YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN PEACE BUILDING: A STUDY BASED ON KUCHCHAWELI DIVISION UNDER THE TRINCOMALEE DIVISIONAL SECRETARY

Abstract

Peace building is a long-term process. Today's society is plagued by sectarianism, violence, discrimination, economic inequality, etc. The participation of youth is an important one in the process of peace building. Based on that, the research examines the participation of youth in building peace in the Kuchchaweli division under the Trincomalee divisional secretary. Conflicts and violence based on ethnic discrimination can be observed in most countries of the world. Sri Lanka is a good example of diversity and ethnic conflict in South Asia. Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim ethnic groups are living in our country along with some ethnic groups. Throughout Sri Lanka's history, inter-ethnic conflicts and violence have continued. Such issues have created divisions among multiracial communities. The Sri Lankan government has created many organizations to establish ethnic unity nationally and regionally and is carrying out many projects through them. However, it is an obvious fact that complete ethnic unity could not be established among the people of Sri Lanka. In this study, the focus is on the peace building activities among the multi-ethnic people of the Kuchaveli division of Trincomalee district and the contribution of the youth for it. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the way ethnic harmony is seen among the people of the region and the activities carried out by the multiracial communities and the challenges they may face during it. Has harmony been built through the integration of youth activities? This research is based on qualitative research constituting observation, interview, and direct discussions to collect data from 50 youth representing different villages that were randomly selected from the Kuchchaweli division in Trincomalee. To understand the role of youth in peace building, it is necessary to identify the perspectives, activities, and challenges of youth. Cultural superiority, casteism, and religious orientations among rural youth also have a great impact on rural youth in peace building.