This day will stay one of my favorites in my time as FTM for NP. The whole day and the whole community were dedicated to Peace. The celebrations with more than 150 guests were held in one the “Darassallam Kids and Community Center” (a project by OFER, supported by TdH) where parents from both Muslim and Tamil background come together, let their children play and learn together in a joint Pre-school. They mingle and chat like it should be – without a second thought about religion or ethnicity. NP was able to support this day financially and with our work.
Speeches, songs, even a drama promoting Peace and non-violence moved me and made me really feel like the guest of honor. I now have a Mango Tree growing in my name in Kattankudy.
  
Many more have celebrated this day in the name of Peace and Reconciliation – FCE and EHED to name only two. NP Valaichchennai has supported the local NGOs PSDO and OCPC in a massive event hosting app. 800 people. Take all of those initiatives and you could found a whole Peace-population!  

Here you can see Jyoti Chakma, HFO in Batti hoisting the Peace flag with one of our hosts, children and parents watching and applauding in the background.

This day revives my hopes and makes me believe once again that we are not struggling for Peace on our own. The people of Sri Lanka, those who suffer the most themselves, are the ones who find the courage to pride themselves with such a cross-communal center. And find the time and effort to celebrate us like heroes.
You see me here with some of the children, brave enough to sit with me.
Thank you all for your work, keep it up and take care!
Stephanie Ernstberger, FTM in Batticaloa