Paalama: A space of diversity and unity unveils for public contributions

Art and culture has been lauded by those working in the peacebuilding space for some time now, as an effective tool to foster dialogues. Its appeal comes from the ability to raise complicated and sometimes contentious issues in a positive and non-confrontational way, as well as being a fluid tool that can take many forms i.e. theatre, music, the written word, digital art, photography and much more. 

In post-war Sri Lanka, many organisations and groups have employed a variety of the above forms in the work that they engage with to great success. Media and art has been a key driver in how Search for Common Ground (SFCG) globally and in Sri Lanka has engaged with the peacebuilding space, and it is as a result of their work in the area that they decided to develop and launch a virtual space to foster this. 

Earlier this year, Search for Common Ground Sri Lanka launched a website – www.paalama.lk. This aims to be a dedicated online space that will host and highlight various products that have used forms of art and culture in the themes of unity, diversity, reconciliation, and peace. Search for Common Ground has led path breaking efforts globally in using film and television as a medium to engage in the peacebuilding space. 

In Sri Lanka for example a 13 episode tele drama entitled ‘Sikka Team’ was produced and screened nationally. “Sikka Team” uses cricket as a metaphor to address deep-rooted conflict and aims to bring together people from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds by focusing on a shared passion - sports.  This is one of the current products available on the site among several others.

Speaking at the soft launch, SFCG Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Mohamed Nawaz explained that they intended to create a free space that would be open to those who wish to display their work in this area. 

“This site belongs to everyone, and it is open to everyone who would like to see their work and work they feel is important to be shared with the community,” Nawaz said. He also mentioned that currently despite the great number of products and work in this area that have been developed, no such virtual space exists to highlight them. 

www.paalama.lk also hosts a blog which is open for contributions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English from the public, based on a different theme or topic each month. The aim of the blog is to generate conversation around specific topics under the umbrella of peace and reconciliation, allowing an honest and respectful exchange of opinions and views.

To contribute to the website or to the blog, please send your work to [email protected]. Submissions are welcome in all three languages and those contributing to the blog are requested to anchor their writings to the theme that has been set for the month. To find out the themes please visit www.paalama.lk. Submissions may take the form of opinion pieces, editorials, creative pieces, etc.

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organisation operating in 36 countries whose mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict away from adversarial approaches toward cooperative solutions. SFCG has been working in Sri Lanka since 2011 with a long term aim of supporting the country to move towards sustainable peace and reconciliation. 

Since its inception, the SFCG program profile in Sri Lanka has grown significantly. It engages with a diverse set of influential groups including government officials, community leaders, religious leaders and community-based organisations. While addressing conflicts within and between these groups and communities SFCG also helps to develop their capacity to become actively engaged in building peace and reconciliation processes.