At the beginning of 2024, emerging researchers were selected through an open call by the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) for the Young Researchers’ Programme, implemented by CEPA, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Barometer (SLB). The aim of the programme was to create a platform for young researchers working on social cohesion, to foster and hone research skills, expand networks that increase opportunity for career growth.

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Selected researchers were paired with mentors who supervised them and provided guidance on how to produce research, including Prof Gameela Samarasinghe, Prof Siri Hettige, Dr Kamalika Jayatilaka, Dr Muthukrishna Sarvanathan, Dr Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Mr Amar Gunatillake, Ms Shyamali Ranaraja, and Mr Selvaraj Rajasegar. CEPA also conducted workshops on research methodology as a way of building skills and capacity with the help of SLB partners; the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) and Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace (SCOPE). After a demanding period of six to seven months, the young researchers submitted their work for an intensive process of editing by Dr. Sasanka Perera and Dr. Natasha Palansuriya.

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The Final Milestone

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The Research Findings Forum held on 20 March 2025 marked the final milestone in the programme where the three papers selected were published. Three young researchers who completed the editing phase, Ms. Uvini Panditha, Ms. Nilupuli Nayanathara and Ms. Upeka Indeevari,  presented their findings, and the discussants provided their insights on how the young researchers’ work adds to the discourse on social cohesion and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, in the broad thematic areas of dealing with the past, accountable governance, and equality of opportunity. The event brought together policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and members of the public to engage in meaningful discussions on these pressing issues and the actionable insights provided by the young researchers. The findings sharing session was moderated by Ms. Karin Fernando, Senior Research Professional and thematic leader of Natural Resources, Climate and Poverty at CEPA. The following are key findings presented by each researcher and comments by their discussant.

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Religious Influence on Freedom of Expression: Disparate Responses to Criticism and Hate Speech – by Uvini Panditha

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Religious influence in Sri Lanka plays a significant role in shaping the boundaries of freedom of expression, often creating tensions between cultural sensitivity and individual rights. As a multi-religious country—primarily Buddhist, with significant Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities—expressions perceived as offensive to religious beliefs can provoke strong public reactions and legal consequences.

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Several cases in Sri Lanka highlight how laws intended to protect religious harmony can be used to suppress dissenting voices, raising concerns about the balance between safeguarding religious sentiments and upholding freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

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Ms. Panditha highlights several of these cases and argued that there are significant disparities in how religious expression is treated in Sri Lanka, particularly with the selective enforcement of law. Her research highlighted the undue power of majority religious leaders, and the unequal enforcement of laws based on religious identity. She noted that this is a structural issue where legal, political and religious influences reinforce monastic exceptionalism and legal double standards, and that addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in how religious and political power operate in Sri Lanka. The discussant, Dr. Gehan Gunatillake, noted that her paper was well written and offered constructive feedback on many aspects of her work including the methodology and structure of the paper and suggested that she look at case law to substantiate her points further.

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A Study on the Impact of Generational Trauma on the Youth of Sri Lanka, With Special Reference to Critical Moments in The History – by Nilupuli Nayanathara

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Within the post-conflict setting in Sri Lanka, many young people, especially in war-affected northern and eastern regions, grow up in households where trauma is inherited through stories, silence, or behavioral patterns of older generations. This legacy can manifest in chronic anxiety, identity struggles, reduced civic engagement, and difficulty envisioning a peaceful future. Despite post-war reconciliation efforts, unresolved grievances and lack of inclusive narratives in education and media continue to hinder healing, leaving youth to navigate the emotional and societal aftershocks of a nation still grappling with its past.

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Ms. Nayanathara’s study revealed important key findings such as strained relationships within families and among ethnic groups, feelings of vulnerability and fear, especially in relation to family safety, youth struggle to build trust and form meaningful bonds, prevalence of psychological distress (hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, insomnia, and hopelessness), mistrust toward politicians and political institutions and sense of dual or divided identities. Dr. Umaharan Thamotharampillai praised her for taking on a sensitive and difficult topic and said that the paper was well organised and offered many critical insights on trauma.

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Educational and Linguistic Barriers Faced by Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) Community in Raigamwatta – by Upeka Indeevari

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The Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Raigamwatta, Sri Lanka, faces significant educational and linguistic barriers that impede their social mobility and integration. Historically marginalised, this community's educational challenges are compounded by systemic neglect and language disparities.

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A few of the key findings brought out in Ms. Indeevari’s presentation were that there exists a  lack of qualified and experienced teachers in Raigamwatta where Indian Origin Tamil community resides; there is lack of support from the Estate Authority and inadequate school facilities and resources and a lack of interest to pursue higher education. Moreover, the younger generation of IOTs prioritise employment over education or professional training due to the need to earn a quick income, motivated by being stuck in a cycle of generational poverty.

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Discussant, Mr. Balachandran Gowthaman, was appreciative of Indeevari’s efforts and said that the study added to the increased attention towards this community over the last few years. He highlighted that these micro level studies are essential to find solutions to the issues faced by this community and to formulate policies. He encouraged looking into the ownership structure of estates and to analyse historical incidents that shaped the experiences of this community. He also suggested shedding light on the reasons as to why suggested recommendations do not manifest in concrete changes to the community and suggested that affirmative action should be put in place for the community’s progression.

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The audience also engaged in a lively discussion after each of the presentations.

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Conclusion

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The study of issues related to social cohesion and reconciliation in Sri Lanka are too few and far between, the YRP aimed to bridge this gap. The Sri Lanka Barometer looks forward to collaborating with these young researchers further, in pursuit of an increased enthusiasm for and understanding of related research areas.

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Access the full working papers at: www.srilankabarometer.lk/publications

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The authors of this blog, Kalara Perera, Nadia Ismail, Shaneendra Amarasekara, and Chathuri Jayawardena, are research professionals at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA). Their research interests range across diverse issues related to social cohesion and reconciliation. They have worked closely with the young researchers of the Young Researchers’ Programme of the Sri Lanka Barometer.

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