In a historic initiative in Sri Lanka, The Art of Living's Colombo city chapter has launched its Health and Wellness charity initiative for school students in the Northern Province. This would be the very first such specific initiative for students in a region that has seen war, misery, depression and large scale displacement of people for over 25 years. 

As part of this new initiative over 25,000 students, teachers and educationists across Jaffna, Point Pedro, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and other towns will now learn the fundamentals of the Sri Sri Yoga. However since 2005 a large part of the adult population in this region have already benefited from The Art of Living's trauma relief programs which are being delivered even till date.

This Health and Wellness charity project is inspired by His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar`s creative peace building initiatives for the island-nation. School students will now have the opportunity to experience the highest knowledge of yoga delivered by yoga experts from The Art of Living. Gurudev says, “Yoga brings skill in action. Yoga brings out the perfection in you, it brings out the talents and skills in you, and also provides you better comforts and enjoyment.”  

What more could people ask for in a region that has seen an unending cycle of violence? Hatha Yoga, pranayamas (breathing techniques), Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and meditation will form the basis of this Health and Wellness initiative for the students. This charity project also highlights as a kick-off event to the upcoming annual Sri Sri Yoga Festival to be held for the first time in the island later this year. The Yoga Festival is creatively expressed with the theme 'Yoga everyday keeps the doctor away!' While the nourishing red apple serves as the ubiquitous brand ambassador.