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| Sunday, 1 June 2003 |
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The Centre for Performing Arts (CPA) held a three day celebration of peace and unity in Jaffna on May 14, 15 and 16. The event was the first of its kind in Jaffna.
Incorporating an Arts Festival, Children's Peace Camp for nearly 1000 children from across the island and a CPA Congress, the peace celebration was both a proclamation of the strong desire for peace and a celebration of diversity, says a report from the CPA. Arts Festival This exposition of both Sinhala and Tamil culture showcased traditional forms as well as contemporary expressions of the common desire for harmony. With contributions icons such as Mrs Miranda Hemalatha, Jerome de Silva, Somolatha Subasinghe, Vasantha Obeysekere and the Sarachandra Drama Group from the South as well as demonstrations and profoundly moving performances by Tamil dramatists. In particular, dramatists addressed the horrific impact of war on the lives of all people and the burning need for an end to the human suffering caused by conflict. The festival also included a dialogue session in which the role of artistes in the peace process was examined and discussed freely and openly, the conclusion being that artistes as well as the media can and must play a leading role in supporting and promoting reconciliation both now and in the future. Children's Peace Camp Children from across Sri Lanka converged upon Jaffna for this event which, significantly, coincided with Vesak. Nearly 1,000 children from areas from deep in the South, the East and from the North came together in the spirit of one family.
The children enjoyed the opportunity to come together, singing and dancing together, performing and coming to know about the lives and cultures of their new friends despite the language barrier. The children took part in a Children's Forum, where representatives from the police, the LTTE as well as health and education professionals engaged in discussion with the children, answering their questions and listening to their points of view on a range of topics including children's rights and the peace process. A special highlight of the action-packed day of activities was the making and lighting of Vesak lanterns and a breathtaking procession through Jaffna in which children carrying banners proclaiming "We Want Peace" buttressed Kandyan Bera and Tamil traditional dancers in a vibrant display of intercultural harmony. The CPA Congress vital event focused on the ways in which artistes and organizations such as CPA can work more effectively to promote reconciliation and peace. Research papers, reviews and special presentations on issues as diverse as language and literature, drama and theatre and feminism were included in the proceedings which culminated in an evening of cultural presentations by CPA Centres island-wide. The rich and diverse performances were a fitting conclusion to this celebration of peace, mutual respect, harmony and diversity, the central focus of the Centre for Performing Arts. |
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