Located in the central hill country of Sri Lanka, the Sooriya Centre will be a children’s peace and eco-village, where children from across the island can visit for workshops, courses and retreats.

The land will be at least 100 acres, comprised of an organic farm, jungle and wilderness areas, a river, bathing pools, accommodation, gardens, a library and workshop spaces. We are looking for land that is fairly centrally located and near enough to major routes to allow ease of access, but far enough away from the road to give a sense of wilderness. An abandoned estate with it’s own fresh water spring, situated near a national park would be ideal.

We aim to offer the following for study and play: art, drama, yoga, co-operative games, handicrafts, meditation, dancing, permaculture, water conservation, renewable energy, music, eco-construction, conflict resolution, video and photography, massage, ayuveda, forest management, composting, counselling skills, alternative healing techniques, herbal and nutritional therapy, adventure activities and more.

The different activities will be allocated to different areas, and will be spaced far enough apart, screened by trees and plants, to give privacy and a sense of tranquillity. Structures will be built to blend in with the vegetation and where possible, made out of natural, local materials. Accommodation for the children will be in dormitories staffed by housemothers; we envisage being able to cater for up to sixty children at one time. The dormitories will be spacious and comfortable, and will also be used to accommodate paying guests at other times. Each bed will have it’s own locker for personal belongings. Accommodation for residents and staff will be in separate houses, cabanas, cottages or tree houses, all built to strict ecological standards and using sustainable materials. There will also be some guesthouse style accommodation for those visitors who require more privacy, such as families and couples. Food will be organic and grown ourselves wherever possible, and will be served communally in a central dining hall. A major component of the visit will be active service, with residents and visitors participating in cleaning, cooking, gardening and maintenance activities.

We envisage being financially self sustainable after the first three years, by establishing eco-businesses and offering retreats and training in the above courses to paying guests and organisations for three months a year. Fees will be on a sliding scale according to income, for both locals and foreigners. The ideas for the eco businesses currently include organic herbal soap, shampoo and toothpaste, locally grown and made hemp products, paper, cloth, seeds, oil, etc. bags, baskets and handicrafts made from natural materials, an art shop and gallery where the children’s art will be sold, profits being shared between the centre and the artist.

Teachers, practitioners and carers will work at the centre on both a temporary and permanent basis. Skill and knowledge sharing between locals and foreigners will empower individuals and help to spread awareness and inspiration. Children from across the island will be able to mix freely and work and play with each other. In a society beset by communal violence, insecurity, pollution and environmental degradation it is vital for us to come together, trust each other and share our skills and knowledge, regardless of race, religion, caste, class, status or gender.

The Sooriya Centre will be a place for children and adults to rest, retreat, heal and study the principles and activities that will enable us to create a peaceful, sustainable society.

The guiding principles of the centre are compassion, peace, environmental and financial sustainability, harmony, tranquillity, healing, spirituality, creativity, empowerment, education, beauty, play and fun.

At present the Sooriya Centre is a dreamseed. If you are interested in helping us establish the centre or contribute in any other way, please contact us.