The first anniversary celebrations of the ceasefire agreement on 22 February showed how different sections of society are responding to peace. The main event, sponsored by the government, was a lamp-lighting ceremony at Independence Square. As part of its programme, the government sent directives to state institutions and schools to organise similar ceremonies. The light of the lamps was meant to symbolise the hope that the ceasefire would be a lasting one.
Another event took place at an open-air auditorium in Colombo's main park, drawing in members of Sri Lanka's social elite who have been largely untouched by the vicissitudes of life in the country. Youngsters with upper class backgrounds enrolled in international schools organised a peace concert, and some of the country's best-known singers and bands played late into the night. The organisers charged a hefty entrance fee, with the proceeds going to deprived schools in the north and east.
A third event, an exhibition of photographs held at the national art gallery under the theme of 'A Year of Life', portrayed conditions before and after the ceasefire. Sponsored by the National Peace Council, this three-day exhibition was supplemented by a cultural show at the new town hall organised in association with the National Youth Services Council and the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Refugees. The presence of the outgoing Norwegian ambassador, Jon Westborg, as a guest of honour was an indication of the important role of his country in the so-far-successful peace process.
While the formal celebrations are notable, there is widespread support for the peace process in most sections of Sri Lankan society, including those that did not observe the anniversary. All public opinion polls have so far revealed that 80 to 90 percent of people support the ceasefire agreement. These same surveys also show that most people have reservations about some of the terms of the agreement and its implementation. But virtually no one, except for members of extremist political organisations, wants the ceasefire to lapse and war to return. Even though the economy is not yet yielding its potential riches to the masses, the peace dividend of being safe from bomb blasts and gunfire is too valuable for people to disregard.