EU says supporting reconciliation in Sri Lanka a?key priority

The European Union (EU) says supporting reconciliation in Sri Lanka is?a?key priority for the EU.

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, will present a photographic exhibition titled ‘Hope’ in September 2017.

The initiative is a means for Sri Lankans to capture and share their ideas on what reconciliation means to them, in the context of reaching 70 years since Independence and the way forward towards a just and equitable society.

“Supporting reconciliation in Sri Lanka is?a?key priority for the European Union,” said Paul Godfrey,?Counsellor?at the EU Delegation. “We have partnered?with the?Office for?National?Unity and?Reconciliation?in this initiative to encourage Sri Lankans to reflect on their hopes for the future of the country. We want this exhibition to?generate?discussion about empathising with fellow Sri Lankans on the need for national reconciliation. Through reconciliation, we believe there is the hope of more inclusive identities that value the diversity of people and cultures in the island”.

ONUR and the EU Delegation invite Amateur and Professional photographers to submit their interpretations of the theme of reconciliation.Out of those submitted, 70 best entries, as evaluated by an expert panel of judges will be featured in a public exhibition in September 2017. Selected photos will also be published in the EU Delegation calendar for 2018 and a booklet produced by ONUR.

The organisers encourage submissions from Amateur photographers including photos taken through Smartphones. Winners of both Amateur and Professional categories will be given valuable prizes.

Commenting on the initiative, Chairperson of Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said: ?At ONUR are working on various fronts with students, academics, universities, policy makers, civil society and the clergy in taking the message of national unity and reconciliation forward. This is in line with the priorities of the present government and we are hoping the photography exhibition will allow general public to engage further with us by creatively expressing what reconciliation really means to them.? (Colombo Gazette)