A letter:

Prosperity through friendship

Kirthi HEWAMANNA

To re-establish and nurture North South friendship and cordiality between the communities through schools and colleges

This is the most opportune time to commence events and activities to re-establish friendship, cordiality and fellowships between the two communities - North and South.

Establishing relationships between the schools and colleges in Jaffna and the South can be the beginning of this concept. Initially, about 15 leading schools from Jaffna peninsula can be identified and selected to link up with 15 schools in the South for student exchanges and other activities.

These schools/colleges programs foster communications across miles, mutual exchange of ideas, people and materials in cultural education, youth, sports and municipal, professional and for technical projects.

This sister concept is unique. It is a two way, the give and take is shared by both sides. It provides for planned and continuous contact between the schools involved in this concept stimulating for a mixture of education, culture, sports as well as promoting tourism and trade.

These concepts are recognized as a catalyst for economic growth.

The bottom line is to establish friendly relationships between individuals of these communities.

Initially this can be done through the concept Sister Schools/Colleges/Universities and progress towards linking cities, municipalities and communities locally and internationally. It is imperative to start at college and educational institution levels. Individual friendships will develop between, students, teachers, parents and old student associations.

This concept is unique.

Mission and goals

To promote peace and prosperity through mutual respects, understanding, co-operation - one individual, one community at a time.

Develop schools/university partnerships between Sri Lankan schools and cities.

Provide opportunities for students and teachers to experience and explore other cultures through long-term community (schools) partnerships.

Create an atmosphere in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened.

Stimulate environments through which communities will creatively learn, work and solve problems together.

People to people local can grow into the international arena.

Citizen diplomacy is all about direct people to people contacts with those of other societies. It can play an important role in enhancing a nation's reputation and getting across a point of view.

The people to people concept based on the following attitudes:

* To have a desire to be engaged with people around the world.

* Appreciate views of others than their own.

* Are non-judgmental regarding cultural differences.

* Demonstrate respect for people of all nationalities.

* Collaborate with individuals from diverse cultures to solve problems.

* Effectively interact and communicate across cultures.

* Strive to understand and communicate in the languages of others.

* Interact effectively with others both inside and outside of Sri Lanka.

* Have open minds and natural curiosity.

* Have friendly and positive attitudes and be good listeners.

* Have the ability to put them in other's place.

* Have general understanding of international relations and world economics.

* Have knowledge of other cultures.

* This concept therefore has become an excellent catalyst for economic growth.

The concept has to be carefully planned and implemented as soon as possible. The planning has to be meticulous and will have to last the system for a long-time. More and more community activities will have to be arranged.

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