NPC’s Plural Action for Inclusion, Reconciliation and Social Justice (PAIRS) project, funded by Misereor and co-funded by CAFOD in collaboration with District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has achieved significant progress in promoting inclusiveness, social justice and reconciliation throughout several districts.
Over 477 diverse participants including religious leaders, women leaders, government officials and youth representatives have come together for the project's major activities, which included DIRC meetings and CSO consultations where numerous important concerns were addressed. Discussions in Batticaloa and Jaffna focused on preventing hate speech from spreading negatively on social media. Through community led projects, Colombo and Polonnaruwa concentrated on resolving ethnic and religious issues. Stakeholders in Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya laid the foundation for subsequent initiatives by stressing the value of preserving civic space and fostering pluralism. Community leaders in Kegalle and Ratnapura emphasised the difficulties with documentation and language inclusion, particularly for the underprivileged Malaiyaha and plantation communities. Vavuniya gave language rights top priority while Galle, Kandy and Ratnapura developed into hubs for cross cultural dialogue and interfaith understanding.
Each consultation and meeting established a secure environment for open discussion, reciprocal education and group action planning. In addition to identifying regional issues, the project has given communities the confidence to take charge of developing solutions. The foundation laid in June was a significant step toward equity, inclusivity and lasting peace, with follow up initiatives already underway.
Stories of Success
Kandy: using conversation in place of division
Kandy DIRC has developed into a healing space in an area that was devastated by intercommunal violence in 2018. Deeply ingrained mistrust is being broken down by hosting discussions in mosques and promoting mutual understanding of religious customs. In a move toward unity in language and spirit, CSOs agreed to drop the term “minority” in favour of “fraternal communities” as part of a crucial campaign.
Matara: from margins to mainstream
The systemic neglect and ongoing teacher shortage in Matara's estate communities were brought to light by CSO leaders. With a focus on gender and ethnic inclusion, estate women voiced their opinions at inclusive DIRC sessions in Deniyaya. Campaigns for fair teacher deployment and community-based service monitoring are in process.
Monaragala: reaching the unreached
By interacting with local religious leaders and granting membership to these groups, Monaragala DIRC was able to close a significant gap with indigenous Rathugala villages. As CSOs push for more robust state-NGO collaborations to support both indigenous and estate communities, new initiatives will now concentrate on enhancing education and service delivery.
Ratnapura: language and justice for the Malaiyaha community
A young man's moving comment at a DIRC meeting in Ratnapura on the possibility of violence if structural exclusion persists urged immediate action. The CSOs are now pushing for reforms after identifying the scarcity of mediators who speak Tamil as a hindrance to justice. In order to fill service gaps in plantation areas, DIRCs also want to work with nearby institutions.
Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya: the voices of women in sacred places
DIRC meetings turned into significant events for inclusion in both districts. Often reluctant to enter non-Islamic places of worship, Muslim women in Nuwara Eliya confidently participated in interfaith discussions. Following its understanding of the DIRC's peacebuilding purpose, a mosque in Kurunegala that had previously barred women from entering opened its doors. These incidents demonstrated the value of civil discourse and a cooperative attitude.
Kegalle: documenting identity and dignity
The pressing need for official documents among Malaiyaha families was brought to light during the CSO consultation in Kegalle. CSOs made a commitment to set up mobile services for providing ID, marriage and birth certificates that are essential for gaining access to justice, healthcare and education. This initiative is a good example of community-led support for administrative inclusion.
Puttalam: a harmonious self-initiated act
Without any financial support, the Puttalam DIRC hosted a kadala dansala for Poson Poya in a demonstration of interfaith harmony. The occasion reflected the spirit of respect for one another and peacebuilding by welcoming individuals of all faiths and providing a common area for cultural enjoyment.
Interactions under the project have shown that communities can unite, communicate honestly and take collective action even in the face of persistent issues. Plans for actualisation initiatives such as civic awareness campaigns and legal activism are underway, laying the groundwork for long lasting change based on respect, dignity and trust.