Samadana/m

Contact Information

  • Where – Sri Lanka (Asia)
  • Website – www.samadana-m.org
  • Contact Person – Dr. Muhammed Muzzammil Cader
  • Email – samadana@sltnet.lk
  • Address – 89, Tekkewatta, Tennekumbura, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Areas of Expertise

Samadana/m has expertise in a range of areas, including:

Main Aims and Objectives

Samadana/m is committed to promoting Non-Violent Conflict Resolution and Conflict Handling (NVCR). The name “Samadana” and “Samadanam” are words in the Sinhala and Tamil languages, respectively, that stand for peace.

Samadana/m’s membership – ‘the Council’ – is made-up volunteers representing different religious, ethnic and social groups, committed to the cause of non-violence. Samadana/m’s programme of work is carried out by volunteers, who have undergone several trainings in NVCR both locally and internationally. Samadana/m is enriched by the experience and expertise of members in their own fields.

Aims and objectives:

  • To expand the pool of skilled facilitators;
  • To serve as a resource centre;
  • To network with other organisations and individuals;
  • To explore and encourage a non-violent way of living;
  • To harmonise traditional methodologies with modern systems for conflict resolution;
  • To create a non-partisan environment where conflict and the reasons for it can be discussed;
  • To empower people to resolve conflict in a self-reliant manner;
  • To facilitate external intervention. where appropriate.

Upholding the Principles of Conflict Transformation

Samadana/m works to achieve a multi-ethnic and peaceful society in which people have the ability, courage and willingness to manage their own conflicts in a non-violent way by providing the necessary knowledge and skills, whilst creating a safe, neutral space for differing parties to discuss their problems. By networking with similar organisations, locally and internationally, Samadana/m facilitates a process for a people’s movement towards achieving this vision.

Against a backdrop of violence and war, NGOs and community groups struggle to seek alternative ways of transforming conflict. The situation in Sri Lanka bears testimony to the need to promote a culture of non-violence. The ethnic war and the youth insurrection have taken a heavy toll on property and human life, leaving thousands displaced and traumatised. Despite its crippling effect on the economy and on human life, violence continues to be met with violence. The repeated breakdown of peace talks means that violence is perceived as a means of achieving peace. Leaders and the community at large, however, remain unconvinced about the liberating and transformational power of non-violence. The surest path to sustainable peace is the path of non-violence. The experience of the ages lays down clear principles and a path of action.

Where and with Whom?

Samadana/m works in all the districts of Sri Lanka, and with all the different ethnic and religious groups. Samadana/m also works with all gender groups and with all ages – from children to the elderly. Samadana/m also covers rural, urban and city areas, and all classes of people.

Samadana/m also work with war- and conflict-affected people of all classes, races, religions and ethnicities.

Main Activities in the Field of Conflict Transformation

Samadana/m engages in a variety of activities in the field of conflict transformation:

  • Training programmes on non-violence conflict resolution (NVCR) for different target groups – with special emphasis on youth, women, people working with children, religious leaders, community leaders, teachers, police and armed forces, Grama Niladaries, Justice of Peace, Citizens Committee Members, NGO’s workers, peace activities etc.;
  • Training workshops on peacebuilding initiatives and developing a culture of peace through non-violence;
  • Discussions on current issues in Sri Lanka and overseas – special attention to situations affecting peace and non-violence, and the role of civil society in applying non-violent actions and building a culture of peace;
  • Workshops at Asian Regional Level on developing and promoting the concept of NVCR;
  • Integration and co-existence projects involving people from different religions, ethnic groups, languages, castes, cultures and other backgrounds and from different countries;
  • Study and action-oriented visits to conflict areas;
  • Peace and Non-Violence projects related to disadvantage and war-affected groups;
  • Resource Centre and materials

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