held along with the National Congress where new office bearers had been selected for the year 2008.
• In addition, there was a cultural show with Street Dramas depicting the injustices meted out to people.
• The products turned out by the Savisthri members with the assistance given by the Savisthri Movement were marketed at the six stalls provided to them in the Campbel Park. In addition the work performed by them was displayed at the stalls and they were explained in detail to those who visited the stalls.• Awards were given to the District Co-ordinators of the Six Districts in recognition of their services.
• Two special awards were given to Mrs. Lalani and Neetha, two members for the excellent performance of their work in the Galle District in the absence of any co-ordinators. 
• Thereafter the congress adjourned at 1600 hrs.