Sept 27, Colombo: The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Michele J. Sison joined over 700 school children and local communities in Nedunkerny, Vavuniya last week to celebrate International Day of Peace, an Embassy release said.

Youth across Sri Lanka from all different ethnic backgrounds have spent months preparing for the day by participating in awareness workshops, camps, cultural programs and sports competitions that explored and discussed issues related to peace.

The International Day of Peace celebrations and related activities were supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the development arm of the U.S. Government.

"The United States Government is proud to support each of you as you explore and embrace the true meaning of freedom, justice, peace and reconciliation. Today, each of you have the opportunity to live together, work together and share stories together to build a peaceful, prosperous future and the International Day of Peace provides a platform to contemplate peace," speaking at the event Ambassador Sison has said.

Both religious dignitaries and local government officials have attended the event.

The Sri Lankan youth participating in the event have learned about non-violent communication and cross-cultural coping skills, positive problem solving, and how to control community violence.

They have demonstrated their trust in each other and their desire for peace by joining millions of people worldwide in observing the International Day of Peace.

The International Day of Peace celebrations were part of a USAID-supported initiative to engage Sri Lankan youth in peace-building activities, demonstrate their solidarity for peace, and raise public awareness about the International Day of Peace.