The Peace Academy

The Peace Academy brought together participants from eight Sri Lankan districts, promoting reconciliation and non-violent conflict transformation through interactive training on topics such as the civil war's history, human rights, and climate change. The workshop series was organized by the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO), a membership-based non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering communities to secure their rights.

The workshop targeted youth, women, and men from diverse backgrounds in eight districts: Galle, Matara, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Ampara, and Batticaloa.

A participant from Galle shared her experience: activities like the Human Knot game encouraged teamwork and problem-solving, expert-led sessions simplified complex topics such as capitalism and extremism, and group discussions explored historical events. Despite the challenge of integrating diverse communities, the program fostered lasting friendships and proved instrumental in promoting harmony and understanding.

Meanwhile, a participant from Jaffna praised NAFSO’s unique approach, noting their commitment to inclusivity and addressing language diversity. He highlighted the workshop's role in equipping young people with essential knowledge and skills.