Visaka Dharmadasa

Visaka Dharmadasa

Visaka Dharmadasa is a distinguished peacebuilder and advocate whose work has transformed the lives of countless communities in Sri Lanka. As the founder and Chair of the Association of War Affected Women and Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action, she has been at the forefront of efforts to end the civil conflict in Sri Lanka. By brokering ceasefires and uniting women across conflict lines, Visaka has driven initiatives for peace and set an inspiring example of inclusive leadership in reconciliation and community healing.

Her groundbreaking contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Humanitarian Award by InterAction, and N-Peace, as well as a nomination for a collective Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, and most recently, USIP Women Building Peace Award for 2024. Visaka’s expertise has also been recognised through her involvement as a team member of the special rapporteur investigating violence and ceasefire violations and as a key member of the Consultation Taskforce on Reconciliation Mechanisms in Sri Lanka.

Committed to empowering women in peace and security, she actively contributes to international networks and organisations such as Women Waging Peace, Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership, Global Network of Women Peace Builders, Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth, Asia Pacific Mediators, and the Civil Society Advisory Group of UN Women. A Harvard alumna, she holds credentials in negotiations, mediation skills, and women and security.

In addition to her work in mediation and policy advocacy, Visaka dedicates significant effort to training women for political leadership and power-sharing, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by conflict are not only heard but also empowered to shape the future of peace.