NPC’s Executive Director Dr Jehan Perera called for universities to play a more active role in addressing social tensions, strengthening reconciliation and helping public institutions respond to problems of exclusion. He made the remarks delivering the keynote address at the Eighth Research Conference organised by the Faculty of Arts and Culture of the Eastern University of Sri Lanka. The conference had the theme Harmonious Co-Existence in Pluralistic Societies.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor K. Suresh, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Culture and organized by Professor N. Pushparajah. The Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University, Professor P. Peratheepan, attended as chief guest. Deans of the university's other faculties also attended. A total of 62 research papers were presented under 10 thematic areas covering geography and environmental studies, sociology and anthropology, identities and social harmony in plural societies, literature and society, education, politics and human rights, artistic performances, religions and ethics, history and oral traditions, mental wellbeing and women's studies.
Dr Perera highlighted the partnership between NPC and the Eastern University along with the universities of Jaffna, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa through the Mobilising University State Engagement for Reconciliation initiative. The project was based on the principle that reconciliation should not be regarded as the responsibility of governments alone but should involve universities, public institutions and local communities. Faculty members and students from Eastern, Jaffna, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa universities worked with District Secretariats to investigate problems identified by communities and develop practical responses based on evidence. As an example, Dr Perera referred to tensions between farmers and cattle herders in the Eastern Province over grazing land and water resources.
He also highlighted NPC's collaboration with the Eastern University and the universities of Jaffna, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa on the Advanced Certificate Course on Inclusive Service Delivery. The initiative recognised that many citizens experience the state not through parliament or central ministries but through frontline officials working in District Secretariats, Divisional Secretariats and local government institutions. The course brought together frontline government officials to study inclusive service delivery, nonviolent communication, public administration in plural societies and field-based practice. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the partnership would develop into a broader transformation in which universities routinely provide evidence, analysis and practical innovation to help public institutions address exclusion, social tensions and reconciliation.