OUR PURPOSE & approach
What makes us unique?
SRI LANKA
Our philosophy
We recognise historical inequalities and the lasting impact of conflict, exclusion, and systemic disparity across Sri Lanka. Nūl is committed to supporting marginalised communities by fostering education, economic opportunity, and social equity—creating the conditions for long-term, meaningful change.
By challenging dominant narratives and prioritising the voices of those most affected by historical legacies and ongoing challenges, we work collaboratively with people from all backgrounds. Our approach is rooted in shared humanity, aiming to build a more equitable, inclusive, and united Sri Lanka—where all communities can contribute, belong, and thrive together.
The Historical Context
Sri Lanka is still navigating the long shadows of its 26-year civil war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009. The conflict, rooted in deep-seated ethnic tensions, left a lasting impact—particularly in the northern and eastern regions—where many communities continue to grapple with its consequences today.
This legacy is compounded by ongoing political instability and recurring economic crises, all of which are intertwined with the unresolved emotional weight of colonial history and decades of conflict. These layers of history have contributed to persistent disconnection between generations, communities, and regions—impacting the country’s social fabric and shared future.
In rebuilding, Nūl takes this historical context into deep consideration—placing collective memory, lived experience, and inclusive participation at the heart of its work. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared ownership across communities, we aim to support a future that is collectively built, culturally grounded, and socially just.
Visit Support Us page to find out how to get involved as a community partner, or get in touch with us directly to start the discussion with one of our volunteer community team members.
Our Priorities
Our 3 Pillars
Our Response
Place-based Response - 50-acre site
As a key step towards this vision, Nūl is raising funds to transform a 50-acre site into a community-driven, environmentally conscious hub over the next 5-years. Led by community leaders and supported by professionals and students across the globe, this initiative is immersed in development research, local cultural knowledge, and experiential practices. By blending local insights with global expertise, the project strives to meet both immediate and long-term community needs. Through inclusive collaboration, this purpose-built space will work towards restoring social cohesion, foster economic empowerment, and establish a sustainable foundation for the growth of local communities.
Long Term Thinking
Our long-term vision is to build a resilient, self-sustaining community where education, economic progress, and equity serve as the cornerstones of development. By prioritising these elements, we aim to create a dynamic environment that adapts to the evolving needs of the community, ensuring lasting social cohesion and opportunity. Our approach blends strategy with practical action, with each initiative designed to not only address immediate needs but also foster continuous growth and long-term transformation. This vision will be realised through an ongoing commitment to inclusive collaboration, ensuring that the project remains responsive, impactful, and sustainable.
Our Timeline to Date
Laying the Groundwork: Listening, Learning & Connecting (2013–2016)
Dec 2013:
To better understand Sri Lanka’s post-conflict landscape and support the development of future community projects, desh Balasubramaniam travelled across the country engaging with local leaders, educators, peacemakers, artists, social workers, doctors, other professionals and community members. This period included delivering lectures and workshops at the Eastern University of Sri Lanka and conducting wide-ranging consultations with the National Peace Council and other community stakeholders.
Feb 2014:
Following workshops at Eastern University and consultations, desh Balasubramaniam (Founder & CEO of Ondru) and Evan Marginson cycled 700km from Tangalle to Jaffna to connect with local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the local landscape and post-conflict needs.
Feb 2016:
desh Balasubramaniam led a team of seven cyclists from Australia and New Zealand—including his younger brother and five friends—on a 1,000km journey from Mirissa to Jaffna, raising funds to support Ondru’s Aal Project.
Deepening the Commitment: Peacebuilding, Dialogue & Community Engagement (2016–2023)
Jun 2016:
desh Balasubramaniam was awarded an International Peace Building & Reconciliation Fellowship in Sri Lanka that brought together individuals with expertise and commitment to peace and justice in Sri Lanka. Fellows facilitated trust-building dialogues with ethnic and faith-based communities across the country, fostering reconciliation and learning.
2016 – 2019:
desh Balasubramaniam delivered lectures, ran workshops, and supported various community building initiatives.
Jul 2023:
Participated in reconciliation dialogues and workshops in Caux, Switzerland, engaging multi-ethnic Sri Lankan communities, and led the pilot community art-based reconciliation workshops.
Laying the Foundations: Research, Partnerships & Team Building (2023–2025)
Dec 2023 – Jan 2024:
Conducted research, situation analysis, stakeholder consultations, and site identification for Nūl in Sri Lanka.
Jan 2024:
Established the volunteer Nūl team in Melbourne to support research and development.
Mar 2024:
Facilitated reconciliation workshops in partnership with the Walpola Rahula Institute in Colombo.
Jul 2024:
Undertook research, community consultations, location investigations, resource analysis, needs assessments, and best practices in Sri Lanka.
Nov 2024:
Expanded the Melbourne-based Nūl team to 12 volunteer project staff in partnership with Victoria University. Invited Dr. Ranil Senanayake to speak to the Nūl team about the importance of conservation while supporting disadvantaged communities.
Dec 2024 – Jan 2025:
Conducted research and consultation, developed partnerships and community connections, mapped the Peace Ride 2025.
Community Work & Launching the Ride: 2024–2025
Dec 2024 – Jan 2025:
Conducted research and consultation, developed partnerships and community connections, mapped the Peace Ride 2025.
Mar 2025:
Conducted community-building workshops in the Eastern Province as part of a thesis at Victoria University, Melbourne. Mapped out further partnerships and community engagement for Nūl and the Nūl Peace Ride, and established office operations in Colombo.
Jun 2025:
Launch the Nūl Peace Ride 2025—cycling 1,000km across Sri Lanka to raise AUD $150,000 for the Nūl Pilot Project. This ride combines endurance with community engagement to foster unity, dialogue, and inclusive development.
Partners & supporters
