Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the Foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island.
He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who is visiting Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit.
He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities.
His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world.
CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation.
He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya.
He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the Foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa - attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living.
In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.