The Religious Liberty Commission of the NCEASL conducted a training programme on social cohesion, pluralism, and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Mannar on November 21–22, 2024. The programme brought together 64 state officials from the Mannar District Secretariat, with 58% male and 42% female participants from diverse religious backgrounds. Two lawyers from the NCEASL facilitated the training.
Through thought-provoking discussions, participants explored the state’s responsibility in promoting social cohesion. This included examining national policies on reconciliation and coexistence, as well as strategies for strengthening social cohesion, pluralism, and FoRB. Participants shared community examples and explored challenges such as socioeconomic disparities, marginalisation, ethnic tensions, and misinformation. The session also highlighted case studies and common violations like discrimination and forced conversions. It concluded with strategies to promote social cohesion, including inclusive institutions, interfaith dialogue, and education to combat prejudice.
One participant shared, “I was encouraged and motivated by this training to serve society by protecting religious and racial freedoms.”
Post-training surveys showed that most participants developed a more positive view of people from different religious backgrounds and a greater willingness to engage in FoRB promotion.
Over 80 percent of the participants also expressed confidence in their ability to identify and address FoRB violations.
The training followed similar programmes previously conducted for officials from the Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provincial Councils.
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