The Mindanao conflict in the Philippines affected peace in the archipelago for decades. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front was fighting with the Philippine government seeking an autonomous region for the Muslims. About a decade ago Agriculture officials introduced the “Arms to Farms” concept which has by now proven a successful human development initiative. Ex-combatants were given the opportunity to join the main stream by contributing to the agricultural sector.  That paved way for the combatants to further their education levels raising quality of life. It was recognized by the World Future Council and also won the United Cities & Local Governments Peace Prize in 2016 (Refer Media).

In Germany recently more than 10,000 protesters were demanding an end to the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine & insisted German Chancellor to take the diplomatic path for a ceasefire to usher peace. One time comedian president of Ukraine also seems serious (out of jokes) about an “Arms to Farms” approach rather than accepting arms as alms for self destruction. Media reported that he is interested in talking to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on negotiating peace. May be the Ukrainian leader has realized that true friends will never send a friend on war path. It is a positive approach as China never fueled the conflict in Ukraine. Prior to Ukraine, when the USA left Afghanistan after occupying since 2001, China through the Belt & Road supplied fertilizer to the rural masses to fight famine in 2021.

In Sri Lanka hearing the word arms can be “food” (if written as alms). If so, it’s mainly when offered to those taking the path for liberation (which is a well known but less used road during the past 2500 years). In the recent times peace loving silent majority witnessed “alms” fed arms climbing education ministry gates. It will be good if alms fed brains can think before aerobatics & educate those misguided to take the country out of the economic crisis as in Mindanao. It will ensure them a continuous supply of alms by people living in a peaceful country. People should be vigilant about the other channels which provide arms or alms in all forms to fuel conflicts to keep the country in the crisis.