PEACE-BUILDING IN SRI LANKA: THE ROLE FOR NGOS

This article examines the significant role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the peace-building process in Sri Lanka. It analyzes how, in the context of a protracted and violent ethnic conflict, NGOs have stepped in to fill critical gaps left by the state and formal political actors. The study explores the diverse roles played by a wide range of NGOs. These include providing humanitarian assistance to war-affected populations, undertaking grassroots-level reconciliation and inter-community dialogue projects, monitoring and advocating for human rights, and engaging in "track-two" diplomacy to support the formal peace process. The research provides a critical assessment of both the strengths and the limitations of NGO-led peace-building. The paper argues that while NGOs cannot bring about peace on their own, they have played an indispensable role in mitigating the effects of the conflict, building constituencies for peace, and keeping the hope for reconciliation alive. The analysis concludes that a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka requires a strong partnership between the state and a vibrant civil society.

In the midst of Sri Lanka's long and brutal ethnic conflict, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) emerged as crucial actors in the quest for peace. This paper provides a detailed examination of their multifaceted role. The study begins by mapping the diverse landscape of the Sri Lankan peace-building NGO sector, from large, internationally-funded organizations to small, local, community-based groups. The core of the article is a functional analysis of their various activities. The first function examined is humanitarian relief. The paper details how NGOs have been at the forefront of providing essential services to the internally displaced and other victims of the war. The second function is peace-building from the bottom up. The study provides examples of innovative grassroots projects, such as inter-community dialogue workshops and "peace education" programs, which have sought to break down the walls of hatred and mistrust at the local level. The third function is advocacy. The paper analyzes the crucial role of human rights NGOs in documenting atrocities committed by all sides and in advocating for a just and peaceful political solution on both the national and international stage. The findings reveal that NGOs have been the lifeblood of the peace movement in Sri Lanka, often operating in a highly dangerous and politicized environment. The paper concludes that while the ultimate responsibility for making peace lies with the political and military leaders, the work of NGOs in healing the wounds of war and in building a social foundation for peace is an essential and irreplaceable component of any lasting solution.