"Reconciliation : The way forward for post-conflict Sri Lanka" was the theme at the inaugural conference on national reconciliation, that kicked-off at the Lakshman Kardirgamar Institute for International Relations & Strategic Studies on 24th November 2011.
Being the first of its kind at a national level, it drew much interest from all quarters - some skeptical, some hopeful and some determined. The Government's commitment to the reconciliation process was represented by Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof GL Peiris, Secretary Defense, Mr Gotabhaya Rajapakse and Prof Rajiva Wijesinghe, Advisor to HE President on Reconciliation, among other dignitaries. Prof Rohan Gunaratna, a passionate advocate of reconciliation apart from his expertise on anti-terrorism, appealed to all Sri Lankans to work constantly every day, every hour and every minute towards a harmonious living and not to take peace and stability for granted.
The panel discussions and presentations on the role of civil society and the Tamil diaspora in reconciliation struck a cord in everyone's heart, evoking a strong desire to contribute to this national imperative.
Sri Lanka is slowly marching forward in the post-conflict period, focusing on infrastructure and livelihood development with the intention of easing the burden of daily life of the people of north & east. However, we need to reach out to these communities with our heart in all humility and embrace them as a part of our heritage, history and nation. The divide between the sihalese, tamil and muslim communities have been deepened through the 30 years of war, where we lived in relative compartments. Generations have been focused on protecting their individual racial identities, under the threat of terrorism and fear of extinction of one race by the other.
Peace has given us a golden opportunity and if we do not grab this now, it will be once again a paradise lost for Sri Lanka. Reconciliation should not be a politically correct word to be bandied about for advantage, but an action, which we can demonstrate in many ways - it can be as simple as a word of kindness, a touch in compassion, a glance with empathy, a helping hand to uplift the life of a family struggling to survive or mentor and guide a student looking to his future. These are all acts of reconciliation well within the grasp and ability of every single person in Sri Lanka and people of Sri Lankan origin, living abroad.
Many from the south and abroad, have traveled to the north/east as curious " tourists ", proudly displaying their photos of war torn north on facebook and used it as an exciting cocktail topic. However, if each of us also use this opportunity to see beyond the "attractions', we will see the faces of real people who have suffered and have not had the opportunity to lead a "normal" life. Reaching out to them, not in a patronizing manner but in true friendship and compassion, will heal the wounds in their heart and help build a society of equals, truly reconciled to begin a shared future together. Let us build a united Sri Lanka for our children.
Being the first of its kind at a national level, it drew much interest from all quarters - some skeptical, some hopeful and some determined. The Government's commitment to the reconciliation process was represented by Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof GL Peiris, Secretary Defense, Mr Gotabhaya Rajapakse and Prof Rajiva Wijesinghe, Advisor to HE President on Reconciliation, among other dignitaries. Prof Rohan Gunaratna, a passionate advocate of reconciliation apart from his expertise on anti-terrorism, appealed to all Sri Lankans to work constantly every day, every hour and every minute towards a harmonious living and not to take peace and stability for granted.
The panel discussions and presentations on the role of civil society and the Tamil diaspora in reconciliation struck a cord in everyone's heart, evoking a strong desire to contribute to this national imperative.
Sri Lanka is slowly marching forward in the post-conflict period, focusing on infrastructure and livelihood development with the intention of easing the burden of daily life of the people of north & east. However, we need to reach out to these communities with our heart in all humility and embrace them as a part of our heritage, history and nation. The divide between the sihalese, tamil and muslim communities have been deepened through the 30 years of war, where we lived in relative compartments. Generations have been focused on protecting their individual racial identities, under the threat of terrorism and fear of extinction of one race by the other.
Peace has given us a golden opportunity and if we do not grab this now, it will be once again a paradise lost for Sri Lanka. Reconciliation should not be a politically correct word to be bandied about for advantage, but an action, which we can demonstrate in many ways - it can be as simple as a word of kindness, a touch in compassion, a glance with empathy, a helping hand to uplift the life of a family struggling to survive or mentor and guide a student looking to his future. These are all acts of reconciliation well within the grasp and ability of every single person in Sri Lanka and people of Sri Lankan origin, living abroad.
Many from the south and abroad, have traveled to the north/east as curious " tourists ", proudly displaying their photos of war torn north on facebook and used it as an exciting cocktail topic. However, if each of us also use this opportunity to see beyond the "attractions', we will see the faces of real people who have suffered and have not had the opportunity to lead a "normal" life. Reaching out to them, not in a patronizing manner but in true friendship and compassion, will heal the wounds in their heart and help build a society of equals, truly reconciled to begin a shared future together. Let us build a united Sri Lanka for our children.
Yes the proceedings were very positive and hopeful. I hope that the Sri Lankan community - local and expats alike will join the reconciliation initiative.
ReplyDeleteThere was something for people to take away - to do at an individual, group and community level.
The fact that each person can contribute to the reconciliation process was the best learning.
The attendance was super!