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"I realized that we have to search and learn real Buddhist philosophy. We are slaves of popular Buddhism. I never tried to analyze War according to "Causality" and "Four Nobel truth" in Buddhist philosophy. This is the first time I got an opportunity to understand that War is not just a creation of LTTE. There are causes for that. Until we address the causes we can't overcome the situation."
Rev. Padikaramaduwae Vijitha Sil Mathawa
Sri Poorvaramaya, Kuda Kalalnawa, Galkulama
Participant, Promoting Social Responsibility of Religious Leaders Project |
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Symposium of the "Promoting Social Responsibility of Religious Leaders Project" - Quotes from the Participants
"I am so happy to be with other clergies. I have participated in few multi-religious programs which were initiated by NGOs. But this is the first time I got an opportunity to live with others in same level eat together, just have simple chats together, share my emotions in very informal conditions, I feel relived."
Janachandran Balachandran Kurukkal
Sri Kathiresan Temple, Anuradhapura
Participant, Promoting Social Responsibility of Religious Leaders Project |
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I was a beneficiary of the Centre for Peace Building and Reconciliation and gain benefits from CPBR even now. I am a final year student following the degree course of Peace and Conflict Resolution in University of Kelaniya.I got the opportunity to engage with CPBR from the first year of university. I welcomed that opportunity without hesitating. Now I think I made the right decision at that time. I am really happy about the decision I have made. I will give the reasons…………..
I got the first experience with CPBR in Conflict transformation workshop held in Oluwil for three weeks and in that occasion I could move with the South Eastern University Students. It was my initial step in this field. After that I got the opportunity to participate in two field researches and one international workshop with PDI. I could step forward in this field only because I got the initial opportunity from CBPR .I like to emphasize the fact that I who yearned to actively participate for free social services, got the opportunity to contribute my life for free social services with my connection with CBPR.
Further I received great supports through the contacts of Jayantha ,Dishani and CBPR Staff. in present I play my role in society as an intern in the Law and Society Trust Human Rights defender and also as an undergraduate. I deliver my heartiest thanks to CPBR for the assistance they gave me and my best wishes for CPBR
Gayathri.
university student, kelaniya |
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When I started my Peace studies in University of Kelaniya CPBR contributed and supported me to become peace activist/to do on my peace path. The guidelines and Support from various trainings, programs gathering meeting and personal advice helped me to build confidence and transform my self and to workout my frustrations and stress to work for my dream of Peace.
Still the experience and the learning from CPBR influence my whole life; especially I learnt to accept the beauty of the diverse world to live in the joy of love and peaceful life.
Ramanusha,
university student, kelaniya |
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FIRST UP A QUOTE: "I was lucky enough to travel to eastern Sri Lanka in September 2006 to see the CPBR's field work with my own eyes. I saw a small, but committed, talented and passionate group of people working with few resources but inspiring many in long term conflict resolution."
SECOND UP A STORY: "You'll find it alongside one of the numerous army checkpoints, midway down the bustling main road in the village of Periyanilavenai on the east coast of the island. It's a small, freshly painted three-roomed building. Go inside to shelter from the burning sunshine and swirling dust clouds and you'll see a clean, concrete floor, bare walls, and ten Singer sewing machines on desks around the room. Above the entrance is a sign; "Peace for Brave", which doesn't make much sense grammatically, but makes perfect sense when you see what it does, and the context it does it in.
The idea is pretty simple. Local women and girls from tsunami-affected families are chosen. Half are Tamil and half are Muslim, two groups losing more and more common ground as each day passes in this part of the island. Some can sew, others have never picked up a needle and thread in their life. Gradually, they begin to manufacture clothing - learning from each other and working as a team, selling traditional dresses in glorious colours to the local markets.
It's a project set up by the CPBR and funded by Peace Direct. The money you donated isn't a handout, it's a start-up loan. This is a business with a clear marketing strategy which is expected to pay its own way. However what makes it unique, fabulous and vital, is the added component of conflict resolution training. Facilitators from the CPBR will regularly work with the women, introducing concepts and tools which they can take back to their homes and villages.
It is training that is badly needed in this part of Sri Lanka. The violence is becoming increasingly entrenched and every day come reports seeming to confirm the descent back towards civil war. This new centre won't stop that descent on its own, but in its own small way will make a big difference in Periyanilavenai. It has changed the lives of the women who have been chosen to work there. Now their job is to spread the skills of conflict resolution they learn into every corner of their community."
Chris Jameson,
Peace Direct |
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