Index of Seminar Papers

Session 1: Causes of the Conflict & Factors leading to Ceasefire

The three basic insights in Conflict Transformation practice and theory are - address the root causes of conflict; do not indulge in the hierarchy of assigning blame on each other as to who did what to whom and acknowledge that in an asymmetric conflict, the recognition of the past is crucial for moving forward. It is also crucial to understand the factors leading to CFA and evaluate if they are still valid. 

Session 2: Analysis of CFA & its Implementation

This being the focal point of Geneva talks in February 2006 and its follow-up, it is essential now more than ever before. Has there been a change in the balance of power since 2001? (If it is no longer valid, then, what are the factors that may create equality?)

Session 3: Tsunami Disaster Response - Politics of Aid – SIHRN- PTOMs

The basic assumption of the peace process in 2002/2003 was that the “politics of normalization” can build a bridge between the CFA and the core political issues. This however, has completely failed to take place, even in the case of the Tsunami response. 

Session 4: Dynamics of the Peace Process

One of the basic insights in the assessment of peace efforts in Sri Lanka has been the policy of “ethnic outbidding and out-maneuvering” used on the southern polity. Right now, there is a realignment of ethno-nationalistic forces. These in turn, have an impact on the dynamics within the Tamil and Muslim polity. Hence, to make progress, these internal dynamics and reinforcing tendencies, need to be addressed.

Session 5: Process Analysis of the Peace Process

Beyond internal dynamics, the other key factor would be the lack of interaction between the parties; the relationship between the GoSL and the LTTE 

Session 6: Strategies of the Parties in the Peace Process - Net impact for the people

Two main topics were highlighted in this session: The factors that led to the lack of a tangible peace dividend for the people and the broader strategies pursued by the negotiating parties to maximize their BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement) 

Session 7: International Frame - Norway as facilitator -
Regional factors - Concept of Co-chairs - Politics of Sanctions and Incentives

The ‘international’ component of the peace process is of significant importance, especially given the discourse that the peace process is being ‘over-internationalized’. With the creation of an “international safety net”, the international community is perceived to be another stakeholder to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the international component encompasses the involvement of Norway as the facilitator, the role of the co-chairs, the regional factors and the ensuing politics of sanctions and incentives.  

Session 8: Re-envisioning Sri Lanka - Lessons-learned & Challenges and Opportunities

The Seminar  examined the lessons learned and explored the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Among the matters discussed was the question whether a resolution of the conflict may be secured by 

a. an unitary constitution with extensive devolution; or
b. a federal constitution with a thick framework of power sharing; or
c. a confederation of states; or
d. an association of states on the lines of the European Union 

The Seminar recognized the historical nature of the Ceasefire Agreement concluded between Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in February 2002 and the international recognition accorded to the Ceasefire Agreement.  The Seminar was mindful that legal frameworks directed to resolve the conflict will need to accord with the political reality on the ground and take into account the national identities of the peoples in the island, their aspirations as peoples and more importantly their fears and concerns.