Caritas EHED, Batticaloa – Kalmunai commemorated “International Youth Day” on the 12th.August 2011 at Charles Hall, Batticaloa in the midst of Youth of either sex from Tamil, Sinhala, Muslim and Burgher communities from Ampara and Batticaloa districts. This programme was conducted under ‘Social Justice and Sustainable Peace’ programme of Caritas EHED.
The presence of the Auxiliary Bishop of Batticaloa – Trincomalee Diocese Rev.Fr.Dr.Ponniah Joseph in the capacity of Chief Guest. Rev.Fr.Cryton Outschoorn, Director of Caritas EHED, Batticaloa – Kalmunai who chaired the function added colour to the function.
Rev.Fr.A.A.Navaretnam, Lecturer, Eastern University of Sri Lanka and Parish Priest of Our Lady of All Nations’ Church, Panichiyadi in Thiraimadu, Batticaloa was the Guest of Honour while Moulavi A.J.M.Illiyas Falhee, Joint Secretary of the Inter Religious Association, Batticaloa and Mr.A.Iruthayanathan , Retd.Principal and Dist. Commissioner of Scouts, Batticaloa were invited as Distinguished Guests.
The Auxiliary Bishop and the Guests spoke on how the Youth could help to build peace in their communities and within their Groups irrespective of race, religion, caste and colour in order to build up sustainable Peace in the country by forging ahead together helping to heal each other’s wounded hearts by the past bitter experience of the conflict.
‘International Youth Day’ commemoration was remembered by organizing an Essay Competition on “Peace” conducted for the youth from Schools, Welfare Homes, Parishes and Self Help Groups established at village level in the districts of Batticaloa and Ampara by Caritas EHED along with a cultural programme contributed by the ‘Religious Sunday School Children”.
Youth from different communities participated in the Cultural programme by presenting ‘Tamil and Sinhala Folk Dances’, ‘Sing Songs’ and ‘Speeches’ depicting the traditional culture of their communities.
In between the programme the Presentation of Prizes in Cash for the First three winners from the two category of children who took part in the Essay Competition was awarded by the Auxiliary Bishop and the Director of Caritas EHED.
Mr.J. Pratheep acted as the compere and Mr.J.A.Arulraj delivered the vote of thanks.