Caritas Sri Lanka, in collaboration with its funding partner CAFOD, successfully conducted a two-day program titled “Promotion of Inter-Religious Training Modules to Schools” on the 8th and 9th of April 2025. The program took place at Batthulu Oya Maha Vidyalaya and Angunawilla Maha Vidyalaya in Puttalam, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. This initiative is part of Caritas Sri Lanka’s wider efforts to foster inter-religious harmony and understanding among school children through education and dialogue.
The programme was attended by a wide range of participants, including Grade 8, 9, and 10 school children, school principals, class teachers, DC Director – Caritas Chilaw, CAFOD Project Coordinator, and program coordinators. The main objective was to introduce Caritas Sri Lanka’s newly developed inter-religious training modules to the school system. This module is designed to create awareness among students about their faiths while promoting respect and understanding of other religions and cultures in Sri Lanka.
Ms. Eureshi Kaveesha, Programme Officer of the Social Peace and Justice (SPJ) Unit at Caritas Sri Lanka, facilitated the sessions. She guided students through a series of activities and discussions that helped them reflect on attitudes shaped by religion, the concept of religious sensitivity, and the importance of empathy and sympathy in interfaith interactions. The training also emphasized the role of youth in fostering peace and understanding in a multi-religious society.
Key highlights from the sessions revealed that many students were initially unaware of both their religious values and those of others. However, through interactive games, group activities, and open discussions, students began to express a deeper interest in religion and culture. They actively listened to one another, shared their personal experiences, and showed a genuine willingness to engage with the concepts presented.
The sessions addressed crucial questions such as: What are the attitudes based on religion? What do we mean by religious sensitivity? How do we interact with empathy and sympathy in matters of faith? What responsibilities do we have in society? And how can we respectfully engage with and listen to other religious perspectives?
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed that they had developed a greater appreciation for religious diversity and requested more programmes focusing on leadership and religion. School principals also noted the value of the workshop and expressed interest in continuing such initiatives in the future, acknowledging their positive impact on both students and staff.
This programme is a significant step in Caritas Sri Lanka’s ongoing mission to promote peacebuilding, inter-religious dialogue, and youth engagement. With the support of CAFOD and the dedication of the Chilaw Diocesan Centre, Caritas remains committed to nurturing a generation that values unity, respect, and empathy across all religious and cultural boundaries.
