‘A Maze in GRACE’: Celebrating the Grassroots Conflict Prevention project’s amazing impact in Sri Lanka 

• Over 227,800 individuals were supported with violence prevention initiatives such as training on conflict resolution and through improved income opportunities. 

• Through targeted training, early warning promotion, and community dialogue, the project strengthened the resilience of vulnerable households. 

• The project brought together different sectors, communities, and levels of governance to ensure that peacebuilding and development go hand in hand for lasting impact.  

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 key conflict drivers such as resource scarcity, economic inequality, ethnic and religious tensions, caste issues, and disasters. Implemented in 5 areas in Sri Lanka -Kalpitiya, Nawagattegama, Mundalama, Wattala, and Ja-Ela - and by tackling both, peace and development initiatives together, GRACE is fostering stability and economic resilience. 

“Thanks to the GRACE Project, my dream grew larger. I started with 121 tanks, but with their help, I was able to add 60 more tanks, complete with protective nets. In a short time, I created new job opportunities for my neighbors, many of whom were struggling financially. The project has also helped me build connections with the Small Enterprises Development Authority in our district. I wouldn’t have reached this level of success without the GRACE Project’s support,” said Gyantha Nisal (MSME beneficiary)” 

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

The event was held on February 25th 2025, at the Don Bosco Development Centre and featured a physical maze, where participants could explore stalls showcasing each unique initiative implemented under the project. Beneficiaries presented their experiences, allowing attendees to witness firsthand the impact and transformation created through the GRACE project. In addition to the interactive maze, the event included panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, fostering meaningful dialogue among stakeholders.  

A dedicated session was also held for beneficiaries to share their personal impact stories, highlighting the project's role in strengthening conflict resolution and economic recovery in Sri Lanka. The event was graced by representatives from the European Union, UN agencies, faith leaders, INGO’s, government officials, consultants, World Vision Lanka and community representatives.  

“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”, says HE Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union. 

The impact of GRACE is profound by benefiting 227,815 individuals in total. 156,992 individuals were strengthened through conflict resolution and social cohesion, 60,417 individuals were trained on violence prevention and rapid response mechanisms, while 10,406 individuals were able to improve their income opportunities through income generation activities, and savings groups.  

“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” said Deepthi Silva, GRACE Project Manager. 

About the European Union 

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit. 

Over the years, the European Union has been a long-standing development partner, supporting Sri Lanka in its development and to recover and rebuild from crises. The European Union has thus far supported Sri Lanka with over 1 Billion Euro in grants. The EU is also active in crisis response, being the largest donor of humanitarian aid. In times of crisis, the European Union continues its support to Sri Lanka by enhancing social cohesion, and social protection, working on reducing intercommunal tensions while simultaneously addressing social, economic and gender inequalities. 

About World Vision  

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. We work through our main sectors –health and nutrition, water and sanitation, economic development and child protection – serving all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Our work is always child-focused, participatory and community-driven. World Vision has been in Sri Lanka since 1977 and currently serves in 30 locations in 15 Districts across the country through emergency responses and development programmes. In 2022, they directly impacted the lives of over 100,000 most vulnerable children and their families.  For the past 45 years in Sri Lanka World Vision has responded to almost every disaster the country has faced and has immense capacity and experience in helping communities build back better and stronger by assisting them regain their sense of stability through economic development and peacebuilding. World Vision uses project models such as Community Change for Social Action which helps communities explore in depth the underlying beliefs, socio-cultural norms and traditional practices and come up with their own solutions and plans for positive change.