Visaka founded the Association of War Affected Women in 2000, after her son was reported Missing in Action during the Sri Lankan civil war. Visaka was nominated for a collective Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 as part of the 1000 Peace Women Across the Globe.

She set up AWAR to create a space for war-affected women, specifically mothers and wives of those who are missing, to come together across the divide to work for peace.

AWAR is committed to achieving sustainable peace in Sri Lanka and around the world and believes that peace has to be negotiated through an inclusive process.

Visaka and AWAW are also deeply committed to safeguarding democracy and rights of all, specifically women’s rights and advancement.