On the Side of Humanity: Celebrating Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 8 May 2025

Around the world, the World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day is commemorated annually, on May 8, uniting millions in honouring the birth and legacy of Henry Dunant, the visionary humanitarian and the founder of the Red Cross Movement. This year’s theme, ‘On the Side of Humanity’, is closely linked to Humanity, the overarching principle that motivates the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

To mark the day, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) organised commemorative events across Sri Lanka, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), volunteers and local communities. At the national level, the SLRCS in Colombo hosted a special ceremony to appreciate outstanding volunteers from each of the 25 district-level branches, honouring their commitment to humanitarianism. The event celebrated their courage, selflessness and unwavering service especially during disasters and emergencies, reflecting the true spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its founding principle, Humanity. Concurrently, all 25 branches of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society commemorated the day by engaging youth across the country through Red Cross Junior Circles in schools, organizing essay and art competitions that encouraged creative expression on humanitarian themes and inspired their active participation in humanitarian service.

Balakrishnan, President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride in the organisation’s volunteers, stating:

“Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers whose commitment and tireless efforts make them the first responders, stepping forward when others hesitate. Their selfless dedication exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarian service.”

Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, added:

“The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) proudly stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, offering unwavering support in times of disaster, conflict, crisis, and other emergencies. As the global community marks International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, SLRCS reflects on a year of steadfast humanitarian efforts across the country. Over the past year, the organization has delivered vital assistance in the areas of healthcare, education, livelihoods, disaster response, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability, reaching some of the nation’s most vulnerable communities. These efforts embody the mission of the Red Cross Movement: to alleviate human suffering and promote dignity for all. This day serves as a reminder of our humanitarian duty and the collective impact we can have when guided by compassion and the Fundamental Principles. As we look ahead, our commitment remains stronger than ever to support those in need and build resilient communities.”

Mr. John Entwistle, Head of the South Asia Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, shared:

“As this year’s World Red Cross Red Crescent Day theme ‘On the side humanity’ suggests, in an increasingly complex and polarized world, where humanitarian needs grow year after year, our shared commitment to humanity is more than a guiding principle—it is a lifeline. Upholding humanity isn’t just a goal, it’s our imperative, ensuring that even in the darkest moments, we remain on the side of humanity and stand firm in safeguarding the humanitarian space. In the lead up to the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles, we reaffirm their enduring importance in shaping our humanitarian action worldwide and the necessity of upholding them, even in the most complex and contested environments. Sri Lanka Red Cross has been leading the way for humanitarian work in the country with unwavering commitment to disaster response, community health, and sustainable development initiatives that uplift communities in vulnerable situations. Through innovative programs and grassroots engagement, SLRCS continues to empower vulnerable populations and foster sustainable development across Sri Lanka. Together with the Sri Lanka Red Cross, the IFRC continues to uphold the shared mission of our global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”

Severine Chappaz, head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka, reflected:

“On this important occasion, we extend our special appreciation to the staff and volunteers of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society who never hesitate to work under demanding conditions, sometimes risking their lives to deliver essential humanitarian services to communities in need. We also remember and pay tribute to humanitarian workers around the world who have lost their lives in service of others, and we mourn our colleagues who were appallingly killed while trying to save lives. Every attack on a humanitarian is an attack on the community they served, and a betrayal to the laws designed to protect civilians and alleviate suffering in conflict. Reflecting the dire need to make international humanitarian law a political priority, the ICRC, together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, launched a global initiative to revive political commitment to international humanitarian law in September of 2024. Many States have since joined, and we hope more will continue to do so.”

This year also holds profound significance as it marks the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement — Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. These seven timeless principles remain the bedrock of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, inspiring millions of volunteers, staff, and communities around the world, transcending borders, languages and beliefs.

On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the SLRCS, together with the IFRC and the ICRC, reaffirms its commitment to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s humanitarian mission.