Sri Lanka - and NPSL - has touched so many (including me) -

Dear friends near and far,

I am reflecting on the end of NPSL - and both saddened by the end, and glad of all the work that NPSL has been able to accomplish over these last years.

From our humble beginnings in 2003 - to the mature manifestation that NPSL became over the years - it has been quite a journey.

I attach a photo below of the first NPSL team of Unarmed Civilian Peacekeepers that was taken at the in-country orientation at the Sarvodaya headquarters in Moratuwa.

Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne invited those gathered at the opening ceremony to reflect not on how we were going to change Sri Lanka - but on how Sri Lanka was going to change us (individually and organizationally).  It was a wise invitation - and I think Nonviolent Peaceforce is all the better for how Sri Lanka helped shape, inform, and change us. 

Onward we go,
Peace,
Jan Passion

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A group of "get in and get it happening people"

I have so many people to thank for their support and dedication that it was impossible to personally get to see you all before leaving the shores of Sri Lanka.

I truly am humbled to have worked with such a group of "get in and get it happening people" and I am so proud of the achievements that NPSL accomplished both in the operations and (for quite a lot of us) for our own personal accomplishments.

To the former team at Vavuniya field office during my tenure as HFO, the efforts and contributions from all of you was outstanding. I learned so much from you and now possess a greater understanding of the difficulties that a work environment such as ours encounters every day.

I must admit that I truly enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka and have been well supported with the work and outcomes we have achieved.

I am very well sure that we left Sri Lanka with great confidence in the people there, knowing that they are capable of overcoming any hurdles that will come up, singularly, and more importantly, together.
We were able to assemble a very competent and practical network that will undoubtedly provide excellent support to our former staff and partners, which personally provides me with a sense of pride and gratitude that is indescribable.

I thank all of you again, and I wish all of us the best of luck in our new career paths

I wish you all a Healthy and Prosperous 2012

Thanks, regards and best wishes,

Sylvester Lahai