From division to unity: ONUR’s Dharma initiative for national healing

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) held a special Dharma discourse titled “Dharma Chinthā Kathikāva: For a Healing Society” on 8 May, in relation to the upcoming Vesak Festival. The event brought together several religious leaders and officials of the National Integration Ministry with the shared vision of fostering peace, harmony, and spiritual liberation within Sri Lankan society.

The program aimed to foster social healing by drawing on the timeless wisdom of Buddhist teachings. Through thoughtful dialogue and introspection, it illuminated how core principles such as compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness can guide a society seeking to mend the fractures of its past. In a context marked by conflict and division, the event offered a space for spiritual and moral reflection—pointing the way towards inner peace, reconciliation, and a shared journey towards collective liberation.

The program began with the symbolic lighting of the ‘Peace Lamp’ by all participants accompanied by devotional Buddhist songs, followed by a meditation on compassion conducted by Ven. Nipon Chakma from Bangladesh. This highlighted the profound role of spiritual reflection in a nation still healing from the wounds of conflicts like the civil war, which ended in 2009, and the Easter Sunday attacks in 2022. “Dharma Chinthā Kathikāva: For a Healing Society” served not only as a symbol of hope and unity but also as a call to turn inward, recognising that lasting reconciliation must begin with peace within each individual.

ONUR Assistant Director Lakmal Sadaruwan welcomed the guests. Senior lecturer and ONUR Chairperson Wijith Rohan Fernando, explaining the objective of initiating “Dharma Chinthā Kathikāva: For a Healing Society,” detailed the importance of healing through the spiritual sources of all main religions of Asia.

In his Dharma Sermon, Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thero emphasised on how Dharma can lead to a healthier, more unified society. “ONUR is dedicated to healing the society. It is important that we heal the internal wounds of those around us, hand in hand together. These are often not seen to the exterior, but there are many across the country who are suffering. Over the last 30 years, Sri Lanka has faced many great difficulties. We have lost many young lives and there are still so many of us who suffer the consequences of these perils to date. That is why programs such as this are so important. It is salient that we delve deep into these problems and bring to light the actions we can take to overcome these problems together so that the future generation can thrive in happiness and peace,” he stated. 

“In Buddhism, there is a saying that no one person is the same. We must accept our differences, it is only then that we can find happiness. We have a long journey to go and we must do it together,” he further asserted. 

Justice and National Integration Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer speaking on the importance of peace and reconciliation for the betterment of a country said: “There are many religions and philosophies across the world but they share one vision of healing individuals in their society. It is important to make decisions without any thoughts of hatred or anger. It is only then that we can build a healed society and a prosperous country. It is imperative that we work together to heal the people of our country together.”

Several speakers, including Naga Vihara in Jaffna Chief Incumbent Ven. Meegaha Jadure Siriwamala Thero, Rev. Sarath Iddamalgoda, Ven. Udugoda Nandarathana, and ONUR Governing Board Member Ven. Omare Punnasiri, also emphasised on the role of Buddhist teachings in fostering social harmony and reconciliation. They brought to discourse how principles such as compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment can contribute to healing societal divisions.

In a time where social and political polarisation still lingers, “Dharma Chinthā Kathikāva” serves as a timely reminder of the transformative power of spirituality in public life. It underscores the need for empathy, mutual understanding, and ethical guidance rooted in Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage. By fostering peaceful dialogue and compassion, this event hopes to inspire steps towards lasting reconciliation and a more cohesivesociety.