Peace building through religion, sports and art | Daily News

Peace building through religion, sports and art

The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) in collaboration with the St. John Ambulance of Sri Lanka, successfully concluded the 7thannual “Peace Building Project at Matale recently. Seventy two Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim students representing Kilinochchi, Trincomalee and Matale Districts along with four Japanese students participated in this unique 3 day programme.

The first day was devoted to religious activities, and all the students visited MataleAluviharaya, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Catholic Church and the Kaudupelella Mosque.

The second day was devoted to sports and interactive team building activities, while on the third day the students were involved in cultural and arts activities.

Dr. Shigeru Suganami, the President of AMDA-International was the Chief Guest. Dr. Sarath Samarage Chairman of St. John Ambulance and Chairperson AMDA-Sri Lanka was the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Sarath Samarage, Chairman of the St. John Ambulance addressing the closing ceremony traced the history of this program and said that this year the 7th Year in succession that this successful program is conducted. He further said that St John Ambulance and AMDA share common goals of service to humanity, and could work together in the future too.

The closing ceremony was enlightened with Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Japanese cultural items performed by the respective students.

The Chief Guest Dr. Shigeru Suganami addressing the gathering said, “These programs to promote peace in the minds and hearts of the younger generation will indeed bear fruit in the future as you will become convinced of the futility of violent conflicts and the importance of resolving issues through a true spirit of brotherhood and trust. He referred to the 1951 San Francisco Conference and the speech made by J.R. Jayawardena of Sri Lanka.”

Pictures by Sulochana Gamage 


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