| Thursday, 19 February 2009 03:30 |
South Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world, where both conflict and coexistence stem from its deep cultural diversity and divisions. On the one hand, religious, ethnic, linguistic and tribal communities compete with one another and engage in violence and armed conflict. On the other, these communities coexist and closely interact with each other on a daily basis as part of every day life and community existence.
Sri Lanka is a microcosm of South Asia, containing both conflict and coexistence. Sri Lanka has reached a critical stage in its conflict—where violence is a daily occurrence and human rights are always in question. Political, religious, business, and civil society leaders in Sri Lanka face the question: what next? This dilemma requires not only enlightened management and active initiatives on the part of these leaders but also active initiatives on the part of civil society, informed by a more profound intellectual understanding of the issues and dilemmas.
The National Peace Council of Sri Lanka (NPC) convened a regional conference on pluralism in March 2008, in partnership with the Canadian Government, to provide a forum for in depth discussion among government, academics, and civil society representatives who are at the forefront of addressing with these issues. Now NPC aims to expand on the March initiative.
Since the Sri Lankan conflict is one fuelled by ethnic tensions, advertising the values of pluralism (i.e., Energetic Engagement with Diversity, Understanding Differences, Encouragement of Dialogue, Maintenance of Democracy and Respect for Human Rights and Freedoms of Every Individual and Community) may foster the acceptance of diversity and initiate an end to the conflict. While the current debates in Sri Lanka have been affected by propaganda and have led to “human rights”, “power-sharing”, and “peace” all becoming negatively politicized, this proposed programme will allow NPC and everyone involved to recast the debate, yet still argue for the same causes. NPC is hopeful that the debate advances in the direction of pluralism, which we believe will lead to a great deal of progress.
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