A workshop was conducted for senior government officers in the Galle District under NPC’s Plural Action for Inclusion, Reconciliation and Social Justice (PAIRS) project, held in collaboration with the Galle District Inter Religious Committee and the Sahana Social Development Alliance.
The workshop brought together 29 government officials including the District Secretary, Additional District Secretary, Assistant District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries from 22 divisions and the NGO Coordinator, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusion, reconciliation, and social justice in governance.
Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena, an expert in inclusion and reconciliation, conducted the sessions. He focused on the principles of social justice and how they can be practically applied in government service delivery. Participants engaged in discussions about embedding inclusivity and reconciliation into public policies and community relations.
W.A. Dharmasiri, the District Secretary of Galle, said, “The topics of inclusion and reconciliation are timely and relevant in today’s context. As a society, we must carefully evaluate whether the principles of inclusion are truly present and practiced. When discussing sensitive topics like inclusion, they often spark significant societal debate. These discussions can lead to conflicts of opinion but such conflicts are essential. They challenge us to think critically, address varying perspectives and, ultimately, generate positive outcomes. Constructive disagreement fosters growth and understanding.”
Mr. Dharmasiri expressed confidence in the systematic efforts being made by government officials to address these challenges within their operational frameworks.
The workshop provided a space for senior government officials to share experiences, fostering collaboration in addressing social inequalities. Participants discussed case studies, best practices and participated in role playing exercises to explore inclusive decision making.
Conducting the programme in the Southern Province with its predominantly Sinhala population and a history of religious and ethnic tensions sensitive area was an achievement, reflecting the ideas of NPC and its partners to promote reconciliation and harmony.
The workshop is an important step towards promoting inclusive governance. It provided senior officials with the knowledge and tools needed to support inclusion and reconciliation, laying the foundation for a more equitable society. The discussions and strategies developed are expected to positively influence policies and service delivery in the Galle District.