U.S. Institute of Peace Names Visaka Dharmadasa as Women Building Peace Award Laureate for 2025

Honoring Women of Peace: Visaka Dharmadasa's Journey

The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) has made a significant announcement that has captured global attention: Visaka Dharmadasa from Sri Lanka has been named the Fifth Annual Laureate of the USIP's prestigious Women Building Peace Award. This recognition underscores her remarkable dedication and impactful leadership in promoting peace amidst conflict, particularly in her home country, which has faced decades of turmoil.

A Legacy of Peacebuilding

Visaka Dharmadasa is not just a name but a symbol of resilience and hope. Her journey in peacebuilding spans over 30 years, and it is marked by an unwavering commitment to mediation and reconciliation. Ambassador George Moose, the Acting President and CEO of USIP, praised her tenacity and courage, highlighting her significant role as a peacebuilder even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Women Building Peace Award is conferred annually to honor women who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment towards conflict resolution. Visaka was selected from a pool of over 170 nominees hailing from 52 different countries, reflecting the extensive impact women can have in peacebuilding efforts globally.

The Role of Mediation

Sri Lanka has continually struggled with deep societal divides, fueled by ethnic and historical tensions. Visaka Dharmadasa’s efforts serve as a testament to the power of dialogue and understanding. She is the chair and chief operations officer of the Association of War Affected Women, an organization dedicated to facilitating cross-community dialogues. The Association has been instrumental in educating soldiers and community leaders about international standards of conduct during war, thus fostering a spirit of respect and empathy among all parties involved.

During the turmoil of Sri Lanka's civil war, Dharmadasa experienced personal tragedy when her son, a young military officer, was reported missing in action. This profound loss inspired her to establish the Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action. This vital initiative provided families with a platform to collectively seek answers about their loved ones who had vanished during the conflict.

Empowering Women in Leadership

Today, Visaka’s organization focuses on empowering Sri Lankan women, preparing them to take up leadership roles within their communities and even in local government. Her work is not just about healing the past; it is about building a future where women are catalysts for change and integral to peacebuilding processes.

Council Co-Chairs Marcia Carlucci and Megan Beyer of USIP's Women Building Peace Council emphasized the significance of her contributions. They noted that Dharmadasa’s work exemplifies the strength that can emerge from compassion and mediation, especially in regions grappling with division and conflict.

Recognition and Future

The 2025 Women Building Peace Award serves as a beacon of hope for women around the world, illustrating that even the most daunting challenges can be met with determination and grit. Visaka Dharmadasa’s award reflects the importance of women in peace efforts and the diverse roles they play in rebuilding societies.

As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to support women leaders like Visaka who are working toward a more peaceful world. The U.S. Institute of Peace invites those interested to learn more about the Women Building Peace Award and honor the transformative work done by women across the globe.

For more information on this award and the efforts of USIP, visit www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace and www.usip.org/about.