Young Political Leaders Forum of Sri Lanka (YPLF) issuing a media statement in remembrance of the ‘July 1983‘ events has called for active social engagement of youth both in Sri Lanka and within the Diaspora in the reconciliation process.
1983 July | pic by Chandraguptha Amarasingha – A Tamil boy stripped naked and later beaten to death by Sinhala youth in Boralla bustation
The young politicians of YPLF to which includes UPFA MP Vasantha Senanayake, SLFP MP Shehan Semasinghe, UNP MPs Niroshan Perera and Harin Fernando, ACMC MP Hunais Farook and TNA representative Raghu Balachandran in their statement have pointed out that it is the responsibility of the youth and youth-led groups to ensure that another July 83 does not recur.
They have highlighted that roles played by youth in reconciliation is imperative in promoting peace through dialogue and understanding as they are often seen as positive agents for change.
“They need to constructively engage – both individually and collectively – in encouraging values of respect and acceptance between and within communities,” the young MPs have pointed out adding it would ultimately help create an atmosphere that encourages civic engagement and positive feelings of belongingness among youth in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore in the statement, the YPLF members have reiterated the importance of accepting and respecting difference among people and of believing that diversity is the strength and the beauty of our society.
ahmed / July 23, 2014 17:17
Really surprise read this article where no comments from readers because everybody knew who was responsible to create a terrorism in Sri Lanka during earlier stage
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Rita Ward / July 24, 2014 01:16
True, Ahmed.
But I am questioning the mindset of these politicians. They keep mum over all the horrendous human rights violations going on daily which confuse the youth here. If the government treats its people well the diaspora will not have anything to talk about its governance. Successive governments have been using education as a tool of oppression – this government seems to be the worst:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/211491454/Peacebuilding-in-Sri-Lanka-Needs-UNESCO-to-Supervise-Revision-of-School-Textbooks
Unless there is a drastic course change we cannot expect any reconciliation with the ethnic minorities.
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Rita Ward / July 25, 2014 12:34
The youth will have a good role model in the young parliamentarians if they find the latter voicing their opposition to undemocratic and authoritarian practice of the government all over the country. The youth mostly don’t listen to what you say but copy what you do.
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Tamil from the north / July 24, 2014 03:18
Can anyone identify these three Sinhala racists in this picture who killed this poor Tamil man? I hope someone will find these three fellows and render the same punishment today.
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Luxmy Silva / July 26, 2014 00:21
Dear Vasantha Senanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Niroshan Perera, Harin Fernando, Hunais Farook and Raghu Balachandran
Up to 1983 there had been a series of pogroms unleashed on the Tamils. What has been happening since 1983 is a totally different version of a pogrom – silently trampling the Tamils daily: politically, economically, socially, culturally, environmentally and psychologically till today when it is total humiliation: the elected Northern provincial Council remains powerless.
Just saying we should avoid another 1983 is a painting.
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Luxmy Silva / July 26, 2014 15:20
Why didn’t they have students from all provinces on this ”Peace” train:
Over 200 students from Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces board the Peace Train, http://www.lk.undp.org/content/srilanka/en/home/presscenter/articles/2013/04/21/over-200-students-from-the-northern-north-central-and-eastern-provinces-board-the-peace-train/
Are ”adults” hoodwinking the people?
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