The International Peace Conference in session, Colombo — delegates in full ceremonial dress
Project 05 · Peace & Conflict

International Peace Conference

Location
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date
18 September 2018
In partnership with
Centre for Peace Studies
The Project
International Peace Conference event banner, Colombo 2018

A project carried out to promote and support the role of people in peace-building activities — and to help them live together in dignity and dialogue.

The Centre for Peace Studies has been at the forefront of developing new ideas about conflict resolution, mediation, peacekeeping, human security and peacebuilding. It has earned an international reputation for the practical application of these ideas in war zones and communities driven by conflict — working alongside opposing parties, government agencies, NGOs, regional and international organisations, and the civilian communities caught up in these conflicts.

An independent, non-violent, non-profit organisation — committed to peace and justice, and to social change pursued without violence.

The mission of the Centre for Peace StudiesKalmunai, Sri Lanka — established 2004

2004
Founded in Kalmunai
10
Major areas of peace work
17
Countries reached
2018
Peace Conference, Colombo

A vision for peace education.

To strengthen peace education, prevent violence, and foster a climate of tolerance and security — promoting mutual understanding alongside non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.

01

Conflict resolution & mediation

New approaches to conflict resolution, mediation and peacekeeping, applied in war zones and divided communities.

02

Human security & rights

Protecting the dignity, safety and rights of civilians caught up in conflict.

03

Interfaith dialogue & reconciliation

Building tolerance, mutual understanding and reconciliation across communities living together.

The setting

Convened in Sri Lanka

Delegates from seventeen nations gathered in Colombo — the island's coastal capital, and the gateway to its highland railways and ancient citadels.

The Colombo skyline at dusk, with the Lotus Tower rising above the city
Colombo at dusk
Beira Lake and the Colombo skyline at blue hour
Beira Lake, Colombo
A train crossing the Nine Arches Bridge through misted hill country near Ella
Nine Arches Bridge, Ella
Aerial view of the Sigiriya rock fortress and its gardens
Sigiriya, Central Province

From the conference · Colombo, September 2018

The International Peace Conference in session, Colombo — delegates in full ceremonial dress
Delegates in session at the conference
The conference panel observing a moment of silence at the head table, beneath the 15th-anniversary banner
Kandyan dancers performing for the delegates at the International Peace Conference, Colombo — one mid-handstand before the seated audience
A full view of the conference hall at BMICH, Colombo — delegates and graduands seated before the stage
An award presented on stage during the International Peace Conference, Colombo
Speakers and delegates with the London Academic Publishing backdrop

Lead partner

Centre for Peace Studies — Sri Lanka

Founded in 2004 in Kalmunai by Prof. Dr. S.L. Riyas to promote reconciliation and social harmony, the Centre now works across 25 districts of Sri Lanka and some 17 countries worldwide — at the forefront of conflict resolution, mediation and peacebuilding. Affiliated with the George Washington University of Peace.

Visit the Centre ↗