EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA IN WASHINGTON DC HOSTS “PEACE
FORUM – A NEW VISION FOR PEACE IN THE 21ST CENTURY”
WITH UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION
Ambassador Wickramasuriya addresses the gathering
of peacemakers
A special gathering of peacemakers explored
the theme, “A New Vision for Peace in the 21st Century,”
held at the residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka on July
30th 2009 in Washington DC. The Sri Lankan Embassy partnering
with Universal Peace Federation (UPF) International and UPF-USA
presented a program which introduced the core principles and
practices that can facilitate the creation of a world in which
people of every race, culture and religion can live together
in peace.
At long last, the three decades of military conflict in Sri
Lanka has ended, and the government is looking to establish
a sustainable peace for their people. For this reason, Thursday’s
program was particularly timely and poignant.
An overflow crowd of diplomats, Ambassadors for Peace and new
guests, encountered the exotic Sri Lankan atmosphere of the
Ambassador’s residence and were welcomed by Ambassador
Wickramasuriya himself, and his gracious staff. A delicious
array of Sri Lankan foods and famous Ceylon tea was served for
the reception, as valuable connections and new friends were
made.
Cross section of peacemakers
Mistress of Ceremonies: Tomiko Duggan, Director
of the (UPF) Office of Embassy Relations, Washington, D.C.,
welcomed the audience and introduced the gracious host for the
evening, the H.E. Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka.
After showing a beautiful film of Sri Lanka, the Ambassador
shared sincerely about his country as it savors a hard won peace
and at the same time faces post conflict challenges.
Ambassador Wickramasuriya greeted us the traditional way, “Ayubowan,”
which means, “May you live long”. Sri Lanka is the
oldest democracy in Asia and rich in culture; however, nearly
three decades of the recent civil war, which ended in May this
year, caused a large amount of displaced families to live in
the government-run centers. Now that peace has returned, the
government has launched an ambitious plan to rebuild 80,000
new homes for those displace people, who “have a right
to voluntary return, in safety and dignity, to their original
places of residence.” They have also just completed a
mission to remove 1,000 land mines near the northern city of
Jaffna . In conclusion, he stated that now is the time to heal
old wounds. The Ambassador invited everyone to visit Sri Lanka
. It is a happy place, full of a new freedom and excitement
for a future of peace, happiness and prosperity.
Mr. John Dickson, a Committee Chairman with the World Trade
Centers Association, Inc., shared his thoughts on the topic,
“Peace and Stability through Economic Growth and Development”
Mr. Dickson praised Sri Lankan government for appointing an
Ambassador from the private sector, noting the practical and
effective nature of the Ambassador’s presentation. Mr.
Dickson went on to explain the relationship between business,
peace and stability.
After an inspirational musical presentation and an introductory
video to UPF, Mr. Jim Flynn, Secretary General of UPF-USA delivered
a comprehensive synopsis of the principles of peace building
and reconciliation which are the central pillars of UPF’s
work of establishing peace throughout the world.
At the close of the program, new Ambassadors for Peace were
appointed and welcomed to UPF’s global network of peacemakers
by the Washington area Secretary General, Ms. Gail Paine. Sri
Lankan Ambassador to U.S, H.E. Jaliya Wickramasuriya, was appointed
as an Ambassador for Peace, while two other Sri Lankans were
among seven the newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace.
Ambassadors for Peace are a global network of leaders representing
the religious, racial and ethnic diversity of the human family,
as well as all disciplines of human endeavor. They stand on
the common ground of shared principles, committed to the path
of promoting reconciliation, overcoming barriers, and building
peace.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA
06 August 2009
