In the wake of Sri Lanka’s long civil conflict, the island nation struggled to heal its deep wounds. The divide between the north and south, once bridged by shared culture and heritage, seemed insurmountable. In the northern village of Poonakary, the scars of war were visible in the wary eyes of its children, who had known more of conflict than of peace. Amidst this backdrop, the Appé Lanka initiative sought to mend the fractured relationships and foster sustainable peace. The vision was simple yet profound: bring together children from the north and south, allowing them to build bonds that transcended the divisions of the past.
The initiative began with an ambitious project: a series of sport, drama and art camps designed to create understanding and friendship among children from different parts of the island. Shaan, Nelun, Channa and Biman of the Appé Lanka team, spearheaded the project, believing that the future lay in the hands of the youth.
The first camp was held in Poonakary, drawing children from Bishops College and St Thomas’s Mount Lavinia The journey itself was symbolic, as the southern children traveled by bus, crossing regions they had only heard about in news reports and history books. Nervous but excited, they arrived at the camp, greeted by their northern counterparts with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Among the participants were, Nathisia, Kemini, Paranika and Saraka, who had already been involved in several Appé Lanka projects. They were joined by their new friends, SSSS from the south. The camp activities were designed to break the ice and build trust: team-building exercises, cultural exchanges, and storytelling sessions where each child shared their unique experiences and aspirations.
One evening, the camp organized a special cultural performance. The children were asked to pair up with someone from the opposite region and share their personal stories. As they danced and sang, they opened up about their fears, dreams, and the impact of the conflict on their lives.
Many shared how their fathers had to rebuild their livelihood from scratch after the war, while others talked about their relatives and village elders, who had always spoken of a united Sri Lanka. Many found common ground in their love for nature and their desire to become teachers who could inspire the next generation.
The walls of misunderstanding and mistrust began to crumble as the children realized they had more in common than they had imagined. The camp activities continued, with sports, arts, and community service projects. Together, they painted murals depicting unity and peace, played traditional games, and planted a garden that symbolized their growing friendship.
By the end of the camp, the bonds formed were strong and genuine. The children, who had once seen each other as strangers, now laughed, played, and dreamed together. On the final day, they held a cultural show, showcasing dances, songs, and stories from both the north and south, celebrating the rich tapestry of their shared heritage.
Shaan watching from the sidelines, felt a deep sense of hope. The success of the peace camp was a testament to the resilience and potential of the young generation. The children had not only learned to see beyond their differences but had also become ambassadors of peace, carrying the message of unity back to their respective communities.
As the southern children boarded the bus to return home, they exchanged promises with their new friends to stay in touch and meet again. The camp had sown the seeds of sustainable peace, and the Appé Lanka initiative continued to nurture these young relationships, organizing follow-up visits and collaborative projects. In the heart of Poonakary, a small flame of hope burned brighter than ever, illuminating the path towards a future where peace and understanding reigned supreme. The children of the north and south, united by friendship and shared dreams, stood as a beacon of what Sri Lanka could achieve—a nation healed, united, and strong.
Conducting over 20 Peace and Reconciliation initiatives
