Those Who Speak of Peace Are Also Violating Peace,” Former President Sirisena Says

Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that while peace is frequently discussed around the world, many of those who speak about peace are also contributing to its violation.

He made the remarks while attending an event held to mark International Peace Day at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo on October 5.

The programme, themed “Citizen Participation for Peace,” was organised under the leadership of T. Thushitha Kumara Adhikari, Sri Lankan Director of the International Peace Mission Conference and a youth representative to a Sectoral Oversight Committee of Parliament. The Ambassador of Nepal was also present as a special guest.

During the event, awards were presented to members of the tri-forces and Sri Lanka Police in recognition of their contribution towards peace. Members of the Maha Sangha, leaders representing different religions and university students also participated.

Speaking at the event, former President Sirisena said the word “peace” was heard frequently in the media, but there were many places in the world where peace was no longer present.

He said the United Nations was established to bring nations together, but claimed that the organisation was increasingly being weakened by the influence of global powers.

Sirisena stressed that peace must begin at the most basic level, within families and among people living in neighbouring communities.

He said Sri Lanka had traditionally maintained relations with other countries on the basis of neutrality and noted that numerous peace conferences were being held around the world.

However, he criticised what he described as a contradiction in the conduct of powerful countries, saying that countries that lecture others about peace were themselves contributing to conflicts.

He also referred to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying it had created major problems for several countries. He said Pakistan had attempted to intervene and facilitate peace but that those efforts had also failed.

According to Sirisena, many people who had spoken in favour of peace had been destroyed by those who did not want peace.

He further said technology had become one of the factors contributing to the erosion of peace and could also be used for warfare.

Reflecting on his own efforts towards national reconciliation, Sirisena said he had made a significant commitment to promoting unity among Sri Lankan communities.

He recalled visiting Jaffna and engaging directly with ordinary people, including visiting their homes and observing their day-to-day lives and living conditions.

He said the teachings of all religions ultimately contain principles aimed at creating good human beings.

Sirisena also criticised the media, saying that despite the large number of media organisations in the country, there was insufficient attention given to discussions on peace and the country's future.

His remarks were made during the event organised to mark International Peace Day.