In celebrating World Children’s Day Marching with children towards peace

International Children’s Band will perform in Sri Lanka as a part of celebrations of the International Children’s Day, in diverse locations of the country under the theme ‘Marching with children towards peace’.

The objective of the initiative taken by Don Mosco Sri Lanka is to strike home the message those children of diverse races, cases and social status and who belonging to diverse religions can live in harmony, celebrating their diversity.

Internationally celebrated Children’s Band from Thailand had previously held spectacular concerts in different parts of the world including in Thailand, Korea, United Kingdom, Italy and Canada.

It will present their show at Colombo, Negombo, Anuradhapaura, Tangalle and Galle in Sri Lanka.

The band will play in Negombo, President’s House, Nochchiyagama Balapitiya, Tangalle, Dungalpitiya and Colombo on October 3,5,8,9,12 and 13 respectively. Since its inception ‘Sarasit Phithayalai School Marching and Show Band’ has been attracting students from diverse backgrounds.

Currently the band consists of 125 Buddhist Children members, ranging from Grade three to Grade twelve (9-18 years of age) and its reputation has been recognised both nationally and internationally. All the children in this band are presently students of Don Bosco Thailand.

Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) is a religious Congregation founded by St. John Bosco in the year 1859 in Turin, Italy for the purpose of helping, educating and training poor boys. Worldwide there are more than 34,000 Salesians in over 130 countries spread in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North America.

The Salesians presence in Sri Lanka was started by the French Missionary, Rev. Fr. Henry Remery in the year 1956.

Till date the Salesians of Don Bosco in Sri Lanka have established an island-wide network of 16 Centres spread to 7 Provinces within 11 districts of the country, located in following areas under the guidance of the Provincial Superior Rev. Fr.

Anthony H. Pinto working for the underprivileged children of Sri Lanka irrespective of Cast, Creed or Colour. Since the co-existence has become an issue in different parts of the world, it is praiseworthy that Don Bosco has come forward to instil sense of community in children drawn from diverse social, religious and racial background and to spread the message of peace and harmony.

Don Bosco should be commended for making an initiative to build inter-religious and inter-cultural cooperation and harmony especially at a time spectre of religious intolerance raising its ugly head.

The protracted conflict has had a negative impact on the formation of perception and identities and especially attitudes towards diverse religions and cultures.

The visiting band will provide a platform for interaction among children and would foster positive relations between different ethnic and religious groups and inter-faith dialogue.