Re-structuring Education for Social Cohesion- Sri Lankan disclosure

Abstract

For the sustainable development of a country, it is essential to maintain peace & harmony. The thirty years old ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has been hindered its social integrity. As a remedial measure, Citizenship Education and Governance subject (CE&G) was introduced to enhance the social cohesion through education. Curriculum content analysis, interviews and observing pedagogical practice are the major research methods. Existing competency levels of CE&G are highly related to democratic citizenship knowledge, but it has not enhanced the interrelationship among ethnic groups as a practice.30% of The subject content does not directly related to address the social cohesion. Soft skills transformation related to cohesiveness is not in practice in the classroom. Teacher awareness programmes on soft skills were extremely poor and not sufficient to a behavioral change in students. Ethnic and language exclusive school and teacher education system do not encourage the mutual understanding of diversity. CE&G is to make compulsory with an orientation of practical sense in reconciliation and to accept diversity. Essential soft skills related to promote social integrity must be clearly identified and it is to be practiced. Teacher education institutions are to be re-structured to experience cultural understanding. The social awareness of cohesive school culture must be upgrade to accommodate and welcome diversity.