Whereas, the issue of peace embraces the deepest hopes of all peoples and remains humanity’s guiding inspiration; and

Whereas, in 1981 the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Peace be “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples”; and

Whereas, the United Nations expanded the observance of the International Day of Peace in 2001 to include the call for a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, and invited all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day; and

Whereas, there is growing support within our nation for the observance of the International Day of Peace, which affirms a vision of our world at peace, and fosters cooperation between individuals, organisations and nations; and

Whereas, global crises impel all citizens to work toward converting humanity’s noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future generations,

Now, Therefore, I Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2004 as

Throughout our nation and urge all government departments and agencies, organizations, schools, places of worship and individuals in our nation to commemorate, in an appropriate manner, the International Day of Peace. This may include community service projects, cultural exhibits and performances, a moment of silence, ringing of bells, sharing the universal wish ‘May Peace Prevail On Earth’ at noon, vigils, religious services in our places of worship, and other education and public awareness activities in order to help establish a global day of peace in our homes, our communities and between nations.