Field Excursion on Post-conflict Peacebuilding in Northern Sri Lanka
The department of International Relations with the guidance of Coordinator, Study Stream on Conflict Resolution and Peace, Dr. Ajith Balasooriya, organized a three days field excursion to Jaffna on 4th to 6th of March, 2023. The main purpose of this field visit was to observe and get first hand experience on existing peacebuilding activities in northern Sri Lanka. Twenty-five students who follow INR 2228: Peacebuilding: Theories and Concepts participated in the excursion. Interaction among diverse stakeholders (Divisional Secretariat, Grama Niladari (GS), Development Officer, community leaders, youths and citizens) in resettled villages Kollankaldi, and Palali North in Tellippalai DS division were very fruitful. The students were able to understand the complexity of peacebuilding activities in different contexts in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the students have realized the gap between peacebuilding theories and existing realities on the ground. Finally, the activity was able to make students aware of structural causes of conflict such as caste based social structures, lack of education, school dropouts, unemployment, youth frustration, drug menace and early marriages that hamper lasting peace.
