Abstract:
This paper explores the potentials in cultural tourism in Sri Lanka to foster peace. The
methodological approach taken to answer the research question was based on grounded theory.
Kataragama and Detagamuwa Grama Sewaka Divisions (GSDs) within Kataragama Secretariat
Division (SD) of Sri Lanka in Monaragala district have been the major historical sites to nurture the
emerging theory of the study. In the hidden face of those sites the researcher has explored the
potentials which could blur the margins of division between ethnic groups in Sri Lanka and channel
the conscientization process to rediscover a common inheritance and identities. Main argument in
this article is that the cultural tourism leads to inter cultural understanding, developing mutual
relations and building trust among each other. Since the existing peace building approaches are more
political, cultural tourism is a strategy could be developed in to practical achievement of the goals of
peace building. Study suggests and predicts the implications for managing and designing cultural
tourism in the aspects of peace.
