The NPC held a workshop entitled “Powers and Limits of Pluralism” at the Kogalle Beach Hotel in Galle on Friday 14th August 2009.

The event brought together provincial council members, representatives from local businesses and religious leaders to listen to speakers on the subject of pluralism.  It also provided the attendees with a forum in which to discuss their views on the issues raised.

After being welcomed by Mr. Saman Seneviratne from the NPC, the participants were invited to write down their initial thoughts on pluralism and what they expected to gain from the workshop.  These were read out by Mr. Seneviratne.  The participants were then asked to introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Once the introductions had taken place, Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director of the NPC, delivered a speech about the values of a pluralistic society.  He stressed the importance of bringing together people with influence in the local community to explore how pluralism can be used as a tool to promote harmony throughout Sri Lankan society.  

The session then broke for tea.

When the session was reconvened, Dr. Sasanka Perera, Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Colombo, spoke to the participants about Sri Lanka’s history of diversity.  His presentation included photographs of ancient monuments and quotations from eminent sociologists which illustrated that multiculturalism has existed in Sri Lanka for centuries.  He explained that it is only in the country’s recent past that pluralistic ideas have been sidelined, giving rise to the present conflicts.  

Following the lunch break, the session resumed with a speech from Senior Lawyer Mr.S.G.Punchihewa.  

The participants then divided into working groups in order to discuss their impressions of the workshop.