Introducing IPYG Affiliate Organization – Alliance Development Trust (ADT)

 

 

Alliance Development Trust (ADT), established in 2005, is a non-governmental organization officially registered with the government of Sri Lanka. ADT works with communities across the country in various sectors, including disaster relief, healthcare infrastructure development, livelihood support, child protection, and the promotion of peace and reconciliation.

More than providing humanitarian aid, ADT focuses on building the capacity of local communities to become self-reliant and resilient. In doing so, ADT adheres to internationally recognized humanitarian principles, such as the Sphere Standard, and follows the ethical guidelines set by the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO).

 

 

Reflecting the diversity of religions and ethnicities in Sri Lanka, ADT actively promotes interfaith dialogue and youth-centered peacebuilding efforts. One such initiative is the Harmony in Diversity Project in Batticaloa, which helps young people understand different religions and live peacefully together. ADT also operates the Interfaith Leaders Network to rebuild community trust through dialogue among religious leaders and promotes community development through the Elevate Project, which integrates social solidarity with climate justice.

 

 

Recently, ADT launched the RISE Project (Reconciliation, Interfaith Solidarity, and Empowerment for Youth) in collaboration with the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) in the Gampaha region. The goal of the RISE Project is to nurture young peace leaders through interfaith cooperation, combining IPYG’s peace education expertise with ADT’s grassroots community network to foster a youth-led culture of peace.

More than 150 youth from diverse religious backgrounds are participating in peace education and leadership training. At least eight youth-led local peace projects are planned, in addition to a range of initiatives such as interfaith collaboration campaigns, storytelling programs, exhibitions, and social media content production. ADT also plans to host mentoring programs with religious leaders and facilitate dialogue to ease community tensions.

The RISE Project is part of the New Village Movement in Sri Lanka and will be piloted in Gampaha for one year, with the goal of expanding it as a youth peacebuilding model across other regions.

Raghu Balachandran, Chairman of ADT, shared the following about the partnership:

“We share many common values with IPYG, and we truly believe we can accomplish something great together. Our missions are aligned—both seek harmony and stability in Sri Lanka.”

He also shared a message for the youth:

“Peace is not a declaration, but a practice. Finding common ground and joining hands, this is where youth must take the lead.”