Centre for Social Reconciliation at the University of Kelaniya

The Centre for Social Reconciliation (CSR), proposed under the UGC Circular No. 10/2021 [download the circular], aims to foster intercultural understanding and dialogue at state universities in Sri Lanka. This initiative, part of a broader UGC effort, seeks to address the nation’s history of ethnic and religious conflict, including, a prolonged civil war, and the Easter Bombings. The CSR serves as a platform for research, cultural activities, policy development, and promoting inclusive practices that encourage cross-ethnic and cross-religious dialogue.

Sri Lanka’s universities are key institutions for social mobility, particularly for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, making them ideal venues for fostering social reconciliation. The centre will tackle several challenges within university communities, such as student unrest, lack of dialogue between diverse student groups, insufficient leadership, and cultural insensitivity. The CSR aims to create lasting opportunities for intercultural dialogue, which are vital for addressing these issues and promoting long-term social cohesion.

Vision

The vision of the CSR is to promote social reconciliation and harmony through social and cultural activities and to develop research and training for reconciliation within the university.

Mission

To enable the university community and enhance the capacity of staff, administration, and students to promote social reconciliation and harmony through social and cultural activities and to develop research and training for reconciliation within the university, community, and among relevant stakeholders.

Objectives of the Centre

1. Developing policy related to social reconciliation.

2. Developing short courses related to social reconciliation

3. Providing administrative leadership to facilitate research and activities to promote social reconciliation and Intercultural Dialogue (ICDs)

4. Providing training and mentoring to faculty members and students who wish to enhance their knowledge and research capacity on reconciliation

5. Providing facilities and training tools for those who engage in research and activities related to reconciliation.

6. Building national and international networks with institutions and organizations that conduct research and training activities for reconciliation.