NPC, under its Plural Action for Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Social Justice (PAIRS) project supported by Misereor and CAFOD, conducted a residential workshop focused on inclusion, reconciliation and social justice, bringing together NGO coordinators and National Integration Officers from 25 District Secretariats.
The sessions were conducted by Prof. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri from the University of Colombo, who led discussions on inclusion, reconciliation and social justice offering participants insights and engaging discussions that stimulated critical thinking. Senior Researcher Shashik De Silva provided valuable ideas through grounded narratives using real life experiences and examples to illustrate these concepts.
The workshop served as an interactive platform where participants engaged in discussions and reflected on their roles in promoting reconciliation and inclusion in their districts. Many said that the training programme had made them realise that these concepts were already embedded within their framework of responsibility as public servants and community leaders.
R. Partheeban, NGO Coordinator from the Mannar District Secretariat, said, “The training programme was excellent. The resource persons delivered their sessions using up to date information. We learned about new topics and are eager to invite the PAIRS project to the Mannar district. This will allow us to promote and implement inclusion in our district.” His enthusiasm highlights the tangible impact of the workshop and the potential for further outreach and action at the district level.
Edward Seneviratne, NGO Coordinator from the Colombo District Secretariat, said, “The training was really good. The resource persons presented evidence related to reconciliation during their sessions. It motivated me to rethink the concept of reconciliation.” He stressed the need to share the knowledge gained from the workshops with decision makers to ensure that they understood the realities on the ground. “State policies and laws are already in place to a large extent, ensuring that everyone has equal recognition, rights and value. But are these policies being implemented in practice? It is not enough to have them in the legal framework; as citizens we have a responsibility to ensure they are carried out in our daily lives,” he added.
From the feedback provided by participants, it was evident that many were already incorporating the concepts into their work environments. They expressed a desire to integrate the issues discussed further into their professional frameworks. However, they also acknowledged the obstacles, limitations and challenges that needed to be addressed to achieve full implementation.
The workshop served as a reminder that while policies and laws exist to promote equality and inclusion, their true impact depends on individuals taking responsibility for putting them into action. NPC, through the PAIRS project, remains committed to creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By equipping key stakeholders with knowledge and practical tools, the initiative aims to bridge gaps and strengthen the foundation for a more inclusive and reconciled society.