As
a positive sign of the ongoing peace process,
Her Excellency Mrs. Susan Th. Blankhart, Ambassador
of The Netherlands recently visited the Mannar
District for the official opening of a two-storey
school at Murunkan Maha Vidyalaya, that was
newly built under the north east community restoration
development project (NECORD).
The Ambassador
emphasised in her speech that the opening of
the school is another indication of a return
to normalcy, after decades of brutal war. She
congratulated NECORD team and the Provincial
and Local Authorities, for having done so much
to date in helping communities making a start
to overcome their traumatic war experience,
towards a better life.
Schools are
prominent symbols and have crucial functions
as they teach the young generations not only
the necessary life skills and knowledge, but
also the norms, values and culture of its society.
“It is therefore, gratifying to see this
beautiful school, ready to receive the children”,
she said. “However, we should not forget
that the building only provides a necessary
means and that what is really important is what
is taught inside the school and the care and
attention given to the children, many of whom
have suffered from traumatic experiences”.
Speaking a few
words on the current situation, with an ongoing
peace process, she stressed that it is crucial
that children - being the leaders and decision-makers
of tomorrow - understand the underlying social,
economic and political causes of the conflict
which have ravaged the country for decades.
She further said, “In this respect, when
I speak about a return to normalcy, I certainly
do not refer to the pre-conflict situation of
the eighties, where rifts and divisions were
created between ethnic and religious groups,
but rather one where tolerance, acceptance and
respect for other cultures, norms and beliefs
exist. Previous biases will have to be overcome
in order to lay the foundation for a multi-cultural,
pluralistic and prosperous society.”
In conclusion,
the Ambassador stated that, in all its development
co-operation efforts, the Royal Netherlands
Embassy will continuously endeavour to further
support the concepts of respect, dignity, empathy
and understanding, which are fundamental for
a peaceful co-existence for all Sri Lankans.
After all, a united and harmonious Sri Lanka
is the essential pre-condition for its sustainable
development.
|