Visaka Dharmadasa Awarded the Fifth Annual Women Building Peace Laureate by USIP

Honoring Courage and Commitment: Visaka Dharmadasa, Women Building Peace Award Laureate

On February 27, 2025, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) proudly announced the recognition of Visaka Dharmadasa of Sri Lanka as the Fifth Annual Laureate of the Women Building Peace Award. This prestigious international award celebrates women whose exceptional dedication and leadership contribute significantly to resolving violent conflicts and fostering peace within their communities.

Ambassador George Moose, Acting President and CEO of USIP, praised Dharmadasa’s resilience and courage, stating, "Visaka is a woman of courage and tenacity. Having worked as a peacebuilder for over three decades, she has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering peace despite facing immense challenges."

The Women Building Peace Council of USIP, composed of esteemed experts and advisers, selected Dharmadasa from a competitive pool of nominees, with over 170 entries from 52 different countries. Other notable finalists included Lilly BeSoer from Papua New Guinea and Mairo Mandara from Nigeria, highlighting the global impact of women’s contributions to peace efforts.

In regions scarred by conflict, such as Sri Lanka—a nation that has experienced its share of societal divisions—Dharmadasa’s work exemplifies the healing power of mediation and compassion. Her dedication to peace is not merely theoretical but is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Following the reported disappearance of her son, who served as a military officer during the civil conflict, she took definitive action to support families in similar situations. This led to the establishment of the Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action, facilitating a platform for relatives to seek answers about their loved ones.

Currently serving as the chair and chief operations officer of the Association of War Affected Women, Dharmadasa is actively engaged in promoting cross-community dialogues. Her organization emphasizes the importance of educating soldiers and community leaders about international standards related to conduct during warfare.

Under her leadership, the Association empowers Sri Lankan women, cultivating their leadership skills and preparing them for active roles in local governance and community initiatives. Dharmadasa’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in peacebuilding efforts, which are often hindered by sociopolitical barriers and patriarchal norms.

The Women Building Peace Award symbolizes not only individual accomplishment but also the collective struggle of women worldwide who strive to instigate change amidst conflict. By acknowledging the work of remarkable women like Dharmadasa, USIP reinforces the idea that peacebuilding is a multi-faceted process that requires contributions from all members of society.

To learn more about USIP and the Women Building Peace Award, visit USIP's official page. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that when women rise, communities flourish, paving the path towards lasting peace and reconciliation.