The Power of One Pushpi Weerakoon’s Global Mission for Justice

Sri Lankan peacebuilder Pushpi Weerakoon has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious Rotary Alumni Global Service Award. A dedicated gender equality advocate, community development specialist, and humanitarian leader, her journey is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. From empowering survivors of violence to shaping policies that support women and youth across Sri Lanka and beyond, her work reflects a deep commitment to social justice. In this exclusive interview, Pushpi Weerakoon shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and the values that continue to guide her mission to build inclusive, peaceful communities.

Words - Sachini Perera

Your career spans multiple continents and sectors - from conflict zones to high-level policy work. What initially inspired you to pursue peacebuilding and transitional justice as your life’s mission?

Growing up in Colombo during Sri Lanka’s conflict was a deeply formative experience. I often found myself near bomb blasts and lost people I knew. That kind of proximity to violence and suffering leaves a lasting impact. From a young age, I felt an intense desire to help, and in the late 1990s, pursuing human rights law seemed like the most direct way to make a difference. While studying in England, I returned to Sri Lanka in December 2004, narrowly escaping the tsunami. I was meant to visit Galle with friends but changed my plans at the last moment. The devastation I witnessed after the disaster moved me to volunteer. That experience introduced me to Hon. S.S. Wijeratne at the Legal Aid Commission and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute, where I began training lawyers and local leaders in mediation.