Andrew Samarasinha along with Yolanie Hettiarachchi, Nadeesh Jayasinghe, Sheyami Jayawardena, Sachindri Wijekoon, and Chiran Dedunnupitya

This 6 member Team At the Civic Center

In a time where our youth are largely discounted, looked at as the “Me generation” it is wonderful to see that many are proving us wrong. CanIndoLanka Times will continue to highlight some of our young shining stars in the community.

The Hearts for Harmony group is a newly founded organization created by 6 young people from the Sri Lankan community mainly due to the need seen and desire to help. They are trying to re-build bridges where bridges have been torn down in their community because of war and strife between the different ethnic factions, mainly the Tamil and Sinhalese. Hoping that the distrust, and visible hate between their people can be repaired.

Hearts of Harmony’s ethnically mixed members are young university students’ from across the GTA whose mission is to make a difference for those who are in need in their home country of Sri Lanka. Andrew Samarasinha along with Yolanie Hettiarachchi, Nadeesh Jayasinghe, Sheyami Jayawardena, Sachindri Wijekoon, and Chiran Dedunnupitya came together to assist the Sri Lankan diaspora.

Their organization prides itself on fact that regardless of gender, ethnic, racial, political or religious differences, their goal is to unify the Sri Lankan community and have people put differences aside for the greater good of the people and the rebuilding of their country.

This 6 member organization began as a response to the aftermath of the end of the long standing war in Sri Lanka. With reportedly over 300,000 internally displaced people currently living in camps, ill equipped and unsuitable for human conditions, Hearts for Harmony is trying to raise awareness and money to help those in need in Sri Lanka.

Hearts for Harmony is currently organizing a Dinner & Dance fundraiser in the community with hopes to raise at least $10, 000 for the people living in these camps, who are mainly Tamils. Their efforts do not stop there. These savvy young people are looking to continue their efforts with inviting professors to write articles and invite other members of the older community to listen to what they have to say, giving a voice to young people in the divided Sri Lankan community.

Hearts for Harmony is certainly a beginning in bringing about peace and harmony to a wounded community. They are a bright example of the power of the youthful voice. As change agents, Hearts for Harmony may meet some roadblocks but they are unwavering, as their dedication and determination overshadows the challenges. They stand strong in their beliefs and will continue on to help those in need in the Sri Lankan community.

Hearts for Harmony Charity Dinner and Dance for the IDP of Sri Lanka takes place on November 20, 2009.

For more information or how you can help Hearts for Harmony visit their website at www.heartsforharmony.ca