Role of Buddhist Monks in the Post- Conflict Reconciliation Process: The Case of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study concerned the role of Buddhist Monks in the post conflict reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. The study observed a number of perceptions among the Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka which differed slightly, while he monks that leaned towards traditional leftist parties adopted more moderate positions with regard to the think problem and the issue of reconciliation. Many of the responding monks perceived reconciliation as an attempt by parties to win that which they were unable to win through war. They felt that there was no need for reconciliation based on power sharing as the resolution of the ethnic problem was pre-condition on recognizing he unitary character of the state and Sinhalese and Buddhist character of the state. The study concluded that history Making following Mahāvamsa tradition needed to be discouraged and that a modern discipline of historiography should be introduced to the monastic educational system.