Between 2018 and 2024, we systematically explored everyday people’s experiences and perceptions of reconciliation in Sri Lanka. We engaged over 2,000 individuals—men, women, and children—from diverse Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities in conversations about reconciliation (Sanhindiyawa in Sinhala, Nallinakkam in Tamil). Residents were asked questions such as “What does reconciliation mean to you?” and “What signs indicate reconciliation in your community?”
In 2018, we conducted 90 focus group discussions across 30 communities, gathering over 3,600 indicators. Some everyday indicators of reconciliation include:
- People can access services in Tamil at Akurana hospital – Muslim community
- Women’s committees exist in Sudarshanagama village – Sinhala community
- Outsiders fishing in Mullaitivu sea obtain permission from Mullaitivu district – Tamil community
These community-generated indicators highlighted war-related issues and inter-ethnic dynamics critical to local reconciliation. They also illustrated how reconciliation intersects with other aspects of daily life, such as access to services, economic livelihoods, police integrity, gender equality and substance abuse.
In 2022, we revisited 11 communities to assess changes in people’s experiences and perceptions of reconciliation. Through 33 additional focus group discussions, we collected 1,600 more indicators. This work revealed heightened intra-community dynamics, showing patterns of conflict and cooperation influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis.
