The Challenges in Post-War Reconciliation Process; A Study in Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Sri Lankan armed conflict between Sri Lankan government and LTTE triumphed approximately for 30 years. Even though, the armed struggle was ended in 2009 many studies repeatedly highlight that the post war reconciliation between Tamil and Sinhalese people is still an encounter even after 13 years from the end of the war. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore as to “why the post-war reconciliation process between Sinhala and Tamil ethnic communities in Sri Lanka has been delayed”. Accordingly, the focus of this study was to examine the emerging challenges and constraints in the post-war reconciliation process and making viable recommendations to enhance it. The study actuated mixed method approach. Quantitative information was collected from 200 respondents in six villages of the Trincomalee District using a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data that was collected through group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations were analyzed through thematic analytical methods. The study found that the reconciliation is becoming complex because of the prevailing prejudices towards each other between Sinhalese and Tamils. It is also obvious that there are methodological limitations of the reconciliation process itself behind it. The lack of a clear road map to reach the targets of reconciliation objectives, and the inability to address humanity-based needs in the process, neglect the necessity of reestablishing the prevailing structural interdependency between these ethnic communities also can be revealed in the study. Based on the findings the study concluded that unless both communities come up with their own healthy answer to develop the previously existed interdependence between Sinhalese and Tamils, the reconciliation process will be restricted by many causes including socio, economic and political aspects.