Two-Day Youth Workshop on Social Cohesion, Climate Change, Peacebuilding & Gender Rights – Puttalam District

A two-day residential youth workshop was conducted to strengthen knowledge, attitudes, and leadership skills in Social Cohesion, Peacebuilding, Gender, Climate Change, and Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights.
The workshop was designed to empower young people as key actors in the peacebuilding process in Sri Lanka by introducing inter-religious, inter-ethnic, and intercultural methods for conflict resolution and social transformation.

Key Goals
Develop youth capacity to actively participate in peacebuilding
Introduce tools for problem-solving and conflict resolution
Promote gender sensitivity and equality
Raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights
Foster respect for ethnic, religious, and social diversity
Encourage youth-driven policy contributions at local and provincial levels

Day 1 – Topics Covered (27th December)
Understanding diversity: ethnic, religious, gender, and social
Tools for problem analysis and solution-building
Key concepts: conflict, violence, and peace
Gender roles and awareness of gender-based violence (GBV)
Sexual and reproductive health rights, led by:
Dr. Stella – Medical Officer of Health, Puttalam
Sister Sharmila – Health and Rights Advocate

Key Themes
Peace through diversity
Gender justice and youth health rights
Youth leadership in conflict-affected zones
Climate and social resilience
Policy advocacy at grassroots level