.

Monthly progress and activities of the Savisthri Movement

Consumer Service of the Savisthri Alternate Producers and Consumer Section.
Food devoid of poisonous stuff for a healthy life.

A marketing stall was inaugurated in the Savisthri National Office on 07.01.2009 for the purpose of providing food of nutritional value collected from the Six Districts where Savisthri programmes are being implemented. To mark the occasion a small function was held on the day in question with the participation of Savisthri members and neighbours. This stall is being kept opened on the five week days commencing from 9000 hrs. to 1700 hrs. and cater to the needs of the Savisthri members and neighbours.

The Savisthri Home Gardening programme is successfully carried out in the Matara District and it is worth, mentioning that a Mini Bank Society member named "Nirosha" has been able to collect a good harvest from he. garden where she had cultivated various items including a variety of yams. Some neighbours who were thrilled at her success and after getting aware that Nirosha had received all the assistance from the Savisthri Movement had formed a small group consisting of six members.

A school Nutritional Programme.

Subsequent to the Savisthri Food programme carried out in the Six Districts including Galle District coinciding with the world food day, a special programme had been carried out in the Ratgama Sirisumana college to provide cunjee which is a nutritious food to the school children prepared out of various herbal plants grown in the home gardens of the villagers. This programme is being carried out with the assistance of the Galle District Savisthri Co-ordinator, Savistheri Women leaders and the parents of the school children.

A policy for economic activities

A draft document regarding an alternate economic policy to be submitted to the government is being discussed amongst the members of the Savisthri Movement.

Women's Policy Document

Copies of the draft of the Women Policy document formulated by the Savisthri Movement has been made available to the District Organizations in the Matara District and it is being expected to discuss this matter in the month of February.

Survey conducted to collect information regarding the lost land rights.

A survey is being carried out through the Womens Action for Social Justice (WASJ) regarding the injustices meted out to women as a consequence of their losing land rights.

The Second survey is to be carried out by the Savisthri Movement regarding the various irregularities that have resulted as a consequence of the re-location of the tsunami victims.

A view expressed by a member

L.G.Nimanthie Wijayanthi of the Mini Bank Society Gandhara, Matara says that she has been able to strengthen her economy through the awareness gained by her with her participation in the various programmes implemented by the Savisthri Movement. She is full of praise for Savisthri for getting an awareness regarding the preparation of a nutritious meal and being able to prepare a good home garden.

Human Rights Protection Committees

With the special knowledge gained regarding Human Rights, a special programme was organized in the Moneragala District by the Human Rights Committee regarding health rights. For this awareness programme, 52 people participated including the Savisthri National Secretary and representatives of some other organization. As a consequence of this programme, a decision was taken to impart this knowledge to the rural community, to collect particulars regarding health policy violations at each monthly meeting and to have a special discussion to get views and suggestions for the alternate economic policy and the women's policy document.

Youth Camp at Matale

A three day awareness programmes was held on January 23, 24 and 25. 2009 in the Matale Raja Maha Viharaya (Buddhist Temple) to create an awareness amongst the youth both males and females in the Matale District on the theme "comple man, full society" with the co-ordination of the Savisthri National Office.

At this, a workshop was held on the personality of the youth, social obligations, art, youth and global warming. Savishtir expects to extend this workshop to other Districts as well.

District programmes held in the month of January 2009 :-

Several District programmes like holding SAPCA committee meetings, awareness given to Human Rights Committees, exchange of the products, holding youth camps etc. had been held in the Six Districts in the month of January 2009.

What is this present social crisis?

A discussion regarding the existing social crisis as felt by each individual was held in the Savisthri National Office at 1700 hrs. on 28.01.2009 with the participation of representatives of various organizations, independent individuals as well as members of the Savisthri Movement.

Activities of the Savisthri Movement during the month of December 2008

Guidance given by Savisthri for the Development of Women

On 30th December 2008, a workshop was held in the community Development Centre in Malabe situated in close proximity to Colombo on the subject, " Duty of women for Social Development" organized by the Sustainable Agricultural and Research Development Institute which works in affiliation with the women – folk in 10 Districts. The Savisthri Movement which is engaged in that activity participated at this workshop and contributed it's share by providing resource personnel, made a clarification regarding the importance and the necessity of collective work, analysed the social, economic and political conditions and making a clarification regarding Savisthri activities in those fields. It is scheduled to hold this meeting in future at rural level.

Staff Training

A two day residential workshop was held at Sarvodaya Development Centre at Bandaragama on 2008.12.06,07 for the development of the skills of the Savisthri staff. This programme commenced on the 5th evening and awareness was given regarding the Savisthri vision, Alternate Economic Development activity, formation of Human relations, Human Rights Protection activity, Home Gardening Programme, decision taking, formation of small groups and communication process. A special feature of this programme was the functioning of Savisthri activists as Resource Persons . The Savisthri News Bulletine wishes that Savisthri would commence a successful journey in the year 2009.

National Workshop on Human Rights

A three day workshop on Human Rights was held in the Savisthri National Office on 2008.12.22, 23 and 24 with the participation of 27 members from the 06 Districts where Savisthri programmes are being implemented chaired by the Advocate S.G. Punchihewa. One Mr. Sivagurunathan acted as the Interpreter.

Awareness was given regarding the identification of human rights, how they are being violated, what action should be taken in such instances and children's rights. Through group exercises, awareness was given by the provision of leaflets. In addition, awareness was given regarding our rights in relation to the activities vested with the provincial councils and in relation to consumer affairs.

As mentioned above this workshop was held in the Savisthri National Office and all the participants gave their unstinted support in the cleaning of the premises, aiding in the provision of refreshments, organizational work etc. to facilitate the smooth working of the workshop. In the post activities of this programme gather experiences, were exchanged amongst the members of one Mr. Saranapala, the veteran Trade Union Leader and through the display of a film by Robeto Bethnigi woven round a Jewish family concentrated in a Nazi camp during the 2nd World war. The Savisthri News bulletine expects that the knowledge thus gained would be utilized in the Human Rights programmes that would be held in the course of this month.

Mini Bank Society Anniversary

Two anniversary celebrations of the Mini Bank Societies at Gandara, Matara and Helawatta were held on 2008.12.19 and 21 at which leaders of the Mini Bank Societies participated and expressed their views, appointed new office bearers, initial discussions taken place regarding the formation of Human Rights Committees and as a special item, work plans for the year 2009 embodying targets too had been submitted. At each anniversary of Mini Bank Societies in the Matara District, fairs had been held and new fairs are being held at Mini Bank Society Level. Each member has a home-garden and the produce of such home gardens are brought and sold at the weekly fairs.

District Programmes - Anuradhapura

The anniversary of the Mini Bank Society at Eppawala, Anuradhapura District was held on 14th December 2008. This is the second anniversary of this Mini Bank Society and dividends at the rate of Rs. 1250/- had been given to each of the members.

Throughout the month of December, Shramadana Programmes had been conducted in the ecological Farm every week on Saturdays with the participation of children and Savisthri members. A Shramadana was held on 2009.01.02, 03 and 04 and all relevant documents would be handed over to the new Divisional Secretary pertaining to the vesting of the right to the farm land with the Savisthri Movement.

The food exhibition of the Savisthri Movement in it's food programme that was implemented to coincide with the World Food Day - 16th October 2008.

The Savisthri Movement Launched a food exhibition in eight (08). Districts of Sri Lanka viz Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, Anuradhapura, NuwaraEliya, Kegalle and Kurunagala in the months of October and November 2008 to coincide with the World Food Day.

Kegalle District on 10th October 2008.

This programme was organized by the members of the co-operative women's organization which is a member organization of the Womens Action for Social Justice (WASJ). Approximately sixty people participated at the exhibition and children from 3 schools . At the exhibition more priority was given to make the people aware of the usage of various kinds of yams to solve the prevailing food crisis.

Anuradhapura District on 17th October 2008.

This was organized by the Savisthri District Collective, Anuradhapura. Approximately 350 persons participated. The field co-ordinator of Anuradhapura District, a doctor of indigenous medicine made a reference to the existing global food crisis and encouraged people to grow their own food in their gardens free of chemicals and consume nourishing food avoiding any poisonous stuff. A drama was staged with the participation of Savisthri community members highlighting the value of home grown food. There were nearly 200 different varieties of vegetables. fruits and medicinal plants.

Matale District on 2008.10.22, 23

Approximately 100 participated including school children, invitees, local government officers, Grama Niladharis and members of the Savisthri National Movement. There was an exhibition and sale of palatable cooked food. An awareness was given to those assembled that the produce viz vegetables, fruits, cereals and yams were all nutritious and free from any chemicals as only organic fertilizer had been used for their cultivation.

Two members from the Pradeshiya Sabha (local government institution) and the Grama Niladhari of the area were so taken up with the food exhibition they expressed their satisfaction regarding the work that is being implemented in the area by the Savisthri Movement.

Galle District - 2008.10.26.

Approximately 350-400 participated including Savisthri members in the Galle District, youth, school children and the fishing community. There were cereals, green leaves various dishes turned out of fish (Ambul Thiyal, Jaadi etc), traditional sweet – meat prepared from locally grown rice, various kinds of cunjee prepared from a variety of herbs, a variety of yams both cooked and uncooked, indigenous medicinal plants were all kept on display, which attracted the participants.

Lecturer were given to apprise the people of the prevailing food crises, dangers of consuming food items grown utilizing chemicals and weedicides, health problems, environmental changes and reasons for such changes and how they should be avoided which were highly appreciated by the people.

Moneragala District

This food programme was held in the Moneragla District on 2008.10.30. Amongst the participants were Savisthri members in the area, those well versed in food production, members of government and non-governmental organizations and ordinary people.

A variety of cereals and food items grown in chenas, various drinks made out of herbs, cow's milk, packeted seeds collected from plants grown utilizing organic manure and plants including herbs were kept on display.

In addition to food items which were of nutritious value and grown in their home-gardens, there were handicraft too such as bags and boxes made out of reed.

There were four food stalls where various kinds of cooked rice and delicious curries made out of home grown vegetables, yams, Jaadi and mush-rooms were kept on display, cunjee made out of different kinds of herbs and palatable dishes made out of cereals and fruit and vegetable plants too were kept for sale which were sold at very cheap rates.

Matara District

This food exhibition was held at the Dondra esplanade Matara District on 03.11.2008 .

Approximately 1000 people, members of the youth groups, invitees and several others participated.

This programme included an alternate food exhibition, a display of plants both vegetables and fruits grown in the home gardens utilizing organic manure, various kinds of yams, a variety of cunjee made out of green leaves and cereals. Awareness programmes regarding global warming, special awareness programmes conducted by resource persons, and there was a brisk sale of local food cooked and uncooked and various palatable dishes were on display.

There were altogether five (05) stalls. These stalls displayed local food used by the Sinhala Buddhists, Muslims and Hindu communities to celebrate their cultural festivals. There were various traditional sweet-meats prepared out of home grown cereals like rice, millet and these constituted of oil cakes, kokis etc. which are normally prepared for the Sinhala New Year. Likwise traditional dishes had been turned out of locally grown cereals which are normally seen on the festive occasions of the Hindus and Muslims.

There were several decoctions made out of fruits like avocado, melon and cunjee turned out of various kinds of herbs which are freely available in the home gardens.

In addition those participated were given an awareness regarding the preparation and nutritious value of such foods and cunjee.

An awareness had been given regarding rice, our staple food and the preparation of various kinds of dishes turned out of rice viz Milk rice, coconut rice, green gram rice and their nutritious value. Added to all these, there were sweet potatoes etc which had been displayed raw as well as cooked, fish, Jaadi (preserved fish) and Maldive fish all turned of out of Tuna Fish for display and sale.

In a separate stall, there were posters depicting the global warmth, which gave an awareness regarding the climate change and it's repercussions.

The successes of this programme include.

- The reduction in the usage of polythene by 90%.
- Availability of food in abundance.
- Several awareness programmes conducted
- Contribution made by the women to make the programme a success.

As for the failures less participation inspite of the fact that it is a heavily populated area. Dumping of several products and items in a small space and less attention paid to educational posters could be cited.

It became very clear of the importance of holding such exhibitions in those areas.

Kurunegala District

The food exhibition organized by the Savisthri Movement was held in Kurunegala on 11.11.2008 in the Vahara village in the Kurunegala District. There were 65 participants in all including 50 members from the villages, 01 priest , school teachers, a doctor of Indegeneious Medicine and members of the Rural Development Society.

One teacher who was present extolled the importance of holding such exhibitions and assured that in future he would liaise the school with such activities.

There was an exhibition of posters prepared by the Savisthri Movement depicting the ill effects of consuming fruits, vegetables and cereals grown utilizing chemicals and the benefits by using food items grown utilizing organic fertilizer. An awareness was given regarding the nutritious value of home grown food items freely available in the home garden.

NuwaraEliya District

The food exhibition was held at the school premises Queensbury Estate, NuwaraEliya District on 12.11.2008 from 1000 hrs – 1330 hrs.

Approximately 300 individuals participated including the Principal, Queensbury estate school, school children, Estate Superintendent and employees in the estate.

The food exhibition commenced with a drama staged by the school children. The aim of the food exhibition "We could prepare a nutritions meal without any poisonous stuff" was explained to those assembled.

There were various kinds of fruits, vegetables and yams on display which were grown by utilizing only organic fertilizer. Boilled Manioc and other yams were kept on display which had a brisk sale. Since the villagers used to purchase food and their daily needs by paying exorbitant sums of money a request was made for them to grow yams in their gardens using organic fertilizer to enable them to have a wholesome meal devoid of any poisons.

On the whole this was a success. Although not hundred percent successful the participants highly appreciated the efforts made by the Savisthri National Enterprise to create an awareness amongst the people of the value of consuming home grown food utilizing organic fertilizer which is of a highly nutritious value. Even the principals of schools highly commended the effort and assured that they would liaise school children in our future programmes. The various requests made by school principals, temple priests and villagers to hold this exhibition in their premises vouch for the success of this programme. Furthermore:-

· The principals of several schools have prohibited the sale of cooked items made out of imported flour in the school kiosks and have requested the children to bring cooked meals from home and to refrain –from using polithene and plastic bottles, which result in environmental pollution.

· Principals have initiated action to have home gardens in their school premises.

· Parents of school children have requested assistance from the Savisthri Movement for the commencement of home gardens.

· Schools have initiated action to provide a cup of cunjee made out of herbs to each child twice a week.

· State institutions like the Police have called for a discussion regarding food devoid of poisonous stuff.

· Discussions held to show this exhibition in other Districts as well.

· At the exhibition held, the trade stalls where alternate produce were displayed and sold had a high attraction and requests made to have such stalls in their areas as well.

· In most of the Districts action has already been taken to inaugurate weekly Sathipolas (trade outlets) to sell vegetables, fruits, green leaves, cereals grown utilizing organic fertilizer.

· At the end of each exhibition in the eight Districts action had been taken to collect signatures of the participants to the public petition organized in co-ordination with the public activity for the settlement of the food crisis, thereby collecting approximately 4000 signatures to the petition.

A Healthy Life for All Living Beings-A special Programme based on the World Food day which falls on 16.10.2008

The food crisis which is being experienced by the whole world is being felt in Sri Lanka as well. The escalation of the food prices has become a heavy burden to the masses. The people have got accustomed to purchase food at exorbitant prices and there is no guarantee about the nutritious value of such food. The number of patients increase day by day and various disasters that occur due to environmental changes too are on the increase and it is clear as crystal that there is a close liaison between these factors.

The first class food producing companies which have invaded the market are manouvering and using various methods to expand their products with the main aim of deriving a profit. Nutrition, health and other environmental factors are not their concern in their search for wealth. The ill effects are experienced by the poor majority.

Our experience is that a majority of the population in our country are affilicted with one or two of the undermentioned diseases.

Kidney ailments Various aches and pains.
Diabetese Catarrh.
Heart troubles. Poor vision.
High pressure. Greying of hair at a young age.
Leaukemia. Tooth decay.
Severe epidemics . Indolence.
Leptospirosis/ Dengu/ Malaria.

The power of resistence in our bodies to these diseases have now vanished. Due to the lack of resistence power people are prone to fall prey to various diseases. From time immemorial people have toiled hard in the paddy fields for their livelihoods and they got accustomed to associate their lives in canals and muddy fields and rivers. The revelations made now that maddy water in specially paddy fields contain poisonous stuff that would harm the cultivators bring a shudder to their bodies.

The agriculture and plantation work thrust on the farmer today using imported fertilizer and other chemicals and insecticides had become the order of the day. Chemicals are added to vegetables, fruits and cereals to keep cereals longer. Chemicals like Malathion and Actalic are added to cereals. Instant food added with preservatives and essences are available in abundance in the market. It has been revealed that the additives used for food are chemicals that are used in cleaning iron, alluminium sheets and lavatories. It is no secret that genes of scorpions, spiders are used in the preparation of genetically modified food which has resulted in several deaths.

When considering these factors it is not reasonable to place the blame for various diseases on rats and mosquitoes alone.

Hence people who live and consume :-

In an environment polluted by poisonous staff.
Who consume food contaminated by poison.
Who consume food devoid of nutrition.
Who become prey to the poisonous food available in the market.
Whose bodies absorb poision through indulgence in the five senses have to live a life of uncentaimity with death at a short distance.

What should be done

The agriculture that is being forcibly done utilizing poison and chemicals to the good earth should be stopped immediately.
We should engage in agriculture which has the ability to naturally improve it's quality.
One should produce one's own food taking into consideration nutrition and health of all beings.
Get accustomed to consume customary food that is available free and which are inherent in abundance in the relevant areas.
Adherence to food patterns paying attention to nutrition and health and not according to the requirements of the market.

Taking into consideration all these factors and as a group which has acquired vast experiences by making these factors practical, the Savisthri organization and the Womens Action for Social Justice (WASJ) have formulated a plan to make the people adhere to the customary nutritious food free from poison and chemicals and with this end in view have initiated action to inaugurate and maintain food marketing stalls with nutritious food, awareness programmes and exhibitions in 12 Districts in the month of October 2008 based on the World Food Day.

Particulars pertaining to this activity are given below:-

Aim
To make the masses get accustomed to the use of nutritious food which is freely available, devoid of poisonous stuff.

Theme
A healthy life for all beings.

Venue
Selected places in the 12 Districts.

Contents
Display of posters, forms, marketing stalls with nutrition food devoid of poison and chemicals.

Expected aim
Get accustomed to local / inherent in the relevant areas / food which is freely available.

To do away with contaminated food.

Awareness

Through Resource Persons, activists, members, creative work prepared in an attractive manner and through street dramas.

A Healthy Life for All Living Beings-

Ecological programme to minimize Global Warming-

Report pertaining to the above Training workshop.

Commencement - 05 p.m. on 2008.08.24
Participation - 39 participants.

In addition to participants from the 06 Districts viz. Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, NuwaraEliya and Anuradhapura where Savisthri progammes are being implemented, 04 selectees attended from the Polonnaruwa District as well. At the inauguration, the Programme Co-ordinator of the Savisthri Movement emphasized on the activities of the Savisthri Movement covering the needy women in the farming, fishing, plantation sectors and other fields in the six Districts to raise them from the abyss they were in and place them on a better footing socially, economically and politically, it's mission, vision and aim, it's achievements, the challenges it had encountered since it's inception and how they were overcome tactfully and with diligence, and how it is proceeding to achieve it's goals to make these women an empowered lot. Mention was made regarding the Sheffied team of UK which was giving the Savisthri Movement it's fullest co-operation for the Ecological programme re. which the three day workshop was conducted to minimize global warming which is threatening not only Sri Lanka but the whole world.

The aim of the workshop was to train trainers at District Level to get the fullest community participation and give them an awareness to minimize the emission of carbondioxide.

The five Resource Persons in their lectures on diverse aspects of Global Warming elaborated in the simplest possible manner on the theme "Global Warming" which has resulted in the climate change which is being experienced by the whole world. Explanation was given by them regarding the scientific causes for climate change, how the excessive emission of carbondioxide through the usage of fossil fuel especially by large scale industries, vehicles, power plants etc. have damaged the Orzone layer which has resulted in the Ultra Violet Rays of the sun falling directly on to the earth and endanger the whole man kind, beasts, fauna and flora. They explained how this process is contributing to the melting of the glaciers formed millions of years ago raising the sea levels which would submerge most of the countries and that since countries like Maldives, Thailand etc. would be drowned by the rising sea levels in the future and such countries would remain only in the map in the future.

To make things simpler to the participants, in addition to the diagrammes showing the earth in relation to the sun, photos were shown on the screen of melting glaciers, plight of the Polar Bears in the Arctic region that has become an endangered species which would sooner become extinct, the heavy smoke from coal power plants, planes etc. released to the atmosphere.

To counteract the ill-effects of global warming which has resulted in the melting of glaciers the incessant rains, flooding, land slides and mud slides (eg.cyclone, Katrina which ravaged New Orleams) and the famine which would result in the future where there would be food scarecity and lack of water and the intense heat of the sun which would destroy agriculture and the available lands, they suggested that from now on the people should try to minimize the burning of fossils fuel and grow trees which bear edible fruits and corn which thrive well in arid areas and grow forests to reduce the emission of carbondioxide.

In addition to photos, films on the ill effects of climate change were shown to the participants.

A plan was drawn up with the participants of the relevant Districts regarding the further activities to be undertaken to minimize the release of carbondioxide and make the Districts carbon free Districts like the aim of the Sheffield team to make Sheffield a carbon free city.

The plan drawn had been discussed further prior to the implementation of it's activities.

On the whole the workshop was successful and the participants were advised to convey the message to all at village, District and Mini Bank Society levels. The workshop ended at 1515 hrs. on 2008.08.26.

The work carried out subsequent to the workshop :-

· Commencement of awareness programmes at District Level.
· Collection of necessary papers / information regarding this matter.
· Preparation of a book "from excessive consumption to thrift" on global warming.

This book is scheduled to be launched on 23.09.2008 at 1400 hrs at the Savisthri National Office.
· Broadening of home gardening / re-forestation.
· Showing the ill-effects of global warming through street dramas performed by cultural troupes already formed by the Savisthri Organization.

Global warming and it's effects

A three day residential workshop is to be conducted by the Savisthri Organization to implement the environmental programme to minimize global warming.

Date : 2008.07.24, 25 and 26
Venue : Sarvodaya Training Centre, Medagama, Bandaragama, Sri Lanka.

Participants : Savisthri Activists / members of youth committees environmentalists,

project implementors.

Co-ordination : Programme Unit, Savisthri National Movement.

Sponsorship : Sheffield group of U.K. which is implementing activities to minimize global

warming.

This workshop is scheduled to be held at the venue mentioned above with the participation of approximately 40 members of the Savisthri Organization in the Six Districts. We are encountered with a serious situation where global warming is threatening the living not only humans but animals and plants as well and vast areas of agricultural lands. Five Resource Persons are to address this workshop on the second day covering various aspects of global warming including what it is, how it affects the life on this plant earth, the changes that are taking place with emphasis on the climate change which has already commenced creating havoc everywhere and culminating with the introduction of alternatives to minimize global warming.

The photographs given below show the activities "Savisthri" Movement has so far implemented in this regard.

The attempts made by no to minimize global warming document - pdf file. contains photos. hosted at savisthri website.

A peaceful campaign (Sathyagraha) – Theme – "To a Land of Humanity devoid of Hunger, War, Kilings."

Objective - To convince the two parties engaged in the on-going War that the war is not a necessity of the masses and to exert pressure on the responsible authorities to avoid placing the enhanced cost of living on the masses.

Methodology - Sathyagraha (Silent Campaign). Display of posters relevant to the theme and cut-outs.

Venue - Vihara Maha Devi Park, opposite the Colombo Municipal Council.

Date - From 1000 hrs. to 1330 hrs on 28.05.2008

Number of participants - Only 650 participated although the number expected was 1000.

Those representing the farming, fishing, plantation sectors and those displaced by the war and the tsunami catastrophe and various organizational representatives belonging to the ethnicities Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil participated from Districts Galle, Matale, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Puttalam, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Moneragala, Colombo, Kegalla, NuwaraEliya and Badulla.
Inauguration

The attention of the participants were drawn to the Sathyagraha (peaceful protest) by Marie Princy of the "Janavabodha Centre" by drawing their attention in a meditative mood to the pressure exerted on the masses by the on-going war and the spiralling cost of living.

Aim

· Food expenses should be bearable to the masses.
· The war that destroys the lives of the innocent and enriches the companies owning arsenals should be stopped immediately.
· The plan for the re-establishment of the country should be formulated with public participation.
· Our country should be freed from the adverse effects of globalization.

The Convenor Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi made a clarification that based on the above main themes, the activities taken against them pressurizes the whole community and that the aim was to convince the administrators of the necessity of taking steps to make the methodologies more effective, to exert impacts on the two parties ie. the government forces and the rebel group (LTTE) to stop the war which had created havoc in the affected areas, to convince that as a group which had been experiencing the travails and woes that there are programmes conducive to man and nature that could be implemnted easily on this day as an impact group on the theme "to a land of humanity devoid of hunger, war and killings."

Factors embodied

· Placards and cut-outs displaying the opposition to the issues pressing the people on the above factors.
· 2000 hand –bills including information to create an awareness amongst the people were distributed amongst the participants and others in Sinhala and Tamil.

Two Street Dramas were staged to show the participants that in a war situation it is the to ordinary people who have to sacrifice their lives and to show how the ordinary masses are hood-winked by the state controlled media. As per a story in the Bible, placing the responsibility of the rising cost of living and putting a stop to the war on the masses, a continuous struggle should be made in the future and the masses should work as a pressure group to exert impacts on the authorities concerned was shown as a drama to the participants. These dramas were staged by Mr. Roy Rodrigo of Negombo and his cultural group.

Submission of special views

Sheela Wickramarathna of Gemi Kantha Peramuna, Kadawatha explained to the gathering that although her son who was serving in the Army had to sacrifice his life in action that as a mother who is against the war she had no hatred towards Tamils and it was unreasonable to harass the Tamil Community.

Sadhu Jana Ravaya – A musical group which says that peaceful life is a right of the masses. Obstacles could be obliterated through the strong bonds of brotherhood and humanity amongst the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims in the North, East and the South.

Let us fall like the rain
Be together like the wind

Our wish is to see that the Sinhala and Tamil communities in the South and North join hands together and be happy devoid of any hostility.

In the North you laugh and be happy my brother Nadarajah
in the South you laugh and be happy my brother Sumanasiri

Mr. Jayantha Bandara of the " Sadhu Janarava" group who was involved in a long struggle regarding the heavy pressures placed on the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims and stood for peace amidst threats at a time of a severe war participated on this day through the co-ordination of Swarna and Sunil of MONLAR (Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reform).

Although plans were made for a campaign of planting trees within the premises of the Municipal Council, it could not be carried out as no preparations had been made as agreed upon by the officers of the Municipal Council.

Plans were made to plant those fruit trees to give effect to the concept that it is essential to implement food production and cultivation in the country as one solution to the escalation of food prices. Girty Ranawaka of the "Kadawatha Sahana Kantha Ekatuwa" of the Mahavali Centre took pains in this regard. The officers of the Municipal Council informed on that day that the tree planting programme was to be implemented on the Environmental day with the intervention of the government. We consider it as a triumph on our part to draw the attention of the government in this regard.

Media Assistance

· The B.B.C. News gave publicity to the views expressed by the participants regarding the enhanced cost of living and the travails of war.
· Asia News collected particulars to give publicity to this programme.
· A Short News item regarding this programme with photographs was published in the Tamil News paper "Weerakesari" and an interview was published in the daily paper Lankadeepa.
· "Hiru" Broadcasting Service too expressed views regarding this programme.
· Media Co-ordination was done by Sugala Kumari of the Peoples Planning Commission and sisters of various other organizations.

The full programme was co-ordinated by :-

· Gamini Ruberu of the Savisthri National Movement.
· Jesudasan of the Peoples Dialogue for Peace and Sustainable Development (PPD).

Organization of the Programme : -

· Network of the Womens' Action for Social Justice (WASJ).
· Peoples Dialogue for Peace and Sustainable Development (PPD).
· Co-ordination – Savisthri National Movement.
· Miscellaneous Assistance – taking photographs – National Fisheries Solidarity (NAFSO).
· Prior Arrangements - Savisthri Staff.
· Rangana Rihart – Peoples Planning Commission.

Our Thanks

Vote of Thanks delivered by Nanda Udattawa of Vanitha Shrama Nikethanaya on behalf of the Womens Action for Social Justice (WASJ) and convinced those assembled that they should get together to exert stronger impacts in the future.

Adjournment - 1300 hrs.

Report compiled by the Convenor, Savisthri, 30/4(1/1), Uswatta Mawatha, Ethulkotte, Sri Lanka.

A Savisthri member posing as the World Bank representative

This shows the Galle District member Padmini, depicting the role played by the World Bank representative. This was organized to create an awareness amongst the community regarding the impacts and threats levelled against Sri Lanka through International Organizations.

Savisthri Cultural Group

This photo shows the cultural group of the Savisthri Youth Campaign which participated in the rally held to commemorate the World Fisheries Day.

Participation of the Savisthri members at the World Fisheries day forum

This photo shows the Savisthri members of the Galle District out of all the Savisthri members who participated at the conference held to commemorate the World Fisheries day held in Sri Lanka on 27,28,29.01.2008, exerting pressure as the representatives of the world organizations to implement adverse plans in the country. Approximately 300 members of the 06 Districts where Savisthri programmes are being implemented participated in the peaceful march held on this day.

Youth forum in the Matara District

The camp held in the island, Garaduwadoowa in the Matara District. A crowd of youth both males and females participated in an educational workshop for the purpose of getting knowledgeable regarding the country's national problem and for the establishment of national unity. Their view was that this workshop had exerted great pressure for the change of youth tendencies.

Galle Youth Camp at the Kakukanda area.

Galle District Youth Camp was held in the area where those who were battered by the tsunami catastrophe had been re-settled. At the end of this camp, they had been anxious as the youth belonging to the families of Savisthri members to formulate a one year plan (2008) for commitment to the Savisthri Programmes and the Disaster Management Programme after the tsunami.

Are chemicals necessary for cultivation?

The natural disaster tsunami which struck the coastal belt of Sri Lanka on 26.04.2004 severely affected the village Thotamuna in the Matara District. The Savisthri members who were undeterred by this calamity did much work to get the soil fertilized which was heavily mixed up with the salinity contents of the sea water with the tsunami and had started a joint garden on a land 5 perches in extent. Now all sorts of vegetables, fruit trees are grown. Most of the produce is being used for home consumption and the excess is sold out and the additional income they get is made use of by the members for their necessities. Taking this as an example Savisthri members of Mini Bank Societies have commenced home gardens of their own which has become a blessing for them.

Tour to the North

On the 27th , 28th , 29th and 30th March 2008, Savisthri National Secretary Padma Pushpakanthi and District Co-ordinator, Monaragala District K.P.Somalatha along with the representatives of the PPD Organization had proceeded to Jaffna for the purpose of exchanging their experiences. The two Savisthri representatives revealed that the Jaffna community is facing immense difficulties due to the inability to market their produce due to the war situation prevailing and as a consequence their produce like onions, plantains are not sold and are often used as manure. They pointed out that no facilities were available for school children to further their education, the difficulties faced by the ordinary people and the fisherman due to the war going on between the government forces and the rebel group (LTTE) and restrictions placed on fishermen like the short time allowed to fish in the sea etc.

They are not allowed to fish beyond the limit of the sea allocated for them. Fishermen are given licenses to fish within the limit allocated for them. There were instances where they were shot at for going beyond the allocated limit.

Those who met our representatives had told them that the communities in both the North and the South should get together and make impacts to stop the war.

An Alternate Market for Matara

An alternate market is being held in the Piladuwa village right through out the day on the last in the Matara District Secretary’s Division in the District of Matara organized by the Piladuwa Mini Bank Society formed by 20 needy women in the village. These members of the Mini Bank Society are in the habit of pasting hand written posters in the village as an advertisement regarding this sale and they get the assistance of members of the Mini Bank Societies at Matara Thotamuna, Dondanduwa, Samagi. Matara too and they contribute by providing their products too for sale at this sales outlet. There are 15 women who are engaged in the sales activities and items to the tune of Rs. 15,000 are sold out every day. Vegetables, fruits too are kept for sale. Three members are paying their loan instalments with the profit they get from this sale. This is a landmark in the Savisthri Alternate Economic Activity. Through the news letter we sincerely wish them success in the future.

Why do we work?

A two day special residential training programme was held on 2008.04.03, 04 at the Subodhi Hall at Piliyandala to make the Savisthri activists knowledgeable regarding the structure of the Society, approaches to community development, regarding the social, economic and political issues in the country, programme of the Savisthri organization, development of communication skills, formation of public relations, development of the qualities of the social activists with the aim of making the work of the social activists of the Savisthri organization fruitful.

The members of the Management Board of the Savisthri viz. Sirimal Piris, Herman Kumara and Sarath Fernando and Padma Pushpakanthi and Gamini Ruberu representing the staff conducted this workship and all the Savisthri activists participated to make it a success.
Mr. Sirimal Peris explained vividly the factors, social structure and maintenance of social relations and the personal vision of the society that should be in a good activist. Padma Pushpakanthi gave a clear and concise description of the history of the Savisthri Organization and the long track the members have made to reach the present position. Gamini Ruberu explained the activities of the Savisthri Organization to minimize the existing issues in the society. Herman Kumara raised the query why we remain in the Savisthri Organization and explained the duties and what we should do. Sarath Fernando explained vividly the present market position and said that we should strive hard with a firm determination so that we could change the position and free ourself from the tendency that there is no remedy for it.

The agreements reached

Make a file consisting of information pertaining to existing situations and the activities that are expected to be carried out at District and National levels.

All activists to make a firm determination to develop their skills to work with great zeal.

The 5th Annual National Congress of the Savisthri (Women for Development Alternative) Movement

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.

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.

Protection of Indigenous seeds - 100 Jack plants distributed

100 Jak plants were distributed amongst the participants by the Campaign for the Protection of Indigenous Seeds and they were given to those representing each and every region to be planted under the suspension of the supervision organizations.

Decission to meet ministers; Agriculture, Poverty Eleviation & Womens Affairs

A decision was taken to organize a discussion with His Excellency the President, Hon. Ministers of Agriculture, Poverty Eradication, Womens Affairs and on a date decided at the meeting to be held next month to hand it over after the discussion.

Savisthri Sustainable Development Unit

Action is being taken by the Savisthri Sustainable Development Unit to implement an activity for the provision of food devoid of any poison and chemicals for the members / activists of the Savisthri Organization. Mention must be made that action is being taken by this consumer service to obtain and distribute the produce of various members and sister organizations. Under this programmes, action has already been taken to purchase rice known as "Jaiva Lak Sahal" completely free from any form of chemicals produced locally by the "Indegenious Seed Protection Campaign", Eppawela.

Vision of the Savisthri Mini Bank Societies

The Savisthri Mini Bank Societies should go forward step by step if it is to achieve it's vision "self financial management, self-administration for the village.

The above photograph shows the fair held at the Galle District regional congress 2007, where the people had gathered to buy their requirements.

Activates of the Savisthri Human Rights Protect Impact Group

Today the Savisthri Human Rights Protection Impact groups are being well implemented in the Six Districts where Savisthri programmes are being carried out viz. Galle, Matara, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Matale and NuwaraEliya. Out of these Six Districts, Matale and Anuradhapura Districts occupy a prominent place. The Anuradhapura District Human Rights Protection Impact Group worked with great zeal to find solutions to the various problems encountered by the masses in that District and they had been able to settle most of their problems. Due to lack of transport facilities, most of the school children had to trek a long way to their schools. In case of illness or to purchase their daily requirements people had to undergo various difficulties to reach the main road. Due to the keen interest taken by the people along with the Savisthri Human Rights Protection Impact Group Anuradhapura, they had been able to get a bus from the Kekirawa Depot. Now the people are quite happy as they can send their children to schools in time and obtain their requirements from the city using the transport facility provided to them. In the supervision of the Provincial Development Work, monitoring and post monitoring work too the Divisional al Secretary's Office at Ipalogama get the assistance of this group. This shows the ability and efficiency of this group in creating changes in the society.

Congress held on the Poverty Day - Sri Lanka

The above congress was held by the network "Women's Action for Social Justice" convened by the Savisthri Organization on 17th October 2007 at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1000 hrs. to 1430 hrs. on the theme "Who Created Poverty" How to eradicate poverty".

Approximately 450 representatives of Organizations in the Districts/Regions, viz. Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Colombo, Negambo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Matale, NuwaraEliya, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Mahiyanganaya participated.

Members both Males and females of the Savisthri National Youth Group of Galle and Matara staged a drama depicting the view that poverty was created and that it could be eradicated.

The convenor Women's Action for Social Justice Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi stated that Various development programmes have been implemented to reduce poverty in the country. A similar new concept to be implemented in the future is the Millenium Development Goals(MDG). Although they seem to be good as concepts, there is a problems regarding the development avenues that are to be implemented to achieve the goals. Experience shows that similar programmes so far implemented to achieve that end has contributed to the increase in poverty. The benefits of such programmes are being reaped by the world powers including a few in the country. Adverse impacts are being directed at the poverty stricken majority consisting of farmers, fisher- folk, plantation workers, migrant workers including women. Hence it is intended to exert impacts on those responsible through a petition expressing our view that in lieu of these a favourble programme for the sustainability of the customary age old livelihoods for the sustenance of the earth could be implemented and hold a congress to create an awareness amongst the masses regarding it.

Several speakers representing the farming, fishing and plantation sectors and migrant workers, explained the various problems encountered by them.

A drama was staged by the Peoples' Cultural group depicting the way poverty was created, how people get subjected to poverty, how the people become dependant and how the powers that be reap the benefits.

A clarification was made regarding the problems that arose with the introduction and implementation of open economic policies in the country after 1977 and how it exerted impacts on the various production sectors in the country as well as the environment Emphasis was laid on all the citizens of the country that it was their responsibility to develop the revival strength of the earth. It is only then that the strength which was amongst the masses in the ancient times could be re-established. This ability lies with the women. The women have the strength to get the whole society involved in this activity.

A public petition on the theme "Let us eradicate poverty and not the poor" was presented to the congress. All the participants placed their signatures to the petition and accordingly there were 485 signatures.

Workshop on Drama

The Savisthri National Youth Campaign is being re-vitalized by the Education and Communication Unit of the Savisthri Organization. To make this a reality a two day workshop on "Drama" was held on 2007.09.29,30 at the Thalahena Community Educational Centre at Malabe in the District of Colombo. The main objective of this workshop was the formation of a National Street Drama Troupe and a Cultural Group. The idea behind this is to form a fresh youth group well versed in creative activities to contribute towards the country's National Development. The theme of the Savisthri youth campaign is "A complete man, a fulfilled Society."

Anniversary celebrations of the Mini Bank Society at Pattihena in the Matara District

The above Mini Bank Society held it's anniversary celebrations on 20.09.2007 and as was done earlier appointed new office bearers for a period of one year.

This Mini Bank Society dissolved its "Active Loan Committee" on the same day and appointed a fresh committee to perform the relevant activities.

It has 05 small groups and these groups hold their meeting regularly without any interruption. The savings of the five groups are given below:-

Samagi - 27,015.00 Samudaya - 21,150.00
Nishara - 21,594.00 Pubudu - 20,550.00
Prarthana - 19,640.00

As at 20.09.2007, the total earnings of the Pattihena Mini Bank Society stood at 109,946.00. With the loan interest of Rs. 38,670.00 and instant loans of Rs. 11,860 the total assets stood at Rs.160,476.00.

BOOK LAUNCH ANTHROPOLIGICAL VIEW OF HIV/AIDS

An Anthropoligical view of HIV/AIDS written by Sirimal Peiris published by Savisthri Organisation and organized by the People’s Health Movement was launched on 04 August 2007 at the Nagarodaya Sarvodaya Centre, Danister de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 8.

There was a speciality on the occasion as the people who were in attendance to grace the occasion included people living with HIV, Sex Workers, Politicians, Social Activists and Professionals.

Dr (Ms.) Indira Hettiarachchi, Director/ILO Work Place HIV/AIDS Programme was the main speaker. She delivered a very vibrant lecture on the subject and did a good analysis on the book. She said that when we undertake to carry out HIV/AIDS Education Programmes, we cannot underestimate the people living with HIV. Their support to HIV/AIDS control needs to be obtained. We have to respect their dignity and rights and take necessary steps to stop any kind of discrimination meted out to them. Sirimal Peiris has taken efforts to emphasise these factors in his book and Dr Hettiarachchi said that this is a duty of all of us.

Ms Mangalika Princy spoke on behalf of the people who are living with HIV. She appreciated the book very much and she informed those present that the writer from beginning to the end has written about how the rights of the people who are living with HIV has to be protected. She appreciated the efforts taken by Sirimal Peiris and she said that it was a memorable event for them.

A Street Sex Worker addressed the Forum and explained to those present the problems encountered by them and that their right to live as human beings have been violated. She further said that they are the most vulnerable section for HIV, but they could not get awareness on the subject because of the existing discrimination.

Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Peiris, Executive Secretary, National Christian Council expressed his views on the duty of the Religious Leaders to control HIV/AIDS. He mentioned that the Writer has tried to emphasise in his Book to go beyond the traditional way.

Politician and Presidential Advisor, Mr Vasudeva Nanayakkara congratulated Sirimal Peiris on his achievement for writing this kind of book and said that he has done a good job. He further said that he has done a sociological study about HIV/AIDS.

Mr BA Ranaweera, Health Education Specialist stated that this book is an eye opener to several paths to control HIV/AIDS beyond the traditional health systems and that this book has shown the value of anthropological approach to control HIV/AIDS.

Dr Dayanath Ranatunga, ILO Workplace HIV/AIDS Control Programme Officer who functioned as the Moderator explained how Sirimal Peiris had tried to say to avoid the victim-blame approach and to use rights-base approach for the HIV/AIDS Control Programmes. He further stated that it is of paramount importance to give due consideration to this idea.

At the end of the session, Ms Padma Pushpakanthi, National Co-ordinator, Savisthri Organisation delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of Savisthri and the People’s Health Movement.

Lastly, those present were invited to have a traditional sweet meat (Halapa) and a cup of herbal drink (Belli Mal (Bellie Flowers).

PH MOVEMENT/SAVISTHRI

www.asianews.it - news article on the SAVISTHRI's protest campaign

AsiaNews.it has published about Savisthri's protest campaign against cost of living:-
07/23/2007 12:13
SRI LANKA Matale,
women take to the streets against “high cost of living” by Melani Manel Perera
The SAVISTHRI movement launches a campaign to protest against the increase in petrol and seed prices, as well as those of basic goods. A petition is sent off to the President to take “urgent measures”. Read the full article here: http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9896&size=A