Page 31 - 2022 Abstract Book RUICHSS_2022_11_17 after conference

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

The Challenges in Post-War Reconciliation Process; A Study
in Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka

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Upuldeniya, D.M.R , Amarasinghe S.W and Pannilage, U
1 Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Ruhuna.
ranupul@gmail.com
2 University of Ruhuna
3 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna.

The Sri Lankan armed conflict between Sri Lankan government and LTTE triumphed
approximately for 30 years. Even though, the armed struggle was ended in 2009 many
studies repeatedly highlight that the post war reconciliation between Tamil and
Sinhalese people is still an encounter even after 13 years from the end of the war.
Therefore, this study was conducted to explore as to “why the post-war reconciliation
process between Sinhala and Tamil ethnic communities in Sri Lanka has been
delayed”. Accordingly, the focus of this study was to examine the emerging
challenges and constraints in the post-war reconciliation process and making viable
recommendations to enhance it. The study actuated mixed method approach.
Quantitative information was collected from 200 respondents in six villages of the
Trincomalee District using a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data that was
collected through group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations were
analyzed through thematic analytical methods. The study found that the reconciliation
is becoming complex because of the prevailing prejudices towards each other
between Sinhalese and Tamils. It is also obvious that there are methodological
limitations of the reconciliation process itself behind it. The lack of a clear road map
to reach the targets of reconciliation objectives, and the inability to address humanity-
based needs in the process, neglect the necessity of reestablishing the prevailing
structural interdependency between these ethnic communities also can be revealed in
the study. Based on the findings the study concluded that unless both communities
come up with their own healthy answer to develop the previously existed
interdependence between Sinhalese and Tamils, the reconciliation process will be
restricted by many causes including socio, economic and political aspects.

Keywords: Conflict, Challenges, Ethnicity, Reconciliation

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