July 21, Colombo: The Socialist Youth Union of Sri Lanka, the youth wing of the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has organized a Day of Camaraderie on Monday (23).

National Organizer of the Union, Bimal Ratnayake says the Day of Camaraderie would be aimed at creating unity among the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities.

He said that preparations have been made for 'a train tour of friendship' from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya on the 23rd.

The Union has also organized an awareness programme in Kilinochchi the following day (24).

Ratnayake said there will be several other programs held on the 23rd to develop unity and comradeship among communities in a meaningful manner since it was the day when the country marked "Black July" in 1983.

He noted that there have been communal disturbances during various periods in the country. However, the Black July in 1983 brought about a decisive change in the country.

Ratnayake said that society was adversely divided and became the primary cause of dragging the country towards a war.

According to Ratnayake, the Socialist Youth Union has decided to therefore use the day to build national unity by bringing together Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and Malays.