Together for peace

The same date can have a different meaning for different people. For many Sri Lankans, May is first and foremost the month that saw the end of the civil war 13 years ago. For many Europeans, 9 May is the day of the European Union, Europe Day. It marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950 that established the European Coal and Steel Community – a monumental milestone in the history of Europe. 

By binding France and Germany’s resources into a common market and under shared oversight just a few years after the end of World War II, then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman sought to make war in Europe not just impossible, but also unthinkable. Just a few years later in 1957, the Treaty of Rome between Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and then West Germany established the European Economic Community, building upon the foundation laid down by Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950. So on this day 72 years ago, his peace-building effort effectively founded what later became the European Union. 

We celebrate this day not just because it laid the groundwork for a new form of political and economic cooperation on a continent where war rather than peaceful co-existence between neighbouring countries had been the norm. This day also signifies a profound re-imagination of our shared identity and purpose as democratic people, not just as citizens of Nation-States. 

As the main European nations – fighting each other for centuries – put their differences aside to build a prosperous and peaceful future together, it set an example for others to follow. And as the European Union grew from the original 6 to now 27 Member States, so did the range of languages, social norms, cultural heritage, and political ideas peacefully shared by people within its borders. 

Over our respective time as Ambassadors to Sri Lanka, we all have been lucky to discover just how incredibly diverse and unique this country truly is. From its vast history and cultures, blend of languages and religious beliefs, to the range of endemic wildlife and incredible botany, this wonderful place has so much to offer to the world. But Sri Lanka’s journey has not been easy – its people know all too well the costs of destructive conflict and struggle. 

Today, Sri Lanka is again going through a challenging time, faced with difficulties on multiple fronts. And for several weeks now, many Sri Lankans have decided to express their views and vision by engaging in peaceful protest. As we and other members of the international community have reiterated on several occasions during these developments, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are core pillars of any democratic society. These fundamental freedoms must be protected and respected. Restraint and with it avoidance of violence of any kind, from any side, must remain a top priority as the country pursues a political solution to the ongoing crisis. 

As citizens of one of Asia’s oldest democracies, Sri Lankans know that finding common ground amidst political disagreements is not an easy task. Yet, you also know full well the grave consequences of failing to do so democratically and peacefully. Devastated by the ghosts of our respective past conflicts, Europeans and Sri Lankans share the same pursuits – towards peace, prosperity, and human flourishing, far away from the scourge of war. 

In Europe, just as in Sri Lanka, 2022 has brought about an unprecedented crisis and with it a grave challenge to these pursuits. Unprovoked and unjustified, the war of aggression against Ukraine is an attack on more than just a country. Engaged in a battle for respecting the right of self-determination and the will of its people, Ukraine finds itself on the front line defending democracy, rule of law, and human rights. 

In essence, Ukrainians are fighting for world peace, not just for peace in their own land. By doing so, they are defending the same principles, rights, and freedoms that enable and protect peaceful political processes in Sri Lanka, including free assembly and expression. 

On this Europe Day, we urge you to keep this in mind and oppose violence of any kind, be it at home or abroad. We urge you to choose peace. 

Signed by the following Ambassadors to Sri Lanka: Ambassador of France Eric Lavertu, Ambassador of Italy Rita Giuliana Mannella, Ambassador of the Netherlands Tanja Gonggrijp, European Union Head of Delegation Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of Germany Holger Seubert, Ambassador of Romania Victor Chiujdea.