The National Peace Council (NPC)

A half day training program was conducted on 14th August, in  Matara for a selected group of Sunday school teachers - representing all four main religions - Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.  The training was on humanitarian principles and values taught in all religions.  The main objectives of the training were to increase the knowledge of Sunday school teachers regarding the importance of moral values that each religious doctrine conveys about pluralistic thinking and to. Also, they are expected to endeavor to 'model' and demonstrate the values in interaction with religious teachers of other religions.

Composition of Participants 
The workshop was conducted at the Sarvodaya Center and included 19 participants, ( Buddhist -7, Hinsdu -2, Christian-5 and Islam-6 ) as well as four resource persons.  There were 9 female and 10 male participants.

Resource persons
Matara, Kottegoda Sudharshana Bimbha Raja Maha Viharadipathi (Chief Incumbant) Ven. Godellawela Rathanananda,  Rev.Far. G.S.K Hearth and  Rev.Bro. Leo Fernando,  Hindu school teacher Suresh Kumara, Muslim moulavi Ahamed and  Ex. Deputy Director,  Education M.C.Mohemed

The program commenced giving an insight into the purpose of the training, and a brief introduction regarding the concept of pluralism. Then the clergy representing all four religions explained the teachings in each religion compatible with the modern concept of pluralism, the moral values that each religious doctrine conveys, specifically that of equality, respect for the existence of religious and human diversity and the value of human life. Each speech was followed by an open discussion, in which the teachers were free to question the priests and ask for more details about topics they had addressed.  The nature and number of questions indicated a genuine interest and increased understanding amongst the teachers of different religions.

Similar programs have been conducted for the Sunday school teachers in Galle and Rathnapura districts during the past two months(on 31st July and 9th October respectively), and the Kandy program has been scheduled to conduct in November.

The program in the Galle district was held at Thelwatte Thotagamuwa Ranpath Rajamaha Vihara with the participation of 38 Sunday school teachers, comprising 20 Buddhist, 18 Islam and 2 Hindu Sunday school teachers; 7 males and 21 females. Resource persons to this training were - A Buddhist priest Rev. Akurala Manjulatissa, Hindu  Kurukkal and a Female Moulavi Faria Mazeeha,

In Rathnapura the training was held  at Siri Visuddharama Pirivena, Muwagama.  Thirty Seven Sunday school teachers(18 Buddhist, 6 Hindus, 8 Christian and 5 Islamic) attended the training.  Rev. Panamure Pangnaloka, the principal of Siri Visuddharama Daham Pasala, Muwagama, Kurukkal Perumal Sivayogam Sherma, Sri Badrakali Devalaya, Rev. Far. Joel Perera, Assemblay of God, Hidellana, Mavulavi Mohamed Nilamdeed, Jumma Mosque, Kudugalawatte

Outcome
Teachers as well as the resource persons in the three districts the program conducted voiced strong approval for this type of awareness raising program, and consequently requested more such programs in the future.  Theses program provided an ideal opportunity for religious teachers as well as resource persons of different faiths living side-by-side to come together and to initiate relations and dialogue among themselves. Once the teachers go back teach the pupils in Sunday schools.

 

In Rathnapura teachers and the resource persons came up with several suggestions as follow up to this program., i.e; To organize a cultural program bringing children from different religions and cultures; to publish a book in Sinhala and Tamil languages containing the humanitarian values that each religion teach which promote pluralism; and to organize a cultural and study tour to North and East provinces.

Discussion session going on. .	The Christian priest is explaining how Christian teachings foster pluralistic principals