Colombo, June 29, 2004. Today Dr. Carol Becker, Country Director, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched an art exhibition, "Children Pleading for Peace," and a companion book at the National Art Gallery.

The exhibition and book feature the best 483 of more than 10,000 works painted during April by Sri Lankan youth, ages 12 to 19, from schools islandwide. Five thousand copies of the book have been printed for distribution to school and public libraries throughout Sri Lanka.

USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) supported these initiatives in partnership with the Aesthetic Teachers' Training College in Girigama, Kandy; the Teachers' Training College in Palali, Jaffna; the All Ceylon Art Educational Professionals Association; and the
Ministry of Education.

"Art is a conversation, and these thought-provoking images are a timely contribution to the dialogue on peace," Dr. Becker said at the opening. "We hope that this colorful commentary will motivate other youth to express themselves on peace and and peace-related issues -- democracy, good governance, and human rights among them -- that will ultimately shape their lives and the future of this country."

A multi-ethnic panel of six judges, comprised of prominent art instructors and education officials from across Sri Lanka, spent five days at Girigama in late May selecting paintings for the exhibit. A top
prize of Rs.5,000 and a trophy will be awarded in each of three age categories, with 10 medallists per category receiving a cash prize of Rs.1,000.

The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for July 1 at 10:45 a.m. at the National Art Gallery. Ms. Angela L. Gemza, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, will join the Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister of Education, and Ms. Tara de Mel, Secretary to the Minister of Education, in presenting awards.

USAID/OTI's Sri Lanka program generates support for a negotiated peace settlement to end the long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka. OTI-supported activities demonstrate tangible benefits of peace; increase the exchange of accurate, balanced information on peace issues; and reduce or prevent incidents of violence in conflict-prone communities. Since March 2003, USAID/OTI's flexible and fast small-grants program in Sri Lanka has made 167 grants totaling US $3.8 million.