Firstly, let me welcome you all who have come here from all over the country and traveling long hours to reach this destination. You are all members of the movement. You are its advanced guards who have resolutely stood for the values that we embrace. You can see from this huge presence that we have far exceeded the 5000 limit and more would have come if we had the space. I SALUTE YOU.

Coming here has taken 5 years. Throughout this period we have had consultations, rallies, and Satyagraha campaigns. We had resolutely apposed the war.

We have undertaken dialogues to draw up the Peoples’ Appeal which is before you now. Over 5000 people have been consulted in 22 districts. In each district there were over 125 people who participated. We have consulted intellectuals and business people. We have consulted large numbers of women and young people and trade unions. It is truly an appeal from the people.

You are here because you all share a DREAM: A dream that we all can live as free citizens, equal to all and a dream that we can live in freedom. I would like to remind you a quotation from Margaret Mead “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

You are here because you believe in a country without war. A war waged with our own people. It has taken 25 long years. You are all here to say no to war and to demand a just peace.

There are those who say that this war amongst our own people can be won through military means. Wars cannot be won in the 21st century. This theory was tried once before by Chandrika Kumaratunge with the theory of the war for peace. What happened? It only prolonged the suffering and large numbers of soldiers from both sides were killed.

These wars amongst the people are not about territory. This war is about the winning the hearts and minds of people. Both sides have failed. In this sense we have lost the war. And through this we have ransomed our country. Inflation is now 19.6 which if it continues will reduce the peoples' savings and assets to nothing in two years' time.

You are here because you know that the war is depriving you and your children of the essential food to live. The rise in the milk price is only one example. We feel the cost of the war in your stomach. You are here because you know that the war is depriving our children of a decent education. That you are being deprived of your right to a good health system and because you are sick and tired of the transport system which is run down.

You are here because you believe in a country where ALL PEOPLES will respect our diversity.

Uruwarige Vannialaththo – Chief of the Vadda Community

Today, we as people of Prayantha Committee, men, women and reverent Bikkhunies of Mahiyangana came to this place. We ask permission from the venerable monks and religious leaders who are working here, who gave us this opportunity and welcomed us here. At the same time I ask special permission from Mr Vasudewa Nanayakkara who is very cordial towards me. Few days ago Mr Weeraratne of Anti War Front came to my place and invited me to come to this workshop. In a time when we have to attend to our Hena cultivation, I left all that and came here. This is because I feel I must participate in a discussion where people are united at least to some extent.