Creating Peace in Sri Lanka: Civil War and Reconciliation

(Hardback)

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Sri Lanka has been torn apart by a vicious civil war. The majority Sinhala and minority Tamils have killed each other with increasing ferocity. What will bring about an end to this destructive conflict, and how will the island nation heal its physical and psychic wounds following a peace How will a sustainable peace be arranged Can mediation help This book of essays by Sri Lankan and Western authors examines the causes of war and the possibilities for peace. The contributors include Chandra R. de Silva, Saman Kelegama, David Little, David Scott, Donald R. Snodgrass and Jayadeva Uyangoda.

Reviews

"This study is yet another valubale addition to Robert Rotberg's exellent collection of books on conflict and its prevention.... This book is essential reading for those interested in understanding the incentives and disincentives of the two major ethnic groups and myriad intra-Sinhalese and intra-Tamil antagonists.
" Book Notes

"Robert Rotberg has done an excellent job in putting this book together.... The volume gives us stimulating reflections on the Sri Lanka conflict in particular, and on conflict and its resolution in general." Nicholas Van Hear, Center for Development Research, Copenhagen, Journal of Refugee Studies, 9/1/2000

"These papers constitute an innovative contribution to the literature on the ethnic conflict in Sri lanka that has been draining the island's material, emotional, and moral resources for over fifteen years. While the different papers deal with the socio-economic, ethico-religious, and related aspects of the conflict, the work as a whole is distinctive in its orientation toward a solution. Thus, while the gloom the volume projects is inescapable, so is the ray of hope. Particularly commendable is the volume's attempt to bring together a diverse group of both Sri Lankan and foreign specialists, all of whom write with authority and brilliance." H.L. Seneviratne, University of Virginia

Author Bio

Robert I. Rotberg is director of the Program on Intrastate Conflict, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, and president of the World Peace Foundation. Rotberg is the author or editor of numerous books, including State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of Terror (Brookings/WPF, 2003).