Kadirgamar Institute launches conference report on ‘Role of Religion in Reconciliation’

Wednesday, 25 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On 23 December 2013, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) launched its report of the National Conference on the ‘Role of Religion in Reconciliation’. The report aims in providing inputs pertaining to the important role of all four religions in the reconciliation process.

Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph, members of civil society and academia, joined together to discuss the outcomes of the report, as well as its recommendations. On this occasion, LKIIRSS Research Assistant Lihini Ratwatte presented the report to the audience. While outlining the teachings and principles of each religion, Ratwatte highlighted that religious leaders need to have a common goal so as to bring about peace and

harmony among all communities and eventually ensure sustainable peace in Sri Lanka. This presentation was followed by a discussion with the audience during which Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph spoke on how fortunate and blessed Sri Lanka is to have all four main religions being practiced. He mentioned that for further coexistence between all communities, the role of religious leaders within the reconciliation process is of great importance. According to Fr. Joseph, the conference held on 23 July 2013 at the Kadirgamar Institute gave an opportunity to further discuss these matters. Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute Executive Director Asanga Abeyagoonasekera stated that under Act no. 32 the Kadirgamar Institute is mandated to engage in promoting peace and addressing post-conflict issues. Thus, he said that reconciliation is paramount and Sri Lanka should design its own process of reconciliation.