"Peace, not war!"

The very mention of the three letter word WAR could send a chill down the spine, especially in those who have directly experienced the horrendous effects of war. It's no secret that war is destructive and leaves a trail of blood and woe. In most instances, the innocent, but the worst affected victims are children.

The bloodshed, loss of loved ones and homes, the sound of guns, exploding bombs and agonised cries of the injured leave scars on little minds that are hard to erase.

The long-drawn ethnic crisis has bathed our land in blood and tears. A generation has grown up, tasting only the agonies of war over the past two decades and today, the cry for peace keeps growing louder and stronger, with even the children joining the struggle for peace.

Today, on World Children's Day, we feature the views of some of those who belong to the future of this land - the children of today...

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"I have not been directly affected by the war, but what those affected by it face make me feel deeply sad. Many people are dying due to the ethnic conflict. The country cannot develop because of this war situation.

"Many families are displaced and I would like to collect money and books to give the children who are suffering due to the ongoing conflict in our land. The state must take all possible measures to stop the outbreak of a war in our motherland."

Fathima Hasira Haroon, Grade 6A, Royal English School Matale.

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"I know it's bad. I don't like it because many people die from it.I like to help the children who are suffering because of the war, if I can, I want to collect money, clothes and food, to give them. Using children as soldiers is inhuman.

Those children are really innocent, but the LTTE is forcing them to join their army. They kill soldiers as well as innocent civilians. I want to request the government to do whatever is necessary to solve the ethnic conflict and to stop another war."

Sachira Lowe, Grade 7,St. Nicholas International School, Negombo.

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"My father is a Naval officer in Jaffna and he is away from home most of the time. I am very concerned about his safety. I want to ask the LTTE to please stop this war and settle everything in a peaceful manner because then I can be with my father."

Methma Senali Jayavilal, Grade 5,Bishop's College, Colombo.

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"War is terrible. People suffer a lot and even lose their lives when war breaks out. I wish this threat of war goes away and peace comes back to our country. Please, let's all live as one big family, in peace.

"If I get an opportunity to do something, I'd like to help find bombs and rescue people who are injured by explosions."

Krithika Kulendran, Grade 6,Lexicon International, Kandy.

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"Fortunately, I have not had to face a war situation and suffer its effects. But, everyone knows that war is destructive and a good environment is necessary to grow up in.

What we all want is peace. I would request the government and all the adults of this land to create a peaceful environment for us to grow up and live happily. I'd like to get together with my friends and live in peace without being anxious for our future, all the time."

A.H. Hilma, Grade 5, Zahira National School, Mawanella.

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"I am totally against war. It greatly affects our education. We cannot play and enjoy ourselves even during our free time when there is a war in the country.

Everyone lives in fear. If I get an opportunity to do something to promote peace in this land, I'd like to organise games and dramas that highlight the destructive elements of war, and the importance of ethnic harmony. We all need peace to build our lives and this country."

K.S. Dilaxshan, Grade 10, St. Michael's College, Batticaloa.

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"I have experienced the devastating effects of war. Whenever there are confrontations between the forces and the LTTE, it is disturbing. I can hear the sound of guns and exploding bombs close to our house at night.

I was awfully scared when I heard it the first time because even our house shook due to the explosions. But now I'm rather used to it even though its unnerving. We usually go to a bunker at night because there is an army camp near our house.

"I want to request the government to speak to the LTTE and ask all the people to stop fighting. We need peace to grow up."

Viduseka Thivahar, Grade 7,Bt/Vincent Girls' High School, Batticaloa.

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"This war situation is terrible. If we have peace ,it would bring prosperity to our country. It's not right to force children to become soldiers.

These children get used to handling weapons and killing people at a young age. They can easily become criminals when they grow up. It'll be a big problem to society. I want to see all the people in Sri Lanka live in peace."

Ruvith Angelo Gunathilake, Grade 9,Wesley College, Colombo.

By Janani Amarasekara