A workshop on pluralism and conflict transformation was held in Jaffna for 27 members of the sub committees of District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs) in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Batticaloa under NPC’s project Plural Action for Conflict Transformation project (PACT). The sub committees were set up in areas prone to religious and ethnic tension so that conflict could be avoided and handled through dialogue and cooperation.
Dr S. Jeevasuthan, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology at the Jaffna University, made presentation on pluralism. Ms. Sharanya Samiththamby, Assistant Lecturer at the Law Faculty of Jaffna University, talked about laws relating to pluralism, the means by which they may be implemented and necessary reforms. Dr. Jehan Perera, NPC’s Executive Director, spoke on zoom from Colombo on the value found in a pluralistic society and the current political and economic situation.
During the discussions, participants raised several issues about the future situation, how the public could change the government, what steps the government could take to overcome inflation, possibility of changing the 1978 Constitution, getting power sharing in the North Province, finding foreign assistance to overcome the economic crisis and suggestions by academics to the government to solve economic problems.
“It was a learning experience. I will use what I have learnt at this training programme to understand pluralism and law. I will apply these principles at the social centres and sports clubs where I work. I will strive for social harmony in our area by keeping all religions together,” said Mr. Thayalan. “It was a very good and useful training programme. It will support peace and harmony. I will use it during my public activities. Good changes will be seen by imparting this information to more youth” said Ms. Dilaxshiya.