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South Asia – a prominent area on the global map – has had a rich cultural past,
founded on the unique Gandhian principal of ahimsa or non-violence.
Unfortunately, today the region has been a witness to long-standing conflicts in
several areas, prominently India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Non-violence has
claimed innocent lives, hampered development and has created a sense of fear and
despair among people. Even as noteworthy initiatives are being carried out to
restore normalcy, the Conference on Peace and Reconciliation presented a novel
approach: it aimed at binding together South Asian perspective and Western
thought. Moreover, it recognized the immense contribution that faith-based
resources can give to this initiative. While addressing issues pertaining to the
role of the media, civil society and governments, the conference also recognized
the power of spirituality in resolving conflicts.
Under the aegis of the International Association for Human Values and leadership
of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the two-day conference began on April 10,
2008 in Oslo. This is the first of a series of such conferences which aim at
conflict management at the local, national and regional levels in the region.
Impressions
Speakers from different countries present their perspectives on peace and conflict resolution at the inaugural session.
(From L to R) European parliament member Ms. Erika Mann; Dr. Jayalath
Jayawardhne, Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka; Rt. Rev. Dr. Maduluvave Sobitha
Nayaka Thero and Rt. Rev. Dr. Brahmanawatte Seevali Nayaka Thero at a session.
 Rt. Rev. Dr. Maduluvave Sobitha Nayaka Thero makes a point at the conference.
 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addresses the conference.
 Mr. Arumugam Thondaman, Minister for Youth Empowerment & Socio-Economic Development, Sri Lanka with His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the conference.
The peace march organised by the Art of Living Foundation in Oslo on April 10 as
a prelude to the conference.
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"It is a humongous task to find harmony among diversity. Often, diversities
remain, or lead into more conflicts and contradictions. It needs such a skill to
turn this into something that supports life rather than destroys life. Conflicts
are bound to come, but we cannot allow them to stagger our progress towards
peace. With patience, and perseverance, we have to move forward. Spiritual
leaders, religious leaders, can play an important role in building trust among
the communities. Through this conference, we appeal to everyone for peace and
restraint, and to spread the voice of non-violence to every corner of the
world."
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
During the course of the conference, a host of subjects on peace building in
South Asia were discussed in detail. Separately, workshops on the Naxal
insurgency problem in India, ethic Tamil strife in Sri Lanka and Burma were also
conducted.
Among the speakers were:
Ambassador Jon Hanssen-Bauer is Ambassador and Special Envoy of the Royal
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Sri Lanka
Mr. Arumugam Thondaman, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio-Economic
Development, Sri Lanka
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General of the Sri Lankan Government's
Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process
Rt. Rev. Dr. Brahmanawatte Seevali Nayaka Thero, Deputy Secretary General, Sri
Lanka Amarapura Mahanikaya
Mr. Harn Yawnghwe, Director of the Euro-Burma Office, Belgium
Mr. Ramvichar Netam, Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, India Prof. Sturla Stalsett,
Oslo Church Mission
Rt. Rev. Dr. Maduluvave Sobitha Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Nagavihara
Kotte, Sri Lanka
Mr. Vaiko, General Secretary of MDMK, India
Over 125 renowned experts, academicians and representatives from peace research
institutes participated
(Read complete conference proceedings at
www.sap2008.org)
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