The Nonviolent Peaceforce began work in Sri Lanka toward the end of 2003. One of the first offices Nonviolent Peaceforce Sri Lanka (NPSL) set up was in Valaichchenai. From this office, NPSL works in the northern part of the Batticaloa District. For many years the NPSL Valaichchenai (Vala) team has been providing international presence and accompaniment to increase Sri Lankans safety and security in the area. At the same time, the team has worked to support local organizations and individuals build confidence, connections, skills, and networks as they work to address the safety, security and human rights needs in their communities.
The following photo essay narrates the emergence of a strong network which has been active ever since in the area. The Vala team has encouraged and facilitated local community based organisations and religious organizations in the north of the Batticaloa district, to form a multi-ethnic network that can coordinate to improve the lives of all in their area and to prevent and decrease violence.
Originally called the Community Information Network (CIN) it is now known as Organisations Council for Peace and Co-existence. In recent months, CIN/OCPC has played an important role in speaking for their communities and preventing violence.
The following photos share moments from their initial meetings.
The first two meetings took place at the NPSL Valaichchenai office. The next two took place in communities of the member organizations. In some cases this was the first time in many years that Muslims were in Tamil areas and Tamils in Muslim areas. (Initials such as PWF refer to member organisations, which are listed below.)
14 February, 2008 Waiting for first OCPC / CIN meeting participants. Earl Barthelot (SL), Daniel Horgan(USA) (back row) Cassim Mahusoor(SL) and Gabriella Chiani(Italy) (front row)
During the group work - NP staff explaining the ideas
Participants conclude the OCPC meeting with a meal together
28 February, 2008. SSCS Director is giving speech on coexistence in the second OCPC / CIN meeting
PWF director briefing about the network building game
During the second OCPC / CIN meeting CBOs (Community-Based Organisations)
organized a game on networking for male and female participants
27 March, 2008. Third Organizations’ Council for Peace & Coexistence (OCPC)/Community Information Network (CIN) Meeting at KPNDU with 16 CBO’s from Kalkudha Electorate in Vakarai (North of Valaichchenai), organized and Facilitated by NP Valaichchenai.
Left to Right: Society Development Org. (SDO), Samuthra Senior Citizen Society (SSCS), Lord Sri Lanka (LSL), Independent Social Service Association (ISSA), Peace and Education Association (PEA), Women Rural Development Society (WRDS), Survivors Associated (SA), Eastern Selflion Community Awakening Org. (ESCO), Peace and Action Association (PAA), People Welfare Association (PWA), Human Vision (HV), Korelai Pattu North Development Union (KPNDU), Rural Development Society (RDS), Peace and Social Development Org. (PSDO), Social Culture Affair Front (SCAF), SIM Sri Lanka (SSL)
After the OCPC/CIN meeting just before lunch
Visiting KPNDU’s home gardening after the meeting in Kathirevali (North of Valaichchenai)
During the tea break a Muslim boy shakes hand with a Tamil boy
Some of the Local Actors (CBOs) in front of the bus which brought them to the meeting
At an OCPC/CIN event SDO president gives background information of his organization and coexistence of multi ethnic communities
During the 4th OCPC / CIN event SSCS director addressing on importance of better communication among the communities
Sri Lanka Women Walking
Most photos in this story were taken by NPSL Valachchenai staff.