Stakeholders' Observations on the Religious Harmony Project Activities and the Way Forward

                                                                    

                                                                      

Overall, the projects witnessed great enthusiasm and all the participants strongly emphasized the need to  continue such programs in the long term as their positive messages need to be reinforced frequently and widely, for greater impact.

# Provincial Councilor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Mr. B. Ariyawansa-                                “ [ Workshops were] an exceptional programme where members of all religions and ethnicities  as well as political parties were brought together for capacity development; also resulting in building friendship and cordiality  among participants. Grateful to Chair, SAPRI, Madam Kumaratunga for introducing the programme 

#         Ven. Maduwanwela Sadhdhamangala Thero of Embilipitiya-   “ The project paved the way for eliminating incorrect and false notions on religions and religious practices and will help to mitigate tension related to religious differences. It introduces perceptions of different religions to people who believe that only their religion and its practices should be respected" 

#  A Sunday School Teacher, “the experience the workshops provided, to dialogue rather than debate; to exercise restraint and not initiate violence; and, network with those of other religions;  was valuable and one which should be shared with the future generation"

#  A Female Political Actiivist, “Youth participation should be increased as they play an active role in society and they are the future leaders. Therefore, with the help of Youth Councils, village level Multi Religious Youth Committees should be started 

#  A School Principal- “The project activities taught the necessity to establish structures and mechanisms to ensure equal opportunities to all, in order to prevent conflict 

#  A Female Police Officer- “ Children, the future generation, should be educated on the need for harmony and be involved in multi-religious activities.”

Comments and observations from Buddhist Clergy workshops

• "The Buddhist clergy should conduct themselves with dignity and decorum all the time, thus commanding the respect of the people, belonging to all religions".
• A monk from Kalpitiya remarked “we have recognized that Buddhist monks are not empowered to face the modern day challenges in a changing world. As such there is a need to introduce to them, contemporary religions, English language and computer literacy.”
• "Initiate multi-religious discussions in Buddhist Temples, Hindu Kovils, Mosques and Churches in the community, with the clergy in each place of religious worship hosting the clergy of other religions”.

SAPRI‟s comments

=  Among the key revelations that emerged from the programs was the people's acceptance of the need for such initiatives and the appetite/will for them. The workshops were well received by the participants who appreciated the knowledge they gained.

 =  The workshops provided the much important space for interfaith dialogue and networking  opportunities for the four different religious communities. The sharing of knowledge and experiences cleared misconceptions and built awareness, which contributed to the sustainability of  the project and its successful outcome.

 =  The project met its set targets and resulted in the creation of several interfaith platforms in each district to ensure small scale activities that are ongoing. The development of action plans by the participants themselves in each district gave the project sustainability beyond the involvement of SAPRI.

 =  The activities conducted at the workshops were novel and innovative, and, had the lively  participation of all ethnic and religious groups providing diversity. Therefore the participants found the capacity building workshops interesting and productive, leading to positive results.

 =  SAPRI believes that religion is a flashpoint for most conflicts globally. In such conflicts it is difficult to achieve a common ground where agreements can be reached, due to deep attachments in individuals, based on perceived values and principles. As such, continued efforts should be made to change mind-sets and attitudes to prevent conflicts and ensure the harmonious existence of any society.

 As the United Nations Human Rights Charter validates-

 “Recognizing that inter-religious dialogue and understanding, including the awareness of differences and commonalities among peoples and civilizations, contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes and reduce the potential for animosity, clashes and even violence ..... ”