Rotary Peace Seminar in Kandy Highlights SAARC Cooperation

The event concluded with a symbolic exchange

of club flags and mementos, along with

the distribution of polio caps and pins

Web Desk

Kandy: The International Peace Seminar and Fellowship, initiated by Rotarian Women Leaders President (2024-2025) PAG Shanaz Ramzi, was successfully held in Kandy. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Kandy under the leadership of President Avanti Karunaratna, the event brought together Pakistani and Sri Lankan Rotarians to discuss pressing global issues and strategies for peacebuilding.

A distinguished Pakistani delegation attended the seminar, including PAG IPP Shanaz Ramzi (RCK New Central), PAG Zeenat Bayat, Rtn Shehla Tutta (RC Sunset Millennium), and PAG Imdad Bughio (RC Hyderabad Galaxy), along with Sri Lankan Rotarians from Kandy, Colombo, Batticaloa, and Jaffna. The discussions emphasized the need for continued dialogue and proposed expanding the initiative to include all SAARC countries in the future.

The session opened with a welcome address by President Avanti Karunaratna, followed by an inspiring video message from PDG Aruni Malalasekera. Dr. Leonie Solomons delivered a session on Peace from Theory to Practice, illustrating effective peace negotiations using geometric principles. Other key speakers included Rtn PP Sepalika Amunugama, who shared insights on Building Global Communities for a Common Purpose, and Rtn PAG Shanaz Ramzi, who discussed Climate Change, Peace, and the Role of Women Rotarians.

Rtn Nuzrath Benazir (RC Cinnamon Gardens) addressed Pathways to Peace, while PAG Imdad Ali Bughio (RC Hyderabad Galaxy) spoke on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for World Peace. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on Water Wars: Causes and Possible Solutions and the Role of South Asian Countries in Promoting Peace. Moderated by PAG Ravana Wijeyeratne (RC Kandy), the panel featured PAG Imdad Ali Bughio, Rtn Prof. Amal Karunaratna, Rtn PAG Shanaz Ramzi, Rtn Nuzrath Benazir, and Rtn Zeenat Bayat. The discussion debunked media-driven stereotypes and promoted mutual understanding.

The event concluded with a symbolic exchange of club flags and mementos, along with the distribution of polio caps and pins, courtesy of Rotary Foundation Trustee PDG Aziz Memon