International Day of Peace celebrated:

Amazing progress in Lanka - Buhne

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

Sri Lanka's well-being depends on the youth, UN resident coordinator, Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne said.

"The youth are the agents of change. Their idealism can make energetic responsible citizens. If young people get frustrated this passionate energy can be used for destruction. The well-being of Sri Lanka depends on the youth," he said.

Buhne was speaking at the International Day of Peace celebrations at the Main UN office yesterday.

Buhne said language and geography has caused barriers. However the youth has expressed a desire to overcome these social divides, he said.

"Sustainable human development and peace is possible. Unlike most post war countries, Sri Lanka is making amazing progress," he said.

In a message, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said peace must be defended.

"I work for peace. I mediate between antagonists. I sound the alarm about threats- those we can see clearly and others that lurk just over the horizon. I promote tolerance, justice and I campaign for harmony among countries and people," he said.

The UN Secretary General called on all young people to join him in promoting peace.

The International Day of Peace occurs on September 21 each year. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and amongst all nations and peoples."