Event: Public Dialogue on Peace and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka (July 1, 2015, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London)

Public Dialogue on Peace and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka
July 1 2015: 18:00—20:00
Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, London

The “Learning from Leaders” research project investigates how “middle tier” or “go-between” political leaders bridge the gap between elite-level national peace negotiations and peace and reconciliation efforts at the local level. This public dialogue examines the Sri Lanka civil conflict, bringing together leaders from different sides of the political and cultural divide. They will discuss (in a fluid dialogue format) their experiences within the peace process and lessons for ongoing reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Dialogue Chair: Dr. Sutha Nadarajah is a lecturer in the Centre for Diplomacy and International Studies at SOAS. His research combines themes of security, development and liberal governance to examine security threats and the   international community, with particular reference to the Sri Lankan conflict.

Speaker: Kandia Sarveswaran is a Tamil National Alliance politician serving as a member of the Northern Provincial Council since 2013. He assists the Chief Minister on economic planning and is younger brother to the current Tamil National Alliance president.

Speaker: Shiral Lakthilaka is a lawyer and researcher on conflict resolution. He has served as a United National Party member of the provincial council and consulted in the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs during the peace process. He is currently the Coordinating Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka.

The event is free of charge; however, registration is required. To register, please email Richard Howarth at: rh53@soas.ac.uk.

The public dialogue forms part of the “Learning from Leaders” research project, led by Dr. Phil Clark, Department of Politics and International Studies,SOAS, University of London and is funded by the Fetzer Institute. A previous event in this series on Colombia can be viewed here: http://www.soas.ac.uk/politics/events/17feb2015-public-dialogue-on-peace-and-reconciliation-in-colombia.html .

Further public dialogues in this series will be held on South Africa (date TBA) and Northern Ireland (date TBA).