The Potential Role of Arts and Culture in the Reconciliation Process in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka

Abstract

Over a decade after the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka that saw mass atrocities being committed, reconciliation remains elusive. Traditional processes alone are inadequate in transforming relationships of antagonism into relationships of mutual trust and traditional processes alone remain ineffective in achieving reconciliation among people who have experienced severe trauma and protracted marginalisation. This paper will examine the academic evidence for the potential role that arts and culture can play towards peacebuilding and reconciliation in post-conflict Sri Lanka. Looking at illustrative examples of the value of arts and culture in other post-conflict settings this paper will argue that to achieve sustainable peace adding a cultural component to peacebuilding is vital. By highlighting how responses, attitudes and behaviours can be transformed through arts and culture, this paper will explore how the introduction of strategic arts-based programmes with local content can have a significant impact on breaking barriers and stereotypes, recognise different identities and acknowledge loss and suffering thereby strengthening the community as a whole. This paper invites practitioners and policymakers in the reconciliation and dialogue space to consider the different ways in which the arts and culture can be used to effectively promote reconciliation in post-conflict Sri Lanka.