NPC’s Action for Religious Coexistence (ARC) project conducted a mediation training session in Ampara that brought together 40 participants including Local Inter Religious Committee (LIRC) members, Community Based Organization (CBO) representatives, youth leaders and government officials. The training session aimed to equip participants with essential conflict resolution skills to mediate religious freedom related disputes effectively.
From the inception of the ARC project, mediation has been a key focus in the 13 districts and 14 locations where the team operates. The session, which was facilitated by M.I. Mohamed Azath Mediation Training and Disputes Resolution Officer from the Ministry of Justice, was a crucial step in reinforcing the role of mediation in resolving religious conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence. Mr. Azath’s engaging and effective approach ensured that participants gained valuable insights into conflict mediation techniques.
During the session, M.J. Raspa, a Mediation Development Officer in Ampara, highlighted the significance of mediation in safeguarding religious freedom. “Mediation plays a vital role in resolving ethnic conflicts by fostering non-violent, fair and sustainable solutions. Through neutral mediators and open dialogue, it strengthens ethnic harmony while promoting religious freedom and protecting religious rights. Mediation helps communities address misunderstandings, break down barriers and create an environment where diverse religious beliefs are respected and upheld. Beyond just resolving disputes, it rebuilds trust, encourages cooperation and nurtures long term social cohesion, ultimately contributing to a peaceful and inclusive society where everyone can practice their faith without fear or discrimination,” he said.
The training session is another effort by the ARC team to sustain religious freedom and promote constructive dialogue among diverse communities. During the project, the team identified and resolved numerous conflicts across the 14 locations. With this latest initiative, the expectation is that trained participants will actively apply their mediation skills to address conflicts in their communities and share their knowledge with others.
By empowering individuals with the necessary skills to mediate religious disputes, ARC continues to foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence. This initiative underscores the importance of mediation as a sustainable approach to resolving conflicts and protecting religious rights in Sri Lanka.