NPC's Mobilising University State Engagement for Reconciliation (MUSTER) project, supported by Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) and Co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, achieved a significant milestone when the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka conducted a social cohesion activity at Pettigala Tamil College in Balangoda under the guidance of Dr. Chandana Pathirana. The intervention addressed educational challenges identified through their research, focusing on vocational education awareness for plantation community students.
The principal of Pettigala Tamil College, Mrs. Thamil Selvi, highlighted the challenges that necessitated the activity. "Balangoda Pettigala Tamil College is a school with limited facilities located in a challenging area. Most of our students come from working class families in the Pettigala Estate. These children, often deprived of equal opportunities, have minimal resources available to them. During online education, we faced many difficulties due to the lack of technological access. Without proper family guidance and positive influences, these children are more vulnerable to anti-social activities. However, by implementing training programmes focused on vocational guidance, we can give them a clear direction for the future. Their talents and potential should not be limited to the estates and they can be guided towards greater opportunities," she said.
The session received institutional support from key stakeholders, demonstrating the multi-sectoral collaboration that characterises the project’s approach to reconciliation and social cohesion. Mr. S.W.A. Wijewardena Silva, a Skills Development Officer at the Ratnapura District Secretariat, said, "As government officials, we work to support the skills development of school children and youth across various sectors. In plantation areas, we have observed a lack of interest in vocational education among young people. Without the right understanding and guidance, parents often steer their children into plantation labour for immediate income rather than encouraging further education or skills training. If we can provide the right support and guidance to school leavers, we will strengthen the future workforce of our country," he said.
The session engaged 30 students from Grades 10 and 11, providing comprehensive information on post-secondary vocational education pathways. Initial assessment indicates that it has influenced educational decision making among participants, particularly with students who were inspired to continue their education after completing O’Level examinations. Qualitative feedback suggests an enhanced awareness of and interest in quality vocational training opportunities among the students, representing a positive shift in educational aspirations.
Similar activities are being planned across 11 additional locations. This replication demonstrates the scalability of the research based approach and indicates potential for sustainable impact beyond immediate project parameters. This development represents a critical success in the project's trajectory, operationalising theoretical research findings into cohesion activities for lasting social results. The collaborative engagement between academic researchers, government officials and community institutions exemplifies the project's core objective of mobilising university-state engagement for reconciliation and social harmony.