‘A Maze in GRACE’ celebrates EU-funded Grassroots Conflict Prevention project

Saturday, 15 March 2025 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Stakeholders presenting their stories

The impact of GRACE is profound, benefiting 227,815 individuals in total and the project’s close involvement of local administration and communities will secure sustainability.

156,992 individuals strengthened through conflict resolution and social cohesion.

60,417 individuals trained on violence prevention and rapid response mechanisms.

10,406 individuals were able to improve their income opportunities through income generation activities, and savings groups.

The Grassroots Conflict Prevention in Sri Lanka Project (GRACE) is a € 2.1 million initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by World Vision Lanka. From April 2023 to March 2025, the project is bridging community divides by addressing conflict drivers such as resource scarcity, economic hardship, ethnic and religious tensions, and natural disasters. Implemented in five areas in Sri Lanka – Kalpitiya, Nawagattegama, Mundalama, Wattala, and Ja-Ela – and by tackling both, development and peacebuilding initiatives together, GRACE is fostering stability and economic resilience in collaboration between communities and local administration.

The ‘A Maze in GRACE’ closure event celebrated two years of transformative impact, bringing together stakeholders to reflect on the project’s achievements and lessons learnt.

The event was held on 25 February, at the Don Bosco Development Centre and featured a physical maze, where participants could interact with the stakeholders of the project, women groups and youth in stalls showcasing unique initiatives they had made and its impact on their lives. In addition to the interactive maze, the event included panel discussions, presentations, opportunities for networking, dialogue and sharing of best practices.

A dedicated session was also held for project stakeholders to share their personal impact stories, highlighting the project’s role in strengthening conflict resolution and economic recovery in Sri Lanka. The event saw the participation of representatives from the European Union, faith leaders, INGOs, government officials, consultants, World Vision Lanka and the community.

“This project has produced very concrete results, empowering women and youth and supporting economic recovery efforts of the government and local administrations. The project has demonstrated the power of collaboration across all sectors. This support is an example of the European Union’s broad engagement in creating climate-neutral socio-economic growth,” said Ambassador of the European Union Carmen Moreno.

“GRACE is a gift that has brought diverse people and partners together, creating a space for transformation, hope, and change. It empowered individuals and communities to own their narratives, break barriers, and embrace dialogue. Through connection, we saw conflicts transform, and dreams emerge. The ripple effect is remarkable, igniting hope and the importance of dialogue in every aspect of life,” added GRACE Project Manager Deepthi Silva.

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