Ribbons for peace

"What we want is to give a start to promoting 'Peace'. What all of us including the next so many generations want is peace and harmony not war," says Javin (17), Project Chairman of Interact District, 3220 talking about his view point of the ongoing situation.

The guys have especially got together to promote peace during the conflict period contributing in their own way to support the cause. "It's a community service project for peace. We'll be selling white ribbons, ten rupees each from August 28 to September 9. The ribbons will be sold to the public during the first week and to schools during the second."

Explaining how a tiny ribbon could promote peace, the guys say they believe that the ribbon symbolises peace.

"All you out there can help the cause by buying the ribbons. All proceeds will go to the refugees in Kebithigollawa and Jaffna districts. We're planning to sell 25,000 ribbons and of course, all the interact clubs, island wide will be selling the ribbons too, during that time. Thesvila, District Interact Representative firmly believes that the project will be productive. "It's a project organised by the district committee, supported by the Rotary Club."

Determined to raise awareness to support their cause, the group points out the futility of peace talks. "Since the peace talks are not going anywhere, we thought we'd take the initiative to achieve peace.

Bomb threats prevail everywhere but people merely help themselves and not the others who are in need of help. We want to bring hope into their lives and help the ones in need. Our target is to help the victims of war."