The citation for Dr A.T. Ariyaratne was delivered by Ms Gayani De Alwis, Vice President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In recognition of a lifetime devoted to uplifting communities and fostering enduring peace, we proudly present the Legendary Social Entrepreneur Award to Dr A.T. Ariyaratne.
Born on November 5, 1931, Dr. Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne embarked on a journey of profound impact from his humble beginnings. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and an Honorary Doctorate of D.Litt from Vidyodaya University, he embarked on a mission that would shape the destiny of countless lives.
As the visionary founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ariyaratne’s legacy is synonymous with transformative change. From his earliest days as a high school teacher at Nalanda College, Colombo, to pioneering the first shramadana work camp in 1958, he laid the foundation for what would become the largest non-governmental organisation in the country.
Dr. Ariyaratne’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been adorned with accolades such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1969, the Gandhi Peace Prize from the Government of India in 1996, the Niwano Peace Prize in 1992, the King Beaudoin Award, and numerous other international honours, all testament to his unwavering commitment to peace-making and village development.
Often revered as the “Gandhi of Sri Lanka,” Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne embodies the essence of social entrepreneurship, inspiring generations to envision a world where compassion and empowerment reign supreme.
In honouring Dr. Ariyaratne with this esteemed award, we pay homage to a luminary whose indomitable spirit continues to illuminate the path towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
