On 9th October 2024, the Regional Peace Forum was successfully conducted at Caritas Trincomalee, organized by Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC with the support of MISEREOR. This forum brought together key stakeholders and participants from the Jaffana, Mannar, Vanni, Trincomalee and Batticaloa Diocesan Centers, aiming to promote peace, stability, and prosperity by addressing the roots of conflict and finding effective ways to mitigate it. The event ran from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, providing a platform for deep discussions and collaborative learning.
A total of 24 male and 17 female participants attended, including Diocesan Directors, Program Coordinators, and representatives from diocesan centres. The key resource person for the forum was Mr. Ravi Chandra, the Eastern Province Probation Commissioner. Together, they led discussions and guided participants through various topics related to conflict mitigation and peacebuilding.
The primary objective of the forum was to promote peace and conflict mitigation within communities, particularly in regions that have faced long-standing social and political tensions. It emphasized the importance of understanding the origins and nature of conflict to prevent escalation and build stronger, more peaceful communities. Mr. Ravi Chandra led thought-provoking discussions throughout the day, focusing on fundamental questions that helped participants understand the different dimensions of conflict. These included exploring a conflict, how it begins, whether it is inherently good or bad, and if it can be prevented.
Throughout the session, participants explored real-life conflict scenarios and worked on strategies to prevent and resolve them, making the forum practical and insightful. Mr. Ravi Chandra’s guidance was instrumental in providing new perspectives on approaching conflict in ways that promote peace and understanding. A key highlight of the forum was the active participation of the attendees, who shared not only their challenges but also their success stories in mitigating conflicts within their communities.
The collaborative nature of the event allowed participants to exchange valuable insights, making the experience enriching and empowering for everyone involved. The Regional Peace Forum proved to be a fruitful experience for all participants. They left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of conflict and were armed with practical tools for promoting peace in their respective areas. The discussions and activities helped build a foundation for future peacebuilding efforts, particularly in regions where conflict remains a significant issue.
Through initiatives like the Regional Peace Forum, Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering dialogue, building relationships, and promoting peaceful coexistence in communities across Sri Lanka. The forum’s success reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in areas that need it most.
