Sri Lanka-Civil Society’s influence in re-thinking strategies for Conflict transformation and peace
October 16th & 17th, 2006
St Ethelburga’s center for Reconciliation and Peace, London, UK
Organised by the

WOMENS NETWORK FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM

We are pleased to invite you to a workshop organised for the 16th and 17th of October on the theme of Sri Lanka-Civil Society’s influence in re-thinking strategies for conflict transformation and peace.

The workshop is aimed at understanding the failures of the ceasefire which has being in place since 2002. As fighting commenced between the government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in mid July 06, this workshop will analyse the role played by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and examine the possibilities of ending hostilities to compliment a future conflict transformation process of Sri Lanka. This island nation has experienced a protracted conflict, which to date has claimed more than 65,000 lives, many more subject to gross human right abuses and political repression while displacement continues with the fresh escalation of violence.

It is hoped that the workshop will provide an opportunity for civil society, peace activists, scholars and policy makers from Sri Lanka, UK and elsewhere to engage in analytical discussion to bring out voices to a broader platform. This exercise would identify capacity of existing civil society and seed avenues by which civil society could impact the “peace process” and contribute towards transformation of the ongoing conflict. The protracted civil war is clear evidence that the conflicting parties have no capacity to find a peaceful solution without assistance.

With the involvement o civil society and possible resources of international community, it is envisaged that bridges could be built to formulate a sustainable peace plan. Such a plan thereafter would provide space for committed dialogue to formulate sound strategy for conflict resolution. The symposium will also provide the opportunity to explore issues connected to conflict prevention, resolution and civil society contributions in bringing stake holders together.

Special areas of discussion

 Exploring some of the broad issues around he potential and actual affects of the conflict on civil society this workshop will especially focus on the following issues
 Overview and current issues of contention
 Responses of Local Communities and challenges to resolution
 What can and/or should civil society groups be doing to work towards conflict transformation and build bridges within their communities
 The role of the international community and international agencies in influencing the peace process
 Possible strategies towards resolution

The workshop will be a two day event, leaving substantial time for discussion and intense engagement with speakers and participants. Attendance to the workshop is free but numbers will be strictly limited to facilitate discussion and therefore, pre-registration will be essential. We would recommend that you register by the 25th of September latest by e-mailing the Women’s Network at ndfrdm@yahoo.co.uk, with your name and contact details and institutional affiliation if any. Suggestions for panels/discussions are welcome and should be submitted along with a brief proposal by this date.

Organizers
WOMENS NETWORK FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM
Mailing Address 16, Broadnook Close
Leicester
LE3 9SF
We are grateful to St’ Ethleburga’s center for their support in hosting this programme