Sri Lanka has been grappling with conflict, violence, and economic crisis for a long time. The country was embroiled in a 26-year protracted ethnic conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government. In 2019, the country was hit by a series of bombings that resulted in severe racial tensions. Adding to the already existing woes, the COVID-19 pandemic and incompetent leadership has brought about serious economic hardships for the people. However, social workers can help in promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation in such challenging times. 

Social workers are known for their empathy and commitment to promoting social justice, equality, and human rights. In a post-conflict setting like Sri Lanka, social workers can play a significant role in promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation among different communities. However, in a time of severe economic crisis, social workers need to adopt a strategic approach to their work. 

The first step for social workers is to understand the complex nature of the conflict in Sri Lanka. The ethnic conflict was rooted in the discrimination faced by the Tamil minority in the country, which led to the demand for a separate state. The conflict resulted in the loss of lives, displacement, and trauma for all communities. Social workers need to recognize the impact of the conflict on individuals and communities and be sensitive to their needs. 

The second step is to identify the root causes of the conflict and work towards addressing them. Discrimination, inequality, and lack of opportunities were some of the key factors leading to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Social workers can work towards promoting social justice, equality, and human rights by addressing these root causes. This can be achieved by working with communities, advocating for policy change, and empowering individuals and groups to take action. 

The third step is to promote intergroup contact and dialogue. One of the main reasons for the conflict in Sri Lanka was the lack of communication and understanding between different communities. Social workers can facilitate intergroup contact and dialogue by creating safe spaces for people to come together, share their experiences and perspectives, and build relationships based on trust and respect. Interfaith gatherings and events promoting interfaith harmony are paramount, especially in the process of negating any ill-will that extremists may attempt to perpetuate. This can help in reducing stereotypes and prejudices, and promote empathy and understanding. 

The fourth step is to promote economic empowerment and development. The severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on the lives of people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized communities. Social workers can work towards promoting economic empowerment and development by providing training, support, and resources to individuals and communities to improve their economic well-being. This can include skill-building, entrepreneurship, generating employment opportunities, and providing financial support. 

The fifth step is to promote mental health and well-being. The conflict in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Social workers can work towards promoting mental health and well-being by providing counseling, support, and resources to individuals and communities affected by the conflict. This can help in reducing trauma, stress, and anxiety, and promote resilience and healing. 

The sixth step is to advocate for policy change and social justice. Social workers can play a crucial role in advocating for policy change and social justice by engaging with policymakers, advocating for human rights and social justice, and promoting community-based approaches to development and peacebuilding. It is often a challenge to confront with the aspirations of the ruling elite. The rulers are often empowered with a stronger voice, reinforced security and greater authority over law enforcement authorities. However, social workers ought to recognize that the source of such power is their connection to the grassroots. It is therefore imperative for social workers to work towards advocacy and awareness of important matters to secure the interest of the grassroots. This can help in creating an enabling environment for social change and promoting sustainable development. 

In conclusion, social workers can play a vital role in promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation in Sri Lanka even in a time of severe economic crisis. They can do so by understanding the complex nature of the conflict, identifying the root causes, promoting intergroup contact and dialogue, uplifting mental health and well-being, promoting economic empowerment and development, and advocating for policy change and social justice. By doing so, social workers can help Sri Lanka heal from its wounds and create a better future for its people. 

This article was written by Faizer Shahied; who serves as volunteer and advisor to the SL Reconciliation Movement