A program for School Children on Inter faith Harmony and Religious values. At Panadura

Venue - Sakyadiththa Training and Meditation Centre.

Sri Lanka as we are aware is a multi-ethnic, multi religious country, where Buddhism is the majority religion. Vesak being the most important festival celebrated by Buddhists, devotees engage in special religious activities. Schools too set apart time giving children the opportunity to participate in these. Therefore, the Bhikkhunis from Sakyadiththa Meditation Centre organized a program for students to raise awareness on four main religions and their religious teachings and values. This was an enriching program for the students to widen their understanding on teachings of other religions and to impart the importance of Inter faith harmony among children.

As it is highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and strong institutions. The main objective of this goal is to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’ in many respects. People everywhere should be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.

High levels of armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation and torture are prevalent where there is conflict or no rule of law. Governments, civil society and communities need to work together to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights is key to this process, as is reducing the flow of illicit arms, combating corruption, and ensuring inclusive participation at all times. Inclusive participation in all levels. The creation of religious harmony will undoubtedly decrease all forms of violence between individuals and among groups.

Efforts to change the attitudes of children will certainly contribute to many social changes. It is essential that we work towards promoting inclusive and peaceful societies which could handle the multifaceted issues that assail our society.