Trincomalee an example of multi-ethnic, multi-religious co-existence – Initiatives Taken to Ensure Ethnic Reconciliation

US-based Karuna Centre, together with the Sarvodaya Peace Centre, has conducted numerous programmes on peacebuilding and reconciliation for an audience consisting of all ethnic and religious groups residing in the city. Sinhala and Tamil language classes, too, were initiated by them to remove the language barrier that constricts open communication between various ethnic groups. Karuna Centre is known for its dynamism of promoting peace between ethnic groups since the early 1990s in the form of conducting seminars. These seminars were centered on skills and practices that should be affiliated with conflict resolution via mutual understanding. Even the religious dignitaries participate in promoting peace, especially among people belonging to different faiths.

The civil war that raged in Sri Lanka for almost thirty years and other similar riots could have been prevented if only Sri Lankans were educated on respecting humanity as opposed to being restricted by nationalism or religious fundamentalism. Religious dignitaries in Trincomalee, as well as the whole country, strive to enlighten their respective religious groups on the truth that lies behind their religions. For instance, the gist of all religious teachings is to love one's neighbour as one love's oneself. Sri Lanka was most unfortunate to undergo such brutality for three decades despite being a society comprising of four major religions; Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.

The Presidential Task Force on Ethnic Affairs continuously looks for ways in which they can promote ethnic peace and reconciliation, and how community relations could be improved between the ethnic groups. Since the inception of the National Peace Council (NPC) in 1995 as an independent and impartial national non-government organisation, they have continued to conduct various seminars and workshops with the participation of all ethnic groups and religious faiths to emphasise the importance of co-existence. During the seminars conducted by the District-level Inter-Religious Committees (DIRC), the government has gone a step further by providing opportunities for various ethnic and religious groups to convey their grievances and suggestions to relevant authorities. During your stay at a resort in Trincomalee the likes of Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes, it is suggested that you remain sensitive and respect the cultural aspects of the ethnic minority of the country that resides in the region to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings.

The government's dynamism has encouraged various ethnic groups to come out with their own suggestions and practical solutions when it comes to achieving ethnic reconciliation. During some sessions conducted by the DIRC, some participants have even raised warnings and pointed out sensitive situations prevalent within their communities in a timely manner so that they could be avoided. Moreover, famous religious shrines have offered their premises and played a crucial role by posing as the meeting grounds for people belonging to various faiths. The four main religious groups in the country have formed their own communities to raise awareness of ethnic reconciliation.

Some participants of inter-religious groups have pointed out that even though the existing initiatives make people belonging to different ethnic groups gather together, they still find it problematic to mingle and relate to each other. According to these people, simply participating in monthly seminars were not effective. However, they have suggested that activity-based workshops where people belonging to diverse ethnic groups can work alongside each other could directly address the needful in an effective manner.