International Peace Day was commemorated today (22) in Colombo. The event, graced by Ambassador Julie Chung, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, shone a spotlight on the imperative task of translating the abstract concept of peace into tangible actions.

In her address, Ambassador Chung also issued a call to action, encouraging active involvement and leadership from the youth, whom she described as the torchbearers of Sri Lanka's future. She stressed the importance of protecting democracy and upholding freedom of expression in the pursuit of stability.

“Stability should not come at the sacrifice of the values of freedom of expression, whether through peaceful protest, expression through the arts, or through social media”, said she. 

Ambassador Chung invoked the timeless wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt, emphasising that genuine peace requires both belief and action. 

“Keep in mind these words of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the great First Ladies of the United States, who said: It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it”, she added.

Ambassador Chung reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to working towards lasting peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka.