Youth-Led ‘Legislate Peace (LP) Program’ Officially Launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka for Peace Implementation

 

 

On June 21st, the ‘Legislate Peace (LP) Program’ aimed at fostering ethical leadership and civic consciousness among youth was officially launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The launch ceremony, held at the National Library in Colombo, was hosted by HWPL and co-organized by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) of Sri Lanka, and the state broadcaster ITN.

A total of 116 people attended the event, including government officials, civil society activists, students, and HWPL members. Notably, representatives from key government institutions such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Parliament, and the Presidential Secretariat also participated, expressing their support for the program’s objectives and commitment to collaboration.

 

 

The launch ceremony featured a diverse program including: ▲congratulatory remarks by HWPL Sri Lanka Honorary Director ▲video message from HWPL Global Branch 05 Director ▲integrity leadership lecture by CIABOC on ethical leadership and anti-corruption in youth movements ▲presentations by youth education graduates ▲certificate presentation and IPYG service club inauguration ceremony ▲cultural performances ▲closing remarks by IPYG Global Branch 05 Team Leader.

This program was designed to support young people in practicing peace and integrity culture as active members of their communities. The LP program was introduced for the first time in the Gampaha region, beginning comprehensive education to enhance youth leadership and civic consciousness. With the establishment of the IPYG service club, various systematic community activities including environmental cleanup, integrity practice, and peace awareness enhancement are planned to be implemented.

 

 

The government institution CIABOC strengthened ethical leadership and anti-corruption education targeting youth to ensure the program’s successful operation. Program participants had opportunities to directly plan and propose creative projects for community development and peace promotion, establishing a practical foundation for youth social participation.

Sampath Arachige, Officer at CIABOC, stated, “We consider it meaningful to participate in this program. We look forward to achieving substantial change through continued cooperation.”

Suranga Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Opposition Leader of the Sri Lankan Parliament, shared his thoughts: “Today’s event was very impressive. I believe positive change in communities is possible with just the energy and resources that young people possess. I was also greatly motivated by peace-related initiatives.”

 

 

 

The Sri Lankan government is currently promoting national reform through the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ policy, focusing on transparent administration and environmental cleanup, with active voluntary participation from youth and civil society. Sri Lanka has also adopted Korea’s Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement) as national policy since 2011, spreading the values of self-help, cooperation, and diligence throughout society.

Building upon this historical and institutional foundation, HWPL operates this program by incorporating the principles of the international peace standard ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War’ (DPCW) to strengthen Sri Lankan youth’s capacity for peace practice. With this launch, youth-led peace activities in Sri Lanka are expected to gain further momentum.