Abstract:
This study examines the importance of seeking truth, for the post war reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. Both questionnaires and interviews
were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, as the study used
mixed methods. During the first step of analysis, data was edited and coded.
Then, quantitative data were analysed by using spread sheets as percentage
analysis. Qualitative data was analysed by using context analysis. The study
used probability sampling and non-probability sampling methods to have a
sample of the large population, as it is hard to have a sample frame for a
dispersed population. As a result, samplings were focused on characteristics
of the population such as ethnicity, gender and place of resident to have
smaller elements. The study focused on Tamil ethnicity in Northern
Province, Muslim ethnicity in Eastern Province and Sinhala ethnicity in
Southern province. However, according to the responses, 92.8% of all ethnic
communities believed that reconciliation is possible with the present
condition in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan ethnic conflict began between
Sinhala and Tamil ethnic groups and ethnic based polarization continued
throughout ethnic groups. In order to understand how to address the
problem of polarization and how to reconcile the society, it is necessary to
get to know about the past truth and understand each other. 79% of Sri
Lankan ethnic communities are willing to express their past truth with the
hope of justice and heal themselves. The study found that people are ready to
speak about past and understand each other. However, they fear it will be a
danger to their lives. Also, the study revealed that people are willing to
understand each other and build a shared future together. So, on the basis of
this study for reconciliation in Sri Lanka, an experimental model for truth is
proposed. The study also recommends a victim protecting system with legal
conventions so that people can speak about their past truth without any
hesitation.
