By M. S. S. Fernandopulle
The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka organised an exchange programme between some villages in Galle and Vavuniya recently. "Samaya denna beda" (Share the peace) was the theme song the participants sang. The exchange programme involved some Sinhala-speaking villagers from Galle visiting some Tamil-speaking villagers in Vavuniya and vice versa, and being involved in economic development along with inter cultural entertainment was Peace Through Development sources said.

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCC/SL) represents the following constituent Churches and Ecumenical organisations: Churches: Church of Ceylon Diocese of Colombo Church of Ceylon, Diocese of Kurunegala Methodist Church, Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya, Church of South India, Dutch Reformed Church, Presbytery of Lanka and The Salvation Army. Ecumenical Organisations: Young Mens Christian Association, Young Womens Christian Association Student Christian Movement, Christian Literature Society and Ceylon Bible Society.

The (NCC/SL) is to actively promote ecumenical witness, seeking the unity among all human beings, being engaged in realising the fullness of God’s kingdom on earth by protecting God’s creation and affirming the Good news to all people, challenging them to a discipleship of love and service to God and people, specially to the poor, margin alised, oppressed and those ostracised in the community. In realising this vision, the NCC/SL commits to a life style corresponding to the values of the Gospel, serving everyone regardless of caste, colour or creed and by being agents of peace, reconciliation and justice serving God and humanity in a spirit of humility and service.

In keeping with this vision, the NCC/SL organised a peace through development project which entailed an exchange programme between some villagers of Galle and Vavuniya. During February 10, 12, 2002 a group of 28 persons connected to NCC/SL from Thalpe, Ginthota, Lihinimulla and Bihirigoda visited Irasendirakulam, a village in Vavuniya and presented members of that village with sports equipment, Manel Somalatha of NCC/SL said.

In April 2002, sixteen volunteers from Vavuniya visited Thalpe, Ginthota in Galle, Stella Kandaiah of Vavuniya (NCC/SL) consultant) said.