Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC

" In discussing Conflict Transformation, we must not only view conflict as a catalyst for social change but also see the relationship between human rights and conflict transformation".

This was said by Rev Fr George Sigamoney, Director of Caritas Sri Lanka in his remarks at a Study Session held on 15th March 2011 at SEDEC as preparation for a proposed National Consultation on the subject, planned to be held in June this year.

The National Consultation aims at defining the inter-relationship between Conflict Transformation and Human Rights in a way that promotes a human rights culture in Sri Lanka. It also looks for opportunities to create effective initiatives which contribute meaningfully to peace building, as well as to create spaces for formal dialogue. Caritas seeks to facilitate official negotiations in pursuance of conflict transformation and is prepared to consider providing technical assistance needed for the success of such endeavours. Especially in the context of post-war Sri Lanka, Caritas would also like to facilitate communication and dialogue among scholars on the subject of conflict transformation.

The preparatory Study Session held recently in SEDEC was attended by a core group of planners who would design the proposed National Consultation under the guidance of the Bishops' Peace Task Force. The discussions were aided by valuable inputs from Dr Jehan Perera, Executive Director of the National Peace Council and Mr Rukshan Fernando, Head- Human Rights in Conflict Program of the Law and Society Trust.