Under the Mobilising University State Engagement for Reconciliation (MUSTER-GIZ) initiative, two district based training workshops were conducted to equip university students with practical understanding and tools to address key societal issues. The workshops, attended by research pod students from the University of Jaffna (UOJ) and the University of Ruhuna (UOR), focused on pluralism, gender equality, inclusiveness and the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE). Each workshop sought to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the participants' respective research fields and communities.
The workshop for UOJ research pod students was facilitated by Dr. Ramesh Ramasamy, a senior lecturer in Political Science from the University of Peradeniya. While the themes of the workshop were not unfamiliar to the participants, many expressed uncertainties about their practical implementation and real world impact.
Dr. Ramasamy structured the workshop to address these concerns by combining theoretical clarifications with practical guidance, emphasising their relevance to field research and societal applications. The discussions provided a platform for participants to reflect on the real world challenges in achieving these ideals and share their personal insights and experiences.
“This workshop was really useful for me. I learned a lot about gender equality and diversity. Gender equality was my favorite topic; it really caught my attention. Something the trainer said really struck me. ‘Gender equality should start from our homes first.’ Also, when people say our country is diverse, I can't fully agree. It's just not what we see in practice. These two days were a great learning experience. The lessons were explained clearly and effectively. The trainer did a great job and the discussions were really helpful,” said L. Ahishan, a research pod student from UOJ.
“The four topics we covered are exactly what our country needs right now. As a woman, I was drawn to the discussions about gender equality and inclusivity. I've faced gender discrimination in different situations before but I never felt brave enough to speak up against it. It wasn't until I started university that I began to understand these issues better. Coming to this workshop has taught me even more. This feels like exactly the right place for me to be learning about these things,” said I. Shabthika.
The Jaffna workshop provided an important opportunity for students to explore pressing issues in depth, fostering a sense of empowerment and critical thinking that will influence their research and community engagement.
After the Jaffna workshop, the UOR research pod students attended their district based training in Matara. Led by Dr. Upali Weerakoon, a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, the session emphasised experiential learning. Through practical activities and group discussions, students were encouraged to engage with the themes of pluralism, gender equality, inclusiveness and PVE.
Dr. Weerakoon’s approach to facilitation emphasised the application of theoretical knowledge in realistic contexts. Participants worked in groups, sharing personal stories and collaboratively brainstorming solutions to common challenges. This interactive format not only deepened their understanding of the topics but also promoted teamwork and communication skills.
“The workshop has helped me a lot. I've learned so much new material about gender equality and diversity and these two days opened my eyes about why equality matters so much in our country. I got a lot out of the group activities when we had to share our own experiences and work together to solve problems. The way everything was taught made it easy to understand. The trainer did a great job explaining things and I found our discussions and group work really helpful,” said H.K. Dilhani, a research pod student from UOR.
Both workshops underscored the critical need for integrating pluralism, gender equality, inclusiveness and PVE into research and everyday life. While the theoretical foundations of these concepts are covered in university curricula, students flack exposure to their practical implications. By addressing this gap, the workshops contributed to building a generation of informed and proactive individuals ready to tackle societal challenges.
A recurring theme across both sessions was the importance of localising these global concepts to suit the unique cultural and social contexts of Sri Lanka. Participants’ reflections revealed an acute awareness of the disconnect between the theoretical ideals of diversity, equality and inclusion and their implementation in practice. The trainers navigated this complexity, fostering open dialogue and providing actionable insights.
The MUSTER-GIZ initiative continues to serve as a critical platform for empowering university students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote reconciliation and social cohesion. By holding the workshops, the programme has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a generation capable of driving positive change.