STUDENTS VISIT WAR-TORN REGION

Dr Nick Lewer, of the Department of Peace Studies, recently took a group of MA students to witness the turmoil and conflict caused by Sri Lanka's 18-year-old civil war.

Left: An elephant orphanage near Kandy

Norwegian brokered peace negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who are fighting for an independent homeland, Tamil Eelam, broke down earlier this year.

The students spent time in the field with International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); CARE International, Oxfam and FORUT - and Sri Lankan NGOs; Thirupthiya, Kalmunai Peace Foundation, and the Value Education Home.

The study trip explored the interplay between theoretical aspects of the MA course with the operational reality of NGOs working in conflict areas. The field trips involved visits all over the island including Trincomalee, Puttalam, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Kandy, the Central Highlands, and Ampara.

An Oxfam vehicle in Eastern Sri Lanka

The second half of the trip was spent in Colombo meeting with individuals and organisations, including academics, peace activists, human rights groups, UN agencies and governmental institutions.

MA student Ilze Rassa said: "We were able to see the reality of life for the local people living in an overt conflict and war area, where there are severe restrictions of movement with many military checkpoints."

Next >

N&V home | N&V October home | Welcome | Contents | Events | Comments | Corp Comms Home | Uni Home