
- This event has passed.
Creating a Conducive Environment for Religious Amity
March 2, 2022

The presence of religious diversity in the Diocese of Ratnapura is a potent venue for dialogue between and among people. Religious Amity project aims to develop and promote an environment that respects and understands religious and ethnic diversities in order to prevent discrimination towards minorities and to provide new learning on the rich culture and religious diversity of the different communities. It utilizes existing mechanisms such as Interreligious Forums, Self Help Groups, Community Based Organizations and Vigilant Groups to organize activities in order to promote harmony in the community and rights based advocacy necessary for reconciliation. Furthermore, the project aims at promoting awareness among government officials to enable the exercising of their administrative powers to ensure equal opportunities for all religious and ethnic communities to enjoy their religious and cultural rights. A total of 5 Interreligious Forums are created in the following areas: Hemingford, Ratnapura, Yatiyanthota, Moragala & Dehiowita. Sunday Schools were conducted in the target areas mentioned above. As a result of this activity, students learned that human dignity is a teaching common in major religions. Acceptance of the other as brothers and sisters honor them irrespective of ethnicity. The participants also were made aware of the importance of peace and not to discriminate anybody irrespective of religion. They are progressing in this direction.