A Study Of Peacebuilding And Reconstruction Process In The Post- War Era In Sri Lanka
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Date
2016-01
Authors
Widana Kankanamge Nayanapriya, Osantha Thalpawila
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The post-LTTE and post-war situation left the Sri Lankan government with no credible opposition to challenge or influence the post-war reconstruction and peacebuilding activities. This study examines the process of post-war peacebuilding that took place during the period of President Rajapaksa‟s regime to explore its impact on sustainable peace in the country. The research tries to answer three questions: What were the government‟s post-war reconstruction and peacebuilding initiatives? What exactly were the benefits and who were the beneficiaries? Were these initiatives able to address the root causes of the conflict and achieve success in building a long lasting peace? To accomplish this task, the study uses the qualitative method of using primary sources of data such as interviews with the affected people, policy makers, implementers and independent actors along with secondary sources such as governmental as well as non-governmental reports and documents for content analysis and chronological reviews. The proposed theoretical framework identifies the following key areas as crucial for peacebuilding in Sri Lanka: resettlement, reconstruction and development, rehabilitation and reintegration, political consensus, and transitional justice. The findings of the study are as follows: even though the government implemented significant works of resettlement and physical reconstruction aimed at the recovery and development of war affected areas, the issues related to restoration of lands to the original owners, lack of livelihood opportunities and the asymmetrical nature of development indicated bad prospects for long lasting peace. In the areas of political consensus and transitional justice, the government failed to implement an effective program of socio-political reforms in order to ensure justice and achieve reconciliation and this had badly affected the spirit of the peacebuilding process. The study suggests that a wide range of transitional socio-political reforms addressing the grievances of minorities should be applied in order to build a long lasting peace in the country.
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Keywords
Sri Lanka, Post-conflict Peacebuilding, Post-war Reconstruction