Sri Lanka's Seminar on Restorative Justice

On the day before Sri Lanka's Independence Day (Feb 4th), a group of young Sri Lankans led by Suchith Abeyewickreme, Caux Scholars Program 2016 alumnus, organized a seminar on the strengths and challenges of implementing Restorative Justice practices as a tool within the Sri Lankan context. The event had a participation of 120-140 people from a variety of sectors and discussed how Restorative Justice can support heal relations after violence, put right the wrongs, and address obligations, through a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders. 

 Dr. Barry Hart, Professor of Psycho-Social Trauma, Identity, Dignity and Peacebuilding at the Eastern Mennonite University, USA framed the conversation with a presentation on Restorative Justice key principles and applications in different areas, followed by the panelists, Ven Galkande Dhammananda - Chairperson, Walpola Rahula Institute; Dr. Jehan Perera - Executive Director, National Peace Council / IofC Sri Lanka; Mr. Sarvenwaran - University of Colombo - Faculty of Law / Conflict and Peace Studies; and Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra - Lawyer / Social Activist, who reflected on RJ in the current context being a possible entry point for new social dynamics in Sri Lanka. 

 Members of the audience asked questions and discussed a whole range of issues such as the language of justice, missing persons, corporal punishment, sexual abuse, rule of law, and positive discipline. Personal and collective responsibility where also addressed, paired with examples of different models of community-led Restorative Justice initiatives.” 

 The initiatives that all of our alumni uphold are a great source for learning and inspiration for all of us. 

In Suchith’s words: 

“We cannot look at these as isolated contexts because our challenges are shared’. That’s why his role, as that of many other alumni has been, ‘to work with local communities to create spaces to come together when divisiveness happens, and find ways to bring stories of healing and possibility in the middle of chaos. ”