NPC’s Mobilising University State Engagement for Reconciliation (MUSTER) project held a training workshop at the Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) focusing on enhancing research skills and fostering discussions on socio-political issues specifically through the lens of research methodologies and case study development.
The workshop aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct qualitative research and develop case studies. It also sought to encourage students to engage with important socio-political issues relevant to their local communities. The workshop was led by Prof. T. Sathananthan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Care Sciences at EUSL.
Participants were grouped into research pods, each tasked with identifying specific research problems related to the Batticaloa District. The focus of the training was on applying research theories to address localised issues. The customised training structure provided participants with the opportunity to clarify doubts and receive tailored guidance on their research topics. As a result, students were able to deepen their understanding of research processes and strengthen their ability to contribute to public policy discussions through the district level government representatives.
A. Shakiththiyan, a research pod student at EUSL, said, “The workshop allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project. As a student, it is a good to contribute to the public sector's decision making process and this involvement is both encouraging and motivating. Young people are eager to engage in such processes and having the opportunity to contribute through research is a privilege.”
In addition to the training sessions, the MUSTER project hosted a Sri Lanka Barometer (SLB) session that brought together Local Inter Religious Committee members and university students to discuss the latest findings from SLB, a research tool used to track public opinion on key socio-political issues. Participants engaged in discussions on the findings with a particular focus on gathering insights from the Tamil-speaking community in Batticaloa.
S. Gangasuthar, an LIRC member, said, “Working with diverse communities through this programme has been an eye opening experience. Being fluent in Tamil and Sinhala allowed me to bridge gaps and connect with people from different backgrounds. This initiative has given me a deeper, practical understanding of research and its impact on society. Beyond academic insights, it reinforced the importance of addressing disparities in resources and opportunities. I’m hopeful that by collaborating across communities, we can foster trust and create positive change, especially in marginalised regions.”
The MUSTER team conducted five more SLB findings sharing sessions in Kalutara, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy for a total of 183 community members including youth, civil society representatives, religious leaders and government officials. The discussions were engaging and productive, providing valuable insights into the concerns and aspirations of local communities.
The MUSTER project team presented its achievements and findings at the GIZ Partner Day in Colombo. NPC’s publications were showcased at the event, attracting the attention of participants and sparking interest in the work of the MUSTER project.
The project is committed to enhancing research capacity, promoting dialogue on important social issues and empowering young people to contribute to the reconciliation process.