The impact of aid on peace and conflict transformation in a deeply divided society: Lessons from Sri Lanka

I am here this morning to share with you the impact of aid on peace and conflict transformation in Sri Lanka, which could be described as a deeply divided society. Before I begin my substantive remarks, as this is the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Foundations for Peace Network, I think it is only fitting I remember and pay tribute to Sithie Tiruchelvam, the founder of the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, as well as a founder member, and first Chairperson of the Foundations for Peace Network who passed away 2 yeas ago. Sithie was a visionary because in 1999 when she mooted the idea of establishing an indigenous foundation in Sri Lanka many, including I, didn’t quite understand the specific and special role of a local foundation, given at the time there were numerous bilateral and multilateral donors as well as global foundations, that were supporting human rights and peace-building work – they were the dominant players at the time.

Therefore, it was a bit of mystery to many of us what a very small indigenous foundation, such as the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, with a staff of 7 persons- more than Dalia Foundation’s 4 1⁄2 persons and a bit less than Indonesia for Humanity’s 8 persons- could do in such a context competing with the larger donors. We had many questions- how would you mobilise financial resources? Why on earth would the larger donors wish to use the Trust as an intermediary? It just didn’t make sense at the time. However, we decided to go along with Sithie and what a journey it has been. Sithie was also a believer in the need for the existence of networks such as FFP, and was a strong supporter of the network. We miss her, especially at a gathering such as this one.