Amidst a landscape often dominated by traditional top-down aid models, Grace Island, a people-centric development initiative, was officially launched in Colombo on December 13, 2025. Inspired by the decade-long success of the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH) in India, the organization enters the Sri Lankan development sector with a distinct philosophy: “Grace” as empathy in motion. Operating with functional autonomy, Grace Island aims to bridge the gap between abstract compassion and measurable, dignified impact through local leadership and ethical stewardship.
Proving Impact Before Inauguration: The Cyclone Ditwah Response
While many organizations wait for formal ceremonies to begin operations, Grace Island demonstrated its “people-first” commitment weeks before its official launch. In the immediate wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which devastated Sri Lanka on November 27–28, 2024, the organization bypassed ceremonial formalities to mobilize rapid relief. Under the leadership of Devduni Lanza, and supported by a robust network of youth volunteers, Grace Island successfully reached nearly 800 families affected by the catastrophic flooding and displacement. This early intervention set the tone for the launch, proving that the organization’s core values of accountability and urgency are already embedded in its DNA.
Strategic Leadership and Cross-Border Collaboration
The launch event drew a distinguished gathering of administrators, professionals, and community leaders, highlighting the organization’s focus on regional solidarity. Sourav Mukherjee, Founder of KSCH and Executive Director of Grace Island, emphasized that this is not merely a geographic expansion but a “deepening of shared values built on trust.”
The leadership team reflects a diverse blend of financial expertise and public advocacy:
- Mark Perera (Founder & Executive Finance Director): Stated that ethical stewardship and transparency are central to every intervention to ensure sustainable social value.
- Devduni Lanza (Founder & Executive Director): Envisioned the platform as a way to create solutions that endure by listening to and partnering with local communities.
- Nayanathara Hettiarachchi (Founder & Executive Director – Public Communication): Aims to elevate community voices and inspire collective participation through honest communication.
A Vision for Systemic Change
Moving beyond emergency relief, Grace Island has outlined a comprehensive long-term roadmap designed to tackle systemic issues within Sri Lanka. Key focus areas include:
- Environmental Restoration: Implementing large-scale mangrove restoration and conservation projects.
- Economic Empowerment: Enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting women’s empowerment through inclusive financial models.
- Education & Innovation: Building community resilience through education-driven development and fostering youth-led leadership.
By integrating the proven methodologies of KSCH—recognized for its work in women’s empowerment and cultural heritage preservation in India—with a deep understanding of local Sri Lankan realities, Grace Island seeks to foster a more resilient and equitable future. The organization has extended an open invitation to institutions and individuals committed to ethical change to join its mission of turning compassion into purposeful, lasting action.
