Mandaidivu is a small island on the Jaffa peninsula. The Sri Lankan civil war (1983-2009) had a significant impact on Mandaidivu and the Jaffna peninsula. The island, inhabited by mostly Hindu Tamils and Christians, was caught in the crossfire between the Sri Lankan government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. During the war, Mandaidivu was subjected to heavy shelling and fighting, resulting in damage to infrastructure and the displacement of residents.

Many residents fled the island to seek refuge in safer areas. Many people were killed, families displaced or torn apart.

People are still missing. Many live with a broken heart and cannot find peace because they have lost their loved ones and their possessions. And the fear of showing their pain openly makes everything even worse for them.

In the years following the end of the civil war (2009), a process of reconstruction and recovery began in Mandaidivu. The most important recovery is inner healing. The presence of the Salvatorian Sisters is part of the healing process. The sisters help the people to build a bridge between themselves and the people in the predominantly Sinhalese south.

There are many programmes for children and young people in cooperation with the parishes, in youth ministry, leisure and after-school tuition. The sisters are very supportive of youth work and work closely with women in various groups and prayer communities such as the Legio Mariae or in small Christian communities. The sisters are directly involved in creating peace and reconciliation in broken and dysfunctional families.

A total of 2.500 euros is needed in 2024 for the various pastoral programmes and youth encounters to build a peaceful future.