Although universities can play a crucial role in shaping state policies, they often do not receive the attention they deserve in practical government decision-making. To address this issue, universities need to actively engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders. While academic research and recommendations are valuable, they must be communicated effectively to policymakers. The challenge lies in recognizing that political considerations and various practical constraints may take precedence over purely academic or research-based findings.
The MUSTER project will build a cooperation between state administration and academia in order to influence positive change at the community level. Bringing together different groups and promoting understanding through collaboration, the universities and government agencies will work together on issues like reconciliation and inclusion. Basing efforts on research including the needs of communities, the program aims to work towards the universities actively helping create plans of action for reconciliation and community harmony. Ultimately, through sharing knowledge and insights with the government, issues such as division, tension, and exclusion will be addressed.
It is implemented in partnership with the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka programme (SCOPE) co-financed by the European Union and German Federal Foreign Office. SCOPE is implemented by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms (MoJ).
The project brings together a consortium of universities from across four provinces in Sri Lanka:
- University of Jaffna (Northern Province)
- University of Ruhuna (Southern Province)
- Eastern University of Sri Lanka (Eastern Province)
- Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (Sabaragamuwa Province)
A total of 60 students, ensuring gender inclusivity with at least 50% being women, and 16 academics from these universities will participate in MUSTER, alongside 20 state sector officers. This diverse collaboration aims to create a multidisciplinary approach to tackle societal issues.