Joint programs on reconciliation by ONUR and Civil Society Organisations to commence soon

Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) were signed recently between the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) and 22 selected Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to expand the reach of grass root level national unity and reconciliation related projects island-wide.

This initiative has been welcomed by various stakeholders given that a Government institution has partnered with multiple Civil Society Organisations selected. The Conflict Transformation programs to be implemented through these organisations will focus on capacity building and community empowerment at Divisional and Village level through standard Government procedures and to be supported by ONUR. 

The partnerships will expedite the expansion of “Heal the Past – Build the Future” program in 17 districts including Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Ampara, Mannar, Galle, Kalutara, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Matara, Monaragala, Nuwara-Eliya, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya. 

The “Heal the Past – Build the Future” program intends to implement several activities including the development of cooperation and coordination between government officials and civil society representatives at District level through the creation of a networked resource pool. Community level awareness programs on the importance of reconciliation are being formulated to support follow up local-level peace-building initiatives from the community (identified as ‘seed activities’) through Divisional Secretariats in a sustainable manner.

ONUR Director General M.S. Jayasinghe and representatives from the selected Civil Society Organisations participated at the MoU signing event.