Bridging Ethnic Divides Through Creative Writing
Write to Reconcile announces the launch of the Write to Reconcile Anthology 2

Write to Reconcile is a creative writing project that brought together 24 Sri Lankan and diasporic writers who re-told stories woven around people from different walks of life, during and after the thirty-year period of bloodshed. Launched in 2012, the venture aimed at creating a platform for young writers to voice their perspective on the bleak period of time in the island’s history, through creative story telling. Embarking on yet another rewarding journey of bridging ethnic divides through pen and paper, “Write to Reconcile Anthology 2” was launched on the 3rd of March 2015 at the BMICH.

Over the course of an 8-day creative writing workshop held in Kandy and Batticaloa in March 2014, the participants learned the tools and techniques of creative writing and editing. In addition to this, the participants met local human rights workers, visited communities affected by the war and went on a cultural tour of Kandy with the aim of broadening their thinking horizons and exposing them to the rich cultural diversity of Sri Lanka. Following the workshops, participants submitted creative work that was scrutinized over the course of two online forums. Following the forums, the writers worked with Shyam Selvadurai, the Project Director, to prepare one piece for publication. The result of the many months of hard work is now in black and white as the ‘Write to Reconcile Anthology 2’.

Speaking of the anthology, Shyam Selvadurai said, “In this, our second year of the project, I feel we have been able to capture some of the experiences that were missing in the first anthology, particularly that of the soldiers in the government forces and the way the war played out in the Eastern Province. The work of the participants, published in this anthology, is brave and brilliant.”

Speaking of the purpose of the anthology, Dr. Jehan Perera, the Executive Director of the National Peace Council, under whose auspices Write to Reconcile is carried out, said, “Five years after the end of the war there remain strong misgivings on all sides… We are happy to support Shyam and facilitate his efforts to bring more empathy for our fellow citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds…”

Write to Reconcile is sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the American Center. Speaking of their support of the project, Ambassador Grete Løchen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy said, “Each individual and community has their own narratives about their past and their present. Hearing the narrative of the other can help build trust among communities and people. Trust is the glue that holds people together and it is trust that will pave the way to reconciliation. We are proud to support this project which connects people and cultures through the art of storytelling.”

Speaking on the resonating aspect of the stories, Nicole Chulick, Director, American Center said, “When people make emotional connections that transcend perceived differences; that, inspires reconciliation. The young authors involved in this project have made those connections. Now, the readers will open their hearts and minds to the characters in these stories; they will dream their dreams, consider their perspectives, and find the humanity and empathy that create lasting peace and unity. The U.S. Embassy is proud of the Write to Reconcile team and their contribution to the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka through creative writing.”

Two thousand copies of the Anthology are to be sent to selected schools and libraries around the country while the e-book is available for free downloading at http://www.writetoreconcile.com as of March 1st 2015.

By Sapthika Jacob