Project Duration: November 2021 – October 2022 Project Location: Kalutara District, Sri Lanka (Divisional Secretariat Divisions: Bandaragama, Kalutara, Panadura, Beruwala)

Project Description: This project was launched with the goal of fostering religious harmony and minimizing violent extremism within the Kalutara District. Over a one-year period, the project engaged youth from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds across four Divisional Secretariat Divisions. Thirty young men and women were selected from each division, representing all major religious and ethnic communities. Four Regional Youth Inter-Religious Committees were established to lead localized efforts. These 120 youth participants were empowered through a series of capacity-building training workshops focused on: • Preventing violent extremism • Rule of law • Conflict resolution and management • Pluralism • Combating hate speech In collaboration with local Divisional Secretariat Offices, the project facilitated consultations to identify potential local-level conflict triggers and developed intervention activities tailored to each division. To promote the values of religious coexistence and mutual respect, a variety of community-based initiatives were implemented, including: • Cultural exhibitions • Theatre performances promoting peace and tolerance • Community clean-up campaigns at religious sites • Inter-religious dialogue and development programs The initiative successfully engaged religious leaders, government officials, and youth leaders, cultivating a strong spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. As a result, the project contributed to the formation of a youth cohort in Kalutara that values diversity, understands intercultural dialogue, and is committed to peacebuilding in their communities.