Building Peace
Sri Lanka remains a fragmented nation, where the cessation of overt war has not yet translated into sustainable peace. Deep-seated root causes—including asymmetric development, resource competition, and discrimination in employment—continue to enforce detachment between communities based on ethnicity, language, religion, class, and caste. These latent tensions are frequently manipulated by political interests and a polarizing media culture, manifesting in violent outbreaks such as the recent clashes between Sinhalese and Muslim communities. Unfortunately, past reconciliation efforts have often been "Colombo-centric," resulting in isolated outcomes that fail to penetrate the fragile, multi-ethnic villages where mistrust is most acute. Without accessible platforms for constructive dialogue or conflict-sensitive media literacy, these communities remain vulnerable to insecurity and recurring cycles of violence.
To foster genuine social cohesion and move beyond these historical divides, peacebuilding must shift from top-down interventions to proactive, localized engagement. This requires a comprehensive assessment of the underlying grievances driving conflict, followed by the creation of open, inclusive spaces where diverse stakeholders can collaboratively define sustainable solutions. Crucially, this approach must prioritize the empowerment of women and youth, leveraging their unique perspectives and leadership to drive conflict resolution. By utilizing alternative platforms—ranging from traditional mediation and restorative justice practices to modern digital dialogues—we can bridge the trust deficit, address the root causes of discrimination, and build a foundation for lasting peace.
Chrysalis offers approaches and models that celebrate the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. We utilize the diverse perspective and experiences of all its citizens to move Sri Lanka towards inclusive growth. It is our belief that women and youth offer the best solutions for a just and equal society and hence they are the target of our work on celebrating diversity.
Therefore, Chrysalis will seek to promote social cohesion, reconciliation, and mitigate against the risk of tensions and conflict by;
Undertaking regular conflict and risk analyses, including gender assessments, political economic analyses, and conflict mapping exercises to gain a deeper understanding of both latent and manifest conflicts and their triggers.
Developing and scaling up community driven, context specific and Do-no-harm (DNH) approaches to promote social cohesion, reconciliation and wellbeing of all people
Promoting diverse ethnic, religious communities to foster social cohesion, and mitigate the risks of conflicts at the community, regional and national levels to ensure sustained peace.
Creating conducive and creative approaches including using arts, cultural forms, other social connectors such as food cultures, social media and economic activities to encourage dialogue on root causes of conflict.
Building social capital to help diverse community groups to work collectively and peacefully by engaging in community governance mechanisms
Creating cohesive and inclusive business ecosystems protecting economic rights and ensuring equal access to resources for all.
Understanding community conflicts over environmental resources, climate change and solid waste and facilitate durable solution by promoting women and youth leadership
Defining sustained solutions that results in normative and policy change resulting in equality, inclusion and celebration of diversity.
Engaging with parliament, national ministries and institutions to advocate for policy changes to ensure equality, inclusion and diversity
Addressing disproportionate implications of conflict on women
Promoting women and youth as peace – builders and their role ensuring sustained peace
