WSF makes fervent appeal for peace

The World Solidarity Forum for Justice and Peace in Sri Lanka (WSF/SL) in collaboration with Samadana Pradakshina Collective made an appeal to the President, political and religious leaders, the public, the international community and the LTTE to stop the war and make peace during the public launch of its peace appeal campaign last week.

The organization also put forth several proposals it claimed necessary for successful negotiations. These included, building mutual trust between the parties to the conflict, their readiness to listen to each other, acknowledge past wrongs, the willingness to make sacrifices and the sharing of power such as the establishment of zonal units through which the grievances of the minorities in a given area could be addressed.

“It is not enough to simply call for peace negotiations and it is for this reason that we lay out certain proposals or conditions that would bring about a peaceful solution to this conflict which cannot be resolved through war,” WSF/SL coordinator Rev. Yohan Devananda said.

The peace appeal, under the slogan “let us call the whole nation to school for peace” also seeks to educate and create awareness among the public on the need for peace in the country. Through a drama titled ‘Ugula’ (trap), being staged across the country the organization hopes to convey the message of peace even further and mobilize public support for the campaign.
The campaign also takes into account issues relating to all minority groups including women and other minority communities such as the Muslims, inequalities and the need to respect their rights.

“It is essential that the LTTE, the Tamils and Muslims realize that the people in the South are reasonable and ready to support the just demands of the minorities within a united Sri Lanka”, the appeal read. Furthermore it stated that the LTTE should be recognized as an equal partner in the peace process and banning the organization would be counter productive.