The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka demonstrates the power of communities to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, restore the poorest people “to control over their own lives and destinies.” It has adopted principles of Gandhian village self-government in the Sri Lankan context.
Established in 1958, Sarvodaya has mobilized more than 15,000 villages across all 25 districts of the country through principles of human dignity, equality and solidarity. Through self-help efforts, it enables communities to meet ten basic needs for all resident, and develop sustainable rural livelihoods.
- Clean Environment
- Adequate Supply of Water
- Clothing
- Nutritious Food
- Shelter
- Health Care
- Communication
- Fuel and Lighting (Energy)
- Access to Education
- Cultural and Spiritual Performance
Sarvodaya Shramadana means “The Awakening of All through Shared Labor.
A Five Stage Approach to Village Self-governance
- Mindset change: Creating the psychological infrastructure through initial Shramana (shared labor) work camps.
- Organizing for action: Creating the social infrastructure: training and formation of groups for Children, Youth, Mothers, Farmers, Elders.
- Meeting basic needs and formation of a local Sarvodaya Shramadana Society.
- Empowerment programs: Legal, Economic and Technological
- Sharing with neighboring villages.