A one day workshop was held in Tangalle to create support for power sharing policies among CBO representatives and provide motivation and ability to further disseminate the knowledge in the Hambantota District with a combined initiative between Peace Education and Peace Mobilization Units as a part of the broader theme of ‘Peace Building through power sharing’ at NPC.

With the commitment and the effective coordination of Mr. W. P. Wilson,  the DAC member in the Hambantota District, 31 participants from 12 GS divisions in the Tangalle Local Government Authority areas were present although only 30 were expected. They represent 14 local community groups with 10 members in each group which are called “citizen circles” which meet twice a month in order to discuss current affairs in the country.

The participants were introduced to the 13th amendment, its benefits, a brief SWOT Analysis on the country for a Power sharing mechanism through group discussions, presentations, and finally a brainstorming session conducted by the DAC member on benefits of a Power sharing mechanism to the public. Two recent issues of the ‘Thulawa’ newspaper were also distributed to them.

As identified by the evaluations and the participants’ comments, the workshop broadened their knowledge on a Power sharing mechanism with increased interest on the Provincial Council system and awareness on the benefits of the 13th amendment. The workshop was motivating to disseminate knowledge to the grass root level so that everyone can enjoy their rights, as mentioned by a female Muslim participant. A female Sinhalese participant had high regard for the workshop as women participants were empowered with improved knowledge on Power sharing and their political rights without merely casting votes to regret later. Suggestions were made to expand this to other regions in the country as well.  

The citizens’ circles will meet in July to discuss on the four themes in the SWOT Analysis on Power sharing mechanism in order to strengthen them-selves to disseminate knowledge. NPC will be reported on grass root activities conducted to disseminate knowledge, advocacy and activism.

As a result of this workshop and the achievements made, NPC expects to initiate a dialogue at the grass root communities to support power sharing policies while strengthening the existing NPC network on Power sharing in the Hambantota District.