[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Youth-Led 'Legislate Peace Program' in Sri Lanka

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's Youth-Led 'Legislate Peace Program' in Sri Lanka :)

Youth-Led ‘Legislate Peace (LP) Program’ Officially Launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka for Peace Implementation

▲ Key commemorative photo from the Sri Lanka LP Program launch ceremony

On June 21st, the ‘Legislate Peace (LP) Program’ aimed at fostering ethical leadership and civic consciousness among youth was officially launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The launch ceremony, held at the National Library in Colombo, was hosted by HWPL and co-organized by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) of Sri Lanka, and the state broadcaster ITN.

A total of 116 people attended the event, including government officials, civil society activists, students, and HWPL members. Notably, representatives from key government institutions such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Parliament, and the Presidential Secretariat also participated, expressing their support for the program’s objectives and commitment to collaboration.

▲ Guest lecture by instructor from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC)

The launch ceremony featured a diverse program including: ▲congratulatory remarks by HWPL Sri Lanka Honorary Director ▲video message from HWPL Global Branch 05 Director ▲integrity leadership lecture by CIABOC on ethical leadership and anti-corruption in youth movements ▲presentations by youth education graduates ▲certificate presentation and IPYG service club inauguration ceremony ▲cultural performances ▲closing remarks by IPYG Global Branch 05 Team Leader.

This program was designed to support young people in practicing peace and integrity culture as active members of their communities. The LP program was introduced for the first time in the Gampaha region, beginning comprehensive education to enhance youth leadership and civic consciousness. With the establishment of the IPYG service club, various systematic community activities including environmental cleanup, integrity practice, and peace awareness enhancement are planned to be implemented.

▲ Youth organization representatives presenting ideas and proposals on ways to collaborate further in developing peace initiatives through the LP Program

The government institution CIABOC strengthened ethical leadership and anti-corruption education targeting youth to ensure the program’s successful operation. Program participants had opportunities to directly plan and propose creative projects for community development and peace promotion, establishing a practical foundation for youth social participation.

Sampath Arachige, Officer at CIABOC, stated, “We consider it meaningful to participate in this program. We look forward to achieving substantial change through continued cooperation.”

Suranga Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Opposition Leader of the Sri Lankan Parliament, shared his thoughts: “Today’s event was very impressive. I believe positive change in communities is possible with just the energy and resources that young people possess. I was also greatly motivated by peace-related initiatives.”

▲ Officials pledging to strengthen efforts for peace with HWPL while posting peace messages throughout Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government is currently promoting national reform through the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ policy, focusing on transparent administration and environmental cleanup, with active voluntary participation from youth and civil society. Sri Lanka has also adopted Korea’s Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement) as national policy since 2011, spreading the values of self-help, cooperation, and diligence throughout society.

Building upon this historical and institutional foundation, HWPL operates this program by incorporating the principles of the international peace standard ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War’ (DPCW) to strengthen Sri Lankan youth’s capacity for peace practice. With this launch, youth-led peace activities in Sri Lanka are expected to gain further momentum.