Sri Lanka

Our Work

The tropical Island of Sri Lanka located in the Southern region of Asia, is best known for its natural beauty and tourism. Sri Lanka is striving to achieve the socio-economic growth and development despite facing three decade-long armed conflict and other socio-political and cultural challenges.

Since the military defeat of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) in 2009, by the government forces of Sri Lanka, the government makes an effort to work towards achieving lasting peace. Yet the polarized socio, political and economic views, the continued exclusion of key groups in decision making and the lack of voice for differing groups threaten to slow Sri Lanka's growth, and retract from gains made over the last century. The end of the armed conflict also creates room for several key opportunities starting from vast social and economic growth, restoration of stability throughout the country and reconciliation between diverse groups denouncing violence. Fundamental to pursuing these goals is ensuring that the peace dividend is equitable, inclusive, just and democratic, and does not exacerbate but rather bridges the present political and ethnic divides. In Sri Lanka, there is a need for a genuine reconciliation process across the different communities if a fully developed democratic state to be achieved.

SFCG began working in Sri Lanka in 2011, where it has a long-term strategy to promote a national dialogue for peacebuilding across ethnic, religious and political dividing lines. SFCG envisages an increase in the participation of youth and women in peacebuilding, a strengthening of state institutions by creatign strong bonds with the government officials, local civil society organizations, media professionals, and conflict survivors; and an increased knowledge, change in attitudes, and advancements in the practice of peace.

Where We Work

SFCG works in the following districts: Western Province Colombo District Northern Province Vavuniya District Mannar District Central Province Nuwara Eliya District Uva Province Badulla District