Role of Religious Leaders in Reconciliation Process in Sri Lanka
- February 9, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Political Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue I, January 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Role of Religious Leaders in Reconciliation Process in Sri Lanka
Aruna Jayathilaka1, Moahmed Ansari2
1Lecturer in Political Science, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
2Program Officer, National Peace Council, Sri Lanka
Abstract:-Religion plays a vital role in modern conflicts through creating a powerful impact on peace building. The values contained in great religious teachings are essential to address and eradicate root causes of conflicts and attributes of religions including reliability as a trusted institution, a respected set of values, moral warrants for opposing injustice on the part of governments, unique leverage for promoting reconciliation among conflicting parties, a capability to mobilize communities are important in promoting peace and reconciliation. This study investigates the role of religious leaders in the process of post war reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Study applies qualitative methods by interviewing the project stakeholders of a particular project ‘Collective Engagement for Religious Freedom’ which covers eight districts in Sri Lanka.
Key words: Religion, reconciliation, Sri Lanka
I. INTRODUCTION
There is an obvious need for building long term peace amongst Sri Lankan society which is formed after the disastrous 30-year civil war. At the same time there is a need for correct approach in bringing normalcy in the life of civilians is formed in the reconciliation period after the war. Even though visible conflicts are no more, it is clear that the after-effects will last for long in the Sri Lankan society. War did not destroy only the life’s and properties the society is harvesting the impediments of it. So, correct and clear methods should be utilized to avoid future conflicts. Basic reasons for clashes must be diagnosed and the total population should be referred to a reconciliation process. In this national process and the religious leaders who represent multi nationals can be identified as leverages.
