Rethinking conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Sri Lanka: A critical Review

Abstract

The Sri Lankan ethnic conflict has been interpreted as one of the most paradigmatic protracted social conflicts in recent times. This research traces the rapid escalation and internationalisation of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict from the early 1980s onwards into a fully-fledged and bitterly fought civil war and reviews the significant peace-building achievements such as the Thimphu Talks (1985), Indo–Sri Lanka accord (1987), ceasefire agreement (2002), Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC 2010). While analysing Sri Lanka’s conflict and peacebuilding, we can see domestic, regional, and international contributors. Among these contributors, the contribution of peacebuilding in Sri Lanka should be evaluated to inform future sustainable peacebuilding endeavours. Presently, the fundamental of the Sri Lankan economy is shaken by the more than three-decade civil war. The island is suffering from expensive short-term foreign debt. If Sri Lanka achieves long-term Sustainable peace, it can easily overcome all burden-burning issues. The main objective of this study is to rethink resolution and peacebuilding in Sri Lanka and, secondly, to identify and analyse the significant challenges to sustainable peacebuilding in Sri Lanka and assess how these challenges can be overcome in the contemporary era, with the support and contributions of all ethnic groups. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was primarily descriptive and analytical, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Moreover, this study recommends a roadmap for achieving sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, drawing on lessons from past peacebuilding and reconciliation experiences.