Govt. announces National Integration and Reconciliation Week

Following a Cabinet directive, the period from 8-14 January each year has been declared National Integration and Reconciliation Week, according to the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation.

The ministry said the main aim of the initiative was to promote unity, peace, dignity, respect diversity, equity, inclusiveness, fairness, tolerance, empathy, friendship, kindness, compassion, justice and human rights among communities of different ethnic, religious, cultural and regional diversities.

Secretary to the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation V. Sivagnanasothy said this was a nation-building effort which lays the foundation for a united, strong, reconciled and prosperous nation which recognises unity in diversity.

The Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation is mandated with the responsibility of promoting peace, unity and harmony among communities in the country which the ministry says is fundamental for sustainable development. 

Considering the national importance of integration, this ministry comes under the direct purview of President Maithripala Sirisena. 

The following programs have been proposed to be conducted island-wide during National Integration and Reconciliation Week:

n Promote national integration among schoolchildren - The program includes speeches by students on national integration at assembly in all schools and in classrooms during the national week expressing the importance of national integration and pledging the national declaration.

n Pledge of declaration - All Government ministries and institutions to pledge the declaration and work on national integration and reconciliation and create awareness among all Government officials to work as change agents.

n District Reconciliation Committee (DRC) Dialogue Forum - DRCs have been established to address religious and ethnic tensions and promote national integration and reconciliation. The committee members are to meet and work out the modality of operation at the BMICH during National Integration and Reconciliation Week.

n Call for articles for awards on national integration and reconciliation - Encourage peace journalism and reconciliation-friendly media articles amongst the public including adults, elders, professionals and the youth.

The Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation said it encouraged and promoted all schoolchildren and Government officials as well as those from the private sector, religious dignitaries, donor communities and non-governmental organisations to pledge the declaration to support unity, harmony and sustainable peace.