The Role of Structured Education in Promoting Social Harmony in Sri Lanka
by Sathishna Kavishmi
Sri Lanka is a country with a diverse foundation, based on linguistic, religious, and relational aspects, and has long faced challenges in maintaining social harmony. Social harmony refers to the strength of connections and a sense of cooperation among members of a community, where peaceful coexistence is possible if the rights of different groups are respected. In this context, structured education plays a vital role in promoting values and ensuring national unity and social harmony.
One of the primary functions of structured education is to connect individuals with knowledge and skills, but its scope goes beyond academic learning. Education is a powerful tool for promoting social justice by providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, race, or religion. By creating a level playing field, education fosters inclusion and understanding among different social groups, thus enhancing social cohesion (UNESCO, 2021).
The UNESCO report emphasizes that quality and equitable education systems contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies (UNESCO, 2021). In Sri Lanka, where communities are often divided along racial and religious lines, schools can serve as spaces where students from diverse backgrounds come together, helping to break down prejudices and foster unity. Through subjects that focus on civic education, history, human rights, and social justice, students can learn the importance of tolerance, respect, and equality (Hettige, 2019).
Structured education in Sri Lanka contributes to social cohesion by promoting unity between ethnic and religious groups. The introduction of bilingual education and a curriculum that includes social studies, ethics, and civic education helps to increase understanding among Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and other communities (Perera, 2020). By learning about each other’s languages, cultures, and histories, students develop a sense of empathy and shared identity, reducing the likelihood of conflict (Hettige, 2019).
Sri Lanka’s education system has made efforts to use schools as foundational institutions for peace, especially in post-conflict areas. Unified schools, where students from different ethnic groups learn together, have shown to foster trust and understanding, as indicated by research on the subject. These schools play a key role in shaping future generations to value diversity and peace (Samaratunga, 2021).
Peace education programs introduced in schools aim to teach students conflict resolution skills, the importance of dialogue, and respect for diverse cultures (Perera, 2020).
Peace education is another crucial component in promoting social harmony. After decades of civil conflict, Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of educating younger generations about the value of peace and reconciliation (Samaratunga, 2021).
Through extracurricular activities like peace camps and inter-ethnic student exchanges, schools can actively involve students in reconciliation processes, giving them the opportunity to promote social cohesion in real-life situations (Samaratunga, 2021).
By incorporating interfaith religious studies within the curriculum, schools can enhance understanding by encouraging students to learn about and appreciate the beliefs and practices of other religions. This promotes mutual respect and reduces misconceptions that could fuel conflict (UNESCO, 2021). Furthermore, national policies supporting inclusive education, where students from different religious and ethnic backgrounds learn together, help reinforce the idea that diverse groups can peacefully coexist (Perera, 2020).
Sri Lanka is home to a rich mix of religious communities, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. While religious diversity is a source of cultural richness, it has also been a root cause of social conflicts in the past. Education plays a pivotal role in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, helping to build bridges between different communities (Perera, 2020).
Education must also provide solutions to the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities, including those affected by poverty, displacement, or post-conflict trauma. By offering targeted support through mental health counseling, vocational training, and inclusive policies, structured education can ensure that these groups are not left behind in the nation-building process (Perera, 2020).
Looking towards the future, the role of structured education remains critical in fostering social harmony. By promoting equality, unity, peace, and reconciliation, the education system can shape a generation committed to valuing diversity and building a peaceful and united nation.
references
- UNESCO Report on Education (2021)
- Hettihewa, S. (2019). Education and Social Cohesion in Sri Lanka. Colombo: Policy Studies Institute.
- Perera, M. (2020). Bilingual Education and National Unity in Sri Lanka. Social Studies Journal, 24(3), 45-61.
- Samaratunga, G. (2021). Post-Conflict Education and Peacebuilding: Sri Lankan Perspectives. Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(2), 33-50.
- UNESCO. (2021). The Role of Education in Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies: Global Report on Education for Social Cohesion. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
