Although the Sri Lankan Civil War officially ended in 2009, genuine reconciliation remains an urgent and unfinished task. Over the years, the government has launched several state-led initiatives such as the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (2010), the Office of Missing Persons, and the Consultation Task Force (2016). While these efforts reflect an official commitment to healing, they have often been critiqued for being top-down, elite-driven processes that remain distant from the lived experiences of affected communities.
In Sri Lanka’s evolving socio-political landscape, it has become clear that reconciliation cannot rely solely on state-centric models. A more effective and sustainable path forward requires a shift towards engaging the “middle tier” of society—universities, civil society organizations (CSOs), academics, and especially youth. These groups can act as vital bridges, connecting grassroots communities with policymakers and fostering inclusive dialogue.
At the heart of this reimagined reconciliation is the need to place communities themselves at the center of the healing process. Durable peace is not simply a product of formal policies or commissions; it must be rooted in the daily interactions, hopes, and relationships of ordinary people. Yet, one of the key challenges remains: how can we bridge the gap between national-level initiatives and the realities faced by communities on the ground?
To address this gap, Sri Lanka needs to adopt a participatory model of reconciliation—one that is inclusive, progressive, and community-driven. This means empowering local voices, recognizing and supporting grassroots reconciliation efforts, and enhancing the role of civil society as a catalyst for peace. Universities, think tanks, and CSOs are uniquely positioned to play this bridging role. They can lead educational reforms, organize public memory projects, facilitate youth-led dialogues, and develop community engagement programs that humanize reconciliation and build empathy across diverse groups.
The academic community, especially state universities, presents a particularly promising avenue for fostering unity and mutual understanding. These institutions are often a microcosm of Sri Lanka’s diverse society, bringing together students from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. Within university spaces, youth-led initiatives and student activities can nurture trust, cultivate lasting relationships, and promote cultures of empathy and respect. By integrating peacebuilding and conflict studies into curricula, encouraging research on war trauma, and creating inclusive platforms such as seminars, archives, and museums, universities can contribute actively and meaningfully to national reconciliation.
Senior scholars and academics also hold an important role as connectors between policy and practice. Their expertise and standing as respected thought leaders enable them to guide evidence-based approaches to reconciliation, ensuring that academic research and insights inform healing processes at all levels. Through education, research, and engagement, universities can become powerful engines for societal transformation and peace.
Equally essential to this process is the meaningful inclusion of youth. Representing the newest and most dynamic generation in Sri Lanka, young people—many of whom were born after the war or were too young to participate—carry no direct responsibility for the conflict but inherit its complex legacy. This unique position empowers them to act as powerful agents of change in reconciliation efforts. With fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and moral energy, youth can revitalize peacebuilding by leading educational reforms, community dialogues, public memory initiatives, and youth clubs that address the emotional and social dimensions of healing.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s journey toward reconciliation requires bold reimagination—not revisiting the past with the same tools but envisioning a future built on inclusive, community-driven strategies. Healing cannot be confined to formal institutions or policies alone; it must be lived, practiced, and nurtured within the fabric of everyday community life. By embracing the energy of its youth, the wisdom of its scholars, and the strength of its civil society, Sri Lanka has the opportunity to build a reconciliation model that is transformative, forward-looking, and resilient.
If the nation invests in these bridges between people and policy, it will not only address the wounds of its past but also lay a strong foundation for a more cohesive, peaceful society—one that can face future challenges with unity and shared purpose.
