Hope, healing, and honest conversations: A night of reflection at Peace and Reconciliation Forum in Jaffna

Monday, 2 June 2025 03:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The city of Jaffna witnessed an evening of powerful dialogue and deep reflection as leaders, professionals, and citizens came together on 3 April for a landmark Discussion Forum on Peace and Reconciliation, held at J Hotels, Pungakulam.

Organised by the Jaffna Management Club (TMC), in collaboration with the Jaffna Managers Forum (JMF) and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), the event served as a much-needed platform to engage in honest conversations about the challenges and possibilities of national healing.

Headlining the forum were two prominent figures: Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Deputy Minister of National Integration Muneer Mulaffer.

Both leaders addressed the gathering with heartfelt messages that touched on some of the country’s most pressing concerns—reconciliation, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the Right to Information (RTI).

Minister Nanayakkara emphasised that reconciliation must go beyond words, stating, “We cannot build a sustainable future without acknowledging and healing from our past.”

His message resonated deeply in a region still carrying the weight of historic trauma and loss.

Deputy Minister Mulaffer tackled the issue of the PTA, acknowledging the growing discontent surrounding its misuse and pledging a transparent and inclusive reform process.

He stressed that security cannot come at the cost of civil liberties and promised a government that listens and evolves.

The discussion around RTI was met with strong interest, particularly from youth participants who called for greater public awareness and access to information. Speakers reiterated that the RTI Act is not just a legal tool, but a democratic right that empowers citizens to hold institutions accountable and promote transparency at every level.

What set this forum apart was its human depth. Participants shared personal stories, raised difficult questions, and left with a sense of collective purpose. Many remarked that it was one of the few spaces where reconciliation wasn’t treated as a political slogan, but as a shared responsibility.

A university student attending the forum reflected, “This is the first time I’ve heard leaders speak so openly about what we’ve experienced. It gives me hope.”

The Management Club Jaffna, celebrating over two decades of leadership and dialogue, once again demonstrated its relevance and impact through this event. By providing a neutral, inclusive space for engagement, TMC Jaffna continues to nurture informed citizens and forward-thinking professionals in the Northern Province. As Sri Lanka navigates the complex road ahead, organisations like TMC are essential for bridging divides and cultivating unity through action.

For those inspired by meaningful dialogue and driven by the desire to make a difference, TMC Jaffna extends an open invitation. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Join the network. Join the conversation. Join the movement. To get involved, email [email protected]. You can also connect with TMC Jaffna on LinkedIn. Because reconciliation is not just a policy—it’s a promise we make to each other.

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