March for peace in the hills

"Voice of the unarmed civilians" a peace march was held on February 17 in Kandy. The marchers called on the government to begin peace talks and implement an immediate cease-fire.

The inter-religious peace march was co-ordinated by the Secretariat for the Commission for Justice, Peace & Human Development of Kandy.

The march started from the heart of the city from George E. De Silva park and proceeded to Bogambara grounds. Prior to the march a photo exhibition on "the cost of the war" was held at the Goerge E. De Silva Park.

More than 4700 people, Catholics, Buddhists, Hindus & Muslims gathered at the park and the heavy shower in the afternoon did not deter the marchers.

Nearly 700 children, from the Rainbow Peace Children's Programme and from villages, estates and schools in and around Kandy, also participated in the March.

Religious leaders of Christian Churches including Anglican Bishop Rt. Rev. Kumara Ellangasekara, Catholic clergy and Catholic nuns were present while Buddhists monks from the Asgiriya Chapter, and from seven other temples, Hindu priests and a Muslim priest-too took part in the march.

After the marchers arrived at the Bogambara Ground, the Kandy Diocesan Media Centre presented a street drama. This was followed by speeches from the religious leaders. Ven. Mahagalkadawala Pugnasara Thero in his address requested Buddhists to follow the teachings of the Buddha who never preached violence, but "Ahimsa". He called on the President and the Leader of the Opposition to join to end this war.

Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala Rt.Rev. Dr. Kumara Ellangasekara said the peace march was the first step and religious leaders of all faiths should continue this effort to restore peace. He recalled the teachings of Christ on reconciliation.

The Hindu priest invited political leaders to end the war and begin peace talks while the Muslim religious leader reminded the national leaders of their promises to end the war.

"We have gathered here to request the government and the L.T.T.E. to end the war as it is eating up our resources. This is not a political gathering but a cry of religious leaders of the need of the hour, " said Fr. Cletus Perera, the Vicar General of the Kandy Diocese.

- Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga.

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