” Representatives of the four religions and civil society groups spoke of the need for a political solution rather than a military solution. In addition, Ambassadors from Norway, the United States and Japan, and High Commissioners of Canada and Australia took part in the event and demonstrated international solidarity with the call of civil society for negotiations, peace and political reform.
The key ideas that were expressed included expediting the political proposals of the All Party Representatives Committee, honouring the mandate of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons who are observers to the Presidential Commission to investigate Serious Human Rights Violations, and to resume government-LTTE peace talks. We are pleased that the government and opposition political parties sent their political representatives who also addressed the gathering in accordance with the spirit of the symposium.
The peace symposium showed that civil society is ready to take up the challenge of working for peace, reconciliation and a new political framework at the local level inspired by the values of multi-culturalism and with respect for diversity. We regret that in recent times peace events have been the target of hostility and violence by nationalist and pro-war groups with close links to those in power. The National Peace Council calls on the government and LTTE to provide civil society with a conducive environment and encouragement to take the messages from the peace symposium to the larger society and thereby help to extricate the country from the trap of violence and warfare.
Executive Director
On behalf of the Governing Council
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
