Int’l Peace Day: Launching pad for building bridges

Several programmes have been lined up to celebrate International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21, by UNICEF, UNESCO, Sarvodaya and other civil society organisations.

International Peace Day provides an opportunity to focus on the need for peace in all parts of Sri Lanka, to strengthen and explain the commitment to peace and to build bridges of understanding amongst the communities in Sri Lanka, the Secretary for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) said in a message released to coincide with the day.

SCOPP said, it together with the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO proposes to observe the Day, not just as a day’s event, but rather as a ‘launching pad’ for peace-building activities and programmes to be implemented by the Government, it’s partners and stake holders, in a collective and concerted effort nation-wide.

“Escalation of violence and CFA violations, recurring hostilities and heightened tension as well as the lack of engagement highlights the bid for peace-building as an ongoing long term objective of the Government,” SCOPP said. Among the activities planned are peace-building recreational activities with children’s clubs, launching of a people’s peace vision declaration and observance of a universal peace meditation organised by Sarvodaya as well a peace rally from Anuradhapura to Colombo. There will also be sports events, art and cultural exhibitions, street performances and peace talks to coincide with the celebrations which will be conducted to mark the day in all parts of the country.