Fair Trade and Exhibition held by the Savisthri Movement.

The Fair Trade and Exhibition held annually by the Savisthri (Development Alternatives for Women) Movement was held this year too on 07.04.2011 at the vacant land adjacent ion to the Welikada Police Station, Rajagiriya.


Sri Lanka from 0900 hrs to 2100 hrs with the aim of providing items, food, consisting of cereals and its bi-products, fruits, vegetables of nutritional value grown with the use of Carbonic fertilizer, hand – loom Sarees, ready made garments, leather products, reed work turned out with fascinating designs, sweet meats and various creative work all turned out by our members which had a brisk sale in view of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year with fell on the following week ie. 14.04.2011.


The motive behind this was to improve the fair trade, creation of confidence the masses amongst the masses, commence a dialogue regarding the fair trade, create an interest and enthusiasm amongst the masses and induce the community to develop alternate produce.

The Fair Trade was well attended and the sale was very brisk.

-------The Hon Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Mr. Tissa Karalliyadda who attended the Fair Trade at it’s commitment visited each of the stalls and was full of praise for our members for their enthusiasm and commitment. He even purchased a few items from the Fair Trade.

Post Tsunami coast line environmental conservation project

The Savisthri Movement initiated a tree planting campaign in concurrence with and with the active participation of local government authorities and nongovernmental organizations as a community based project, along the coast line in Galle and Matara District during the rainy season of October and November, to substantiate the coastal conservation, environmental protection, to make the coast line attractive to the tourists and minimize the direct falling of ultra violet rays to the ground making the area very warm.

Irrespective of differences of ethnicities, castes offices of age, sex etc. almost all the neighboring villagers supported the activities from the beginning of raising the suitable plants, identifying suitable locations, planting and erecting protective fences and above all these activities most of them undertook to protect the plants till they are well grown and provide a shade.

Cultural Programme conducted on 3rd and 4th September 2010 for the Youth from North and South.

The above programme was held on the 3^rd and 4^th of October 2010 at the Centre for Mechanical Equipment Training – Bttaramulla, Rajagiriya with the participation of approximately 80 youth from the North of Sri Lanka and the Savisthri Movement (South).

The motive behind this encounter was the bridging the gap between the North and the South separated for more than three decades of war between the government forces and the terrorist groups and create a strong relationship amongst the different ethnicities in the North and the South.

These youth living in the North had some fear of meeting their counterparts in the South, as they had the feeling that there would be no compromise between the two groups due to the feelings they had and the ideas instilled in them due to the long drawn war. But with this encounter they had found in their counterparts from the South feelings of good-will, friendships, hospitality and the intention of helping each other. Although the language stood as s barrier between the two groups, those with a little knowledge of the language had been able to communicate with each other.==

-Members of both groups had performed their traditional dances and sung songs and performed dramas. Both groups expressed that it was an excellent programme and the Tamil groups which initially had the apprehension of meeting their counterparts in the South were highly taken up with the affection, kindness and loyalty that existed in the hearts of the Sinhala Groups.
=The programme ended with a resolution taken for the Sinhala groups to visit the North in the near future.

Trip to Jaffna – 10.09.2010 to 12.09.2010

About 35 members of the Savithri Movement left for Jaffna on 10.09.2010 on a two day good-will mission to meet the internally displaced people and get acquainted with their views and problems.

Lodging for the 35 of us was provided by Father Gnanaraj of the Methodist Council of Jaffna. We were accompanied by him to Uduvil a village in Jaffna occupied by the displaced people since the year 1990 as a consequence of the three decade old war (LTTE).

In our discussions with these displaced people we were apprised by them that they had left their dwellings and settled down in the Uduvil village and never visited their dwellings and villages thereafter because of the unsettled situation. They further explained the havoc caused by the long drawn war, loss of life, loss of their beloved ones, loss of their livelihoods which threw them to a deep abyss.

Various kinds of plants taken by us like Coconut, Cadju, etc. had been planted in a few villages including Uduvil.

Father Gnanaraj expressed his gratitude to the Savisthri members for visiting Jaffna on a good-will mission whilst others visited Jaffna on pleasure trips. We returned to Colombo on 12.10.2010 with the hope of visiting them again and be of assistance to those innocent people.

The 6th National Congress of the Savisthri Movement

The above National Congress of the Savisthri (Women for Development Alternatives) Movement and the Fair Trade was held on 25.02.2010 at the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 0900 hrs – 1900 hrs. with the participation of 600 individuals representing the 06 Districts viz Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, Anuradhapura and NuwaraEliya where Savisthri programmes are being implemented, the National Office and those who provided various items produced by them for display and sale at Fair Trade exhibition, special invitees and those representing various other organizations.
At the inception the traditional oil lamp was lit by a few members of the Savisthri Staff at an auspicious time.

Commencing the programme the National Co-ordinator of the Savisthri Movement M/S. Padma Pushpakanthi gave an elucidation regarding the motive of holding the 6th National Congress. She explained that the existing social, economic and political situation in the country had exerted adverse effects on the masses and that this question was being discussed in the 06 Districts and that it was being constantly discussed with MONLAR, WASJ and PHM. Speaking further she said that the necessity of a fair trade is of utmost importance. Due to the financial crisis, the farmers and farmer women had given up their trade. More than 100,000 in the fishing, farming, plantation labour sectors and the garment sector had been thrown out of employment, violence had become the order of the day, poverty had escalated. In such a situation Savisthri could not be silent and we should contribute to the decision making process and Savisthri is concerned of humanity and not money.

There were 51 stalls in all which displayed textiles, organic food items like various kinds of yams, vegetables, fruits and fish and by products fresh and cooked, sweet – meats, cereals, herbal cunjee, various creative work all turned out by the Savisthri Women. There was a brisk sale of the items.

Oil cakes were made on the spot.

At another place a woman from down south was engaged in turning out pillow – lace.
A lecture was delivered by Dr. Mrs. Janaki Jayawardhana,

Senior Lecturer attached to the Colombo Campus on the Global Warming which was being experienced by Sri Lanka as well as the whole Universe and it's effects. In addition she explained the existing electoral system in our country and how the entrepreneurs provide financial assistance to the election candidates who in turn looked after their interests ignoring the pressing problems of the poverty stricken. To vouch for it she displayed CDs showing the unhealthy conditions in which the city dwellers live with large families. After her lecture arrangements were made for the participants to partake of the lunch consisting of rice and curries prepared only of organic vegetables and green leaves of high quality nutritious value without fish or meat.

Savisthri members from the Six Districts gave speeches regarding their progress as a consequence of the assistance and guidance given by Savisthri :-

Lasanthi Sandamali of the Anuradhapura District said :-

ü I joined the Savisthri Movement as a Savisthri infant.
ü At that time I was not affiliated to any organization or society.
ü My husband is in the army holding a high post and worked in the Jaffna District.
ü At that time I was confined to the house attending to all the requirements of my husband when he came home on leave.
ü I was not social and had no connections with anybody. I was just a prisoner in the house.
ü With the meeting I had with Bandula Sumithra of the Anuradhapura District, I gave as awareness to my husband regarding to activities of the Savisthri Movement.
ü Thereafter I participated in small programmes of the Savisthri Anuradhapura District.
ü In view of the fact that my husband was an Army Officer and my first child was 2 months old at that time my participation in Savisthri activities did not meet with my husband's consent.
ü Undeterred by all these obstacles I continued my work and was able to solve the problems that cropped up.
ü I have worked as a Mini Society Treasurer, Secretary and District Co-ordinator.
ü Since I underwent a 06 months course in Agriculture, I give training as a Resource Person and now I have 07 years experience in this sphere. I am quite happy that I am doing all this work whilst working as a wife and a mother. I appeal to you to rise from your slumber and join the Savisthri – Women for Development Alternatives.

Mrs. Malagammana from the Matale District.
ü I joined the Savisthri Movement due to it's transparency, collectivity and confidence.
ü I have five years experience and now I work as the District Committee Secretary.
ü I kindly request you to join the Savisthri Movement.

Mrs. Karuna Ramanayake of the Moneragala District.

ü I have suffered considerably as a resident of the Moneragala District.
ü I was a house – wife looking after my husband and the children.
ü Savisthri means women going in search of alternatives.
ü I too got the opportunity to join these Savisthri women.
ü With the Mini Society concept introduced to the village, I too became a member and proud to say that the assets of our Mini Society stands at approximately Rs. 3 ½ lakhs.

Mrs. Padmini of the Galle District.

ü I joined the Savisthri Movement in the year 2002.
ü I joined a small group by contributing a small amount ie Rs. 05/-.
ü This developed into a Mini Society and I become it's chair person.
ü There was objection from my husband who told me to refrain from attending the programmes of the Savisthri Movement.
ü I requested him to give up liquor so that I too would stay at home.
ü He didn't give up liquor. I told my husband you continue taking liquor I will continue attending the Savisthri Programmes.
ü With the Tsunami catastrophe several organizations came to the affected areas. But we noticed that the Savisthri Orgnaization which came to the assistance of the tsunami victims possessed so many things that one could learn.
ü Since my husband is a fisherman, he has work only for 06 months' of the year I use my might to support the family in the next six months.
ü I am not in debt to anybody.
ü Today I am in this position because of the Savisthri Movement.
ü So I kindly request all of you to join Savisthri.

Mrs. Mary (A Tamil woman) from NuwaraEliya District.

ü I am indebted to Savisthri for giving me this opportunity of joining hands with Savisthri.
ü I pray that Savisthri get the strength to perform it's valuable programmes in the future.

Mrs. W. S. Nirosha of the Matara District.

ü I joined the Savisthri Movement about 02 years back.
ü It is through "Savisthri" that I learnt to live without being a burden to the country.
ü Various organizations visit the village and spread jealousy and hatred. But Savisthri does not do such things.
ü I have the ability to give an awareness regarding organic home – gardening, cultivating in pots and containers for those who do not have land. This knowledge I got from Savisthri.
ü Our members have been able to protect our culture and various traditional practices that are becoming extinct.
ü Savisthri introduced a market to us for our produce.
ü I respect the name "Savisthri" at all times.

The congress was an attempt made by the Savisthri Movement to create a just society, a better world to live in.

The days work ended with a cultural show out of which a Kandyan dance performed by the Matara District dance troupe won the applause of many.

Special Programme to Commemorate the Human Rights Day - " In search of humanity"

A workshop to commemorate the Human Rights Day was held by the Savisthri Movement on 12.12.2009 commencing at 0930hrs at the Community Educational Centre at Thalahena, Malabe, Sri Lanka with the participation of 70 members from the 06 Districts where Savisthri Movement is implementing its activities and the National Office. This number included 06 members from the Manna District too.

This programme commenced after listening to the song "Tell me why" .

The National Secretary of the Savisthri Movement, Miss Padma Pushpakanthi gave a clarification regarding the objective of the workshop. She stated :-

ü On 10.12.2009 we passed another Human Rights Day.
ü We as member of the Savisthri Movement has passed several such days whilst working for Human Rights.
ü During that period, have we secured even the right to live?
ü What have we done for Human Rights.

So saying she made a request to make this an opportunity to get an awareness regarding this matter.
One Mr. Sunil Ranasinghe explained in detail what humanity is and the humanity we are searching for. The participants had been divided into ten groups and each group had been given a question regarding human rights seeking the views and suggestions of the members. They gave diverse views such as disparity due to ethnicity, race and religion and due to the widened gap between the rich and the poor, lack of freedom of speech regarding the war, peace, elections, high cost of living, unemployment, injustice, prevailing corruption especially amongst the politicians, harassment, pressure exerted on the poor especially the down-trodden women and children, pilfering of the country's resources etc.

Members suggested that they should stand against the injustice meted out, should commence a dialogue regarding the right to speech not allowed, that awareness programmes should be held regarding the rights of the people.

Summing up, Mr. Ranasinghe said whatever we utter, whether the words be harsh or loving, there should be humanness.

Instead of searching for humanity, we go in search of other things like who should be our administrator or else whether what is shown on the TV is correct. He compared the state to a demon and said that this state does not create a man at all. Through meditation and sermons humanity cannot be searched for. We all should get together to search for humanity.

At the conclusion, the participants were entertained to a cultural show consisting of various items displayed by the Savisthri members of the Six Districts.

Savisthri Fair Trade and Exhibition

Savisthri Fair Trade and Exhibition introducing alternate development through the local consumer pattern of consuming food devoid of chemicals and other poisonous stuff was held in the Savisthri National Office on 11.12.2009 from 0900 hrs to 1900 hrs.

The National Secretary of the Savisthri National Movement addressing the gathering gave a clarification regarding the motive of holding this exhibition ie.

ü Development of the Fair Market.
ü Formation of mass confidence in the Fair Market.
ü Commence a dialogue for the Fair Market.
ü Induce the community for alternative production.
Thereafter the traditional oil lamp was lit by the National Secretary and owners of the trade stalls of alternate produce lit their own candles and with a firm determinations and wishes for the success of this venture returned to their stalls to commence their work. The customary beating of a drum (rabana) a large size Tamborine was done by the women well versed in that art. There were altogether 28 trade stalls manned by the producers of alternate products representing Six Districts of Sri Lanka where Savisthri programmes are being implemented, few other Districts, organizations and individual alternate producers. Among the items displayed were, handicrafts turned out of locally grown reed, food items devoid of poisonous stuff, shoes manufactured out of local raw-materials, hand –loom textiles, items like necklaces, pendants, ear-stands turned out of coconut shells, locally produced manure. Invitation Cards and Greeting Cards turned out of re-cycled paper, indigenous medicinal plants etc.

Local food items cooked within the exhibition premises were kept for display and sale. Preparation of oil cakes, various kinds of yams boiled, herbal drinks, rice and curry for breakfast and lunch using local products which were prepared on the spot were sold steaming hot at very reasonable prices which was higly appreciated by all.
Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and other channels like city F.M. and Wayamba Voice aired a descriptive programme live and the Divaina paper made notes of the events for publication.
Views and suggestions of the alternate producers to continue this programme and make it a success are indicated below :-

ü It is good to get an opportunity for inter-change of goods within the Districts.
ü It would have been good, had this exhibition been held in a place frequented by people.
ü Inadequate publicity.
ü Better if week-ends are utilized to hold such exhibitions.
ü Like to give assistance to broaden this work further.
ü It would be better if this is held at least every three months.
ü Better if it is held for a continuous period.
ü Better to have more consumers.
ü Got a new market.
ü Good activity. Better if more opportunities are provided.
ü Good if there is a plan for continuity.

Views and Suggestions of the Consumers

ü Good to formulate a plan to give more publicity.
ü There is a change as expected by us. That is a good change, a change that induces people to alternatives.
ü Cultivation methods devoid of using chemicals and other poisonous stuff are now being given publicity. Hence it is good to organize such activities.

Results of the Trade Exhibition

ü Receipt of an order to supply a stock of dried fish whole-sale from Matara to Kandy.
ü Receipt of an invitation by the Kegalle group to give an awareness regarding various kinds of yams.
ü Receipt of a Saree order by the Matale group.
ü Private orders for various products like Bees Honey, treacle. flour prepared out of the seeds of an edible tree.

Plans have been made for an initial meeting on 18.12.2009 of the production groups to make this programme a success as an incentive for alternate produce and to get people accustomed to such alternatives.