The IICP is engaged in dialogue workshops with leading members of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities of Sri Lanka.

The approach taken during the workshops is one based on dialogue, the discussion of relevant issues brought up by the participants, as well as through the use of numerous case studies which reveal both constructive examples of creative solutions.

The goal of the IICP is not to act as mediators, but rather as experts in the conflict transformation process. The participants in each of the workshops and seminars are clearly explained that the approach of the facilitators is based on the concept of Human Basic Needs, and that the fulfillment of those basic needs for all affected individuals is the basis upon which the support of the facilitators is given or not.

The team therefore is not neutral, but allpartial, keeping a constant eye on the implication which proposals may have on the basic needs of Sri Lankans. Additionally, all are invited to participate in these discussions, and the inclusion of all parties, not only those considered moderates, ensures that any solution reached will be sustainable. In doing so, the facilitators help create an unofficial open dialogue between conflict parties which lead to constructive proposals and ideas. In this way, the IICP engages in one of the many roles necessary in any peace process.

The workshops are accompanied by follow-up activities in Sri Lanka in order to link these top level activities with the grassroots and vice versa by generating options from below which can then be passed on to the top level.

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This initiative is supported by

Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs	Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Austrian Development Agency

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