"The absence of open conflict is not peace. Peace will start only when the parties have found solutions for their disagreements," SLMM Trincomalee Head Dagfinn Aadnanes said.
Speaking at a musical event organized by the Past Students Association of the Trincomalee St. Mary's Girls College, he said, "Your country has been at war since before you were born, and you have grown up in insecurity, hostility, violence and aggression. But during almost three years now, you have seen a different life, without shooting and violence. People can move more freely and can attend public events, like this one, without fear of violence. For most people, living conditions have improved; their lives have become better, thanks to the three years of ceasefire.
"Peace must be nurtured like a small plant in a garden. Like a plant needs water, sun and nutrition to sprout and thrive, peace needs justice and equal rights, trust and respect, development and prosperity, freedom and democracy, respect for Human Rights.
“The international community can aid and guide but it is only the people and institutions of Sri Lanka that can find the way to lasting peace and freedom. Students are the gardeners who must plant and cultivate the tree of peace. “ - TamilNet
