Colombo, Sri Lanka - The UN International Day of Families was commemorated on May 18 at the Auditorium of the Department of Education of the Western Province of Sri Lanka and attended by 96 teachers from the Department of Education in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Chula Senaratne, Secretary General or UPF-Sri Lanka was the MC of the program, which started with the singing of the National Anthem followed by invocations by Ven. Madaganoya Anomadassi Thera (Buddhism), Mr. Sarath Fernando (Christianity), and Mr. Birendra Shresthra (Unification). Dr. Chula Senaratne delivered the welcoming address.
Opening remarks by were given by Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Marker, National Coordinator of UN Volunteers at the UN Office Sri Lanka. He explained about the significance of the UN International Day of Families and its relevance in daily life in Sri Lanka, which has a strong family concept with three or four generations living in the same house; this concept encourages people to volunteer beginning from childhood.
Next, Ven. Madaganoya Anomadassi Thera delivered a talk on the theme of “Balancing Spirituality and Practical Affairs in the Family according to Buddhism.” He emphasized that the teachings of Lord Buddha clearly stated that the peace and harmony of the family is the essence of peace and harmony in the society.
Then tea was served and Mr. R.A. Kularatne (Retired Director of Education of the Western Province and an Ambassador for Peace) spoke about "The Importance of Sports in Ensuring the Work-Family Balance” using his vast life experience in this field.
Finally Mr. Birendra Shrestha of Nepal, who is the International Youth Coordinator of UPF-Sri Lanka, delivered a well-prepared presentation on the topic of “Balancing Public and Private Responsibilities in Ensuring Family Balance” according to the teachings of the founder of UPF, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks given by Ms. Dinesha Liyanasuriya, Project Director of UPF-Sri Lanka, which was followed by lunch.
To read more about UPF observances of the International Day of Families 2012, click here.