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, held a research symposium on Research for Reconciliation bringing together four universities and their 12 research pods to showcase the culmination of research and community engagement work.
The symposium commenced with opening statements and a welcome address by NPC’s Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera followed by an address by Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda. It featured comprehensive presentations from twelve research pods across four universities, each addressing distinct challenges facing reconciliation and social cohesion through locally relevant research, and culminated in a panel discussion where the university coordinators and district secretaries shared their perspectives on the research findings.
Research pods from Sabaragamuwa University discussed challenges facing marginalised communities including issues within gem mining communities, digital accessibility gaps in rural areas and bureaucratic barriers preventing citizens from accessing essential services. University of Jaffna research pods focused on post-conflict recovery and inclusion, investigating disability inclusion challenges, discussing how displaced communities can transition to empowerment and exploring how cultural preservation serves as a tool for healing and identity formation.
University of Ruhuna research pods addressed foundational community challenges including the socio-economic pressures facing tea estate workers, the complex relationship between government institutions and community service delivery and healthcare access barriers in rural areas. Eastern University research pods examined harmony and cultural preservation, focusing on interfaith dialogue mechanisms and environmental challenges facing coastal communities while preserving traditional practices and conflict resolution approaches within agricultural communities.
Each session included discussion sessions, mentor views and video documentary screenings with audience engagement, providing multi-dimensional perspectives on the research findings and community impact. Aaranya Rajasingam, Senior Advisor and Acting Head of Programme, GIZ-SCOPE, spoke on the importance of youth led initiatives such as this.
A publication, Research for Reconciliation, containing abstracts of the 12 research papers was launched. A panel discussion was held moderated by Dr. Perera, which brought together university coordinators and district secretaries to discuss the research findings, demonstrating the collaborative framework that characterises the MUSTER approach to reconciliation.
The symposium concluded with awarding ceremonies recognising universities and district secretariats for their efforts in realising the projects goals, followed by certificate presentations to student researchers from the research pods for their diligent and impressive research work. Prof. Sarath Ananda, Chairman of the National Education Commission, delivered the concluding remarks, highlighting the project's significance in furthering reconciliation efforts.
The symposium represented the successful transition of the project from intensive research and community engagement phases to formal knowledge dissemination and recognition. It engaged academic institutions, government officials, student researchers and community representatives, validating the project's multi-stakeholder collaboration methodology for sustainable reconciliation and social cohesion.