NEWS FROM SRI LANKA

 Annathaie Abayasekera was one amongst the 34 persons to be honoured by the Diocese of Kurunegala on its 50^th Anniversary for our contribution to Church and Society.  She was given the Swarna Hastha Pranamaya Award for her involvement in the World Council of Churches working for women and social issues, peace and justice at national and international levels as she was actively involved in the Diocese, especially through the Bishop Lakshman Wickremesinghe Centre and the programme.

 Sevaka Yohan Devananda also got an award as he has been associated with the Diocese since its inception and was the first worker and founder of the Devasarana at Ibbagamuwa, which has brought the farmer’s and worker’s aspirations and struggles to light. He has led the cry of people to use public resources justly in the World Solidarity Forum by being its coordinator working for social and religious peace

 Ranjith de Silva, husband of Swarna de Silva who is working with Christians Aware, was given the rank of Seva Jyothi as a special Millenium Award for his outstanding vision and work at Gami Seva Sevana.   Ranjith and Swarna went to Gami Seva Sevana, in a remote area near to Kandy in the central area of Sri Lanka, and built up the rural service centre from nothing.   The centre now gives basic training in agriculture, including animal husbandry.  There is a farm which promotes organic farming and appropriate technology.   There is the opportunity for adult training and education and the training of young people.  There is a milk cooperative, a credit council, a handloom workshop and health programmes.

 Christians Aware has plans to make the organic tea which has been pioneered

and produced by Gami Seva Sevana available in UK.