Resolving conflict within the family towards a conflict-free community.

We experience conflict in every stage of our life. The ability to resolve conflicts with one another is a critical life skill, especially in today’s disruptive society. Looking for ways to resolve a conflict that meets the needs of both parties is challenging. Taking this matter into consideration, Caritas Sri Lanka –SEDEC jointly with Caritas Chilaw organized a program on identifying conflicts and resolving conflict in four steps in Panichchiwilluwa village – Kotthanthive Grama Niladari division (smallest administrative sector in Sri Lanka) in Puttalam District under the project for “supporting livelihood diversification and increasing communal harmony in Western Sri Lanka.”

The event was organized under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson, Director Caritas Chilaw for over a hundred villagers on 30^th March at 7.00 p.m. Rev. Fr. Milan Susantha, Program Coordinator – Youth and Children of Chilaw Diocese conducted this evening reflection. The program was arranged with a meditational session involving music.  Rev. Fr. Milan performed this interactive session base on the relationship among our families. As he believed that “family” the social group which is made up of parents and their children can only be the agents of change for a conflict-free community. The flow of the session included the importance of effective communication, active listening, looking for solutions for the benefit of everyone, and ending with a win-win solution within the context. This was simply elaborated with suitable Sinhala songs that entertained the participants, while simultaneously Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson addressed the gathering and he was commented on the importance of implementing this livelihood development project, which is not only focused on the economy of the family but also on other aspects for a better future with the significance of a holistic approach of community development. The facilitation group that consists with the program team of Caritas Chilaw and the Program Officer from the National Centre were also present at this evening event.