The Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the British Council in partnership with The Asia Foundation, concluded its five-year journey with the SEDR End-of-Project Symposium at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo recently.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the justice sector, civil society, academia, and development partners to reflect on the project’s impact, share lessons of good practice and strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) networks in Sri Lanka.
Secretary, Ministry of Justice and National Integration, President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena addressing the gathering at the SEDR Symposium
Head of Cooperation at the EU Dr. Johann Hesse addressing the gathering at the Symposium
Over the past five years, SEDR has supported and strengthened the work of more than 8,500 volunteer mediators, who together have helped to resolve over a quarter of a million disputes annually across Sri Lanka. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Local Government authorities, and civil society organisations, SEDR has trained mediators, introduced innovative arts-based approaches to dispute resolution, and provided communities with practical tools to resolve conflicts amicably.
SEDR has also been at the forefront of institutionalising peaceful dispute resolution among younger generations. The project has equipped over 280 educators and more than 1,700 school students with conflict resolution and mediation skills through the School Mediation Program – laying the foundation for a culture of peaceful dialogue from an early age.
The symposium featured panel discussions, storytelling, and interactive sessions on the role of mediation in Sri Lanka’s justice system, challenges in land dispute resolution, and the power of creative expression in promoting dialogue. One of the highlights was the launch of the SEDR Legacy Booklet, showcasing 12 individual stories of how ADR approaches have transformed lives and communities.
Secretary, Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinasena PC said, “Over the past five years, the SEDR project has significantly strengthened the national mediation program and expanded access to justice at the community level. By supporting the capacity of mediators and introducing innovative tools such as school mediation and dispute intake boxes, SEDR has played a key role in embedding a culture of peaceful dialogue and dispute resolution in Sri Lanka.”
British Council Sri Lanka Country Director Orlando Edwards said,
“The British Council is proud to have led this initiative, working alongside dedicated mediators, and community leaders. The SEDR project has not only built capacity but has also fostered meaningful partnerships that will continue to shape Sri Lanka’s dispute resolution landscape in the years to come.”
