USAID workshop on ethnic conflict held in Trinco

[TamilNet, Friday, 09 July 2004, 01:19 GMT]
USAID sponsored two-day workshop organized by the Trincomalee Social Development and Research Organization (SDRO) on Ethnic Conflict and its related issues concluded Thursday at Trincomalee New Silver Star Hotel. Representatives of about thirty non-governmental organizations in the east port town participated in the workshop, SDRO sources said.

Ms Brenda Barret inaugurating the workshop

The chief guest Ms Brenda Barret, USAID Programme Manager in Trincomalee district, inaugurated the workshop by lighting the traditional oil lamp followed by special guests, Attorney-at-Law Mr.K.Sivapalan, President of Eastern Rehabilitation Organization (ERO), and Mr.S.Lukshmanan, President of Trincomalee District Development Association (TDDA).

Ms Brenda Barret in her speech said non-governmental organizations should create awareness among their members the urgent need of taking forward the current peace process. She said the US government would continue its support to the peace efforts in Sri Lanka.

TDDA President Mr.Luxmanan speaking

Mr.Lukshmanan said the success of the peace effort is in the hands of the civil society. The NGOs have a responsibility to create awareness among the members of the civil society the urgent need of safeguarding the peace efforts from being derailed.

Mr.S.A.Jothilingam was the resource person of the workshop.

The discussion in the workshop centred on several topics, which included the dimension of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, Understanding of the conflict, constitutional reform and the right of minority communities, sources said.

Mr.A.Jatheenthira, President, SDRO made the welcome address on the first day and Mr.S.Kamalakanthan, Secretary of the SDRO proposed vote of thanks on the concluding day, sources said.




Special Guest Attorney-at-Law and Human Right Activist Mr.K.Sivapalan