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Japan supports mass media campaign on peace building

A Mass Media Campaign on Peace Building has been launched by the Sri Lanka First to sustain the ongoing peace process in order to obtain better conditions for the future of Sri Lanka. This project will be implemented in two stages and the Government of Japan has decided to assist in the first stage of the project which is for the print media campaign, a Japanese Embassy press release states.

It is high time to resolve the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka which today is moving towards a negotiated settlement. Japan has been tenaciously encouraging the peace process throughout.

One must understand that if this war drags on in the years ahead, there will be a tremendous impact on people's lives and the younger generation of Sri Lanka will suffer greatly.

On the path of the peace process civil society has a vital role to play and much to contribute on behalf of the motherland. Thus, it is necessary to lay a proper foundation to encourage the people at this time of need.

With this in mind Sri Lanka First has launched a campaign to create awareness among all citizens of Sri Lanka regarding the benefits of achieving lasting peace. The campaign will be conducted on print media which has a high penetration among the general public. It is expected to publish advertisements in all newspapers in order to make the general public aware of the details of the peace process.

Today's newspaper advertisement will carry this message: "When we achieved independence in 1948, we were united as a nation, standing tall, shoulder to shoulder, with a single goal in mind; freedom from colonial rule. Our forefathers, heroes of their times, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims overcame differences of religion, race and ethnic origin and placed Sri Lanka First. Thanks to their foresight we are able to celebrate independence today. And now, again, we must heed the call of the moment. United, focused, determined, together we will win peace."

A sum of US$ 56,007 (approximately Rs. 5.2 million) for this campaign has been provided by the people of Japan through the Japanese Government. Japan whole-heartedly encourages the smooth process of the peace talks and it is the fervent hope of all Japanese people that the flower of peace will blossom bringing happiness and prosperity to the people of Sri Lanka. 

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