Two training programmes on the rule of law were conducted for the Trincomalee and Batticaloa Local Inter Religious Committees (LIRCs), including religious leaders and police officers, aimed at helping participants to understand rule of law and religious freedom while explaining domestic and international legal framework and legal provisions available to protect a citizen’s religious rights.

The programmes were part of the seven thematic trainings offered to each LIRC to promote rule of law and religious freedom at the local level to foster a culture of coexistence and tolerance.

Being multi ethnic and multi religious localities, the areas chosen for the Collective Engagement for Religious Freedom (CERF) project were identified as hotspots for religious tension. The training programmes assisted committee members to prevent and address potential conflicts.

“As government officers, knowledge on the rule of law is important. I learnt about the existing laws on religious freedom. Improving knowledge is helpful in organizing community level interventions
and advocacy activities through which the discourse on religious freedom can be strengthened,” said A. Aruchchelvi, a Grama Niladhari from Trincomalee LIRC.