The “It’s About Time” travelling history museum came to Kurunegala on November 8, providing a weeklong opportunity for local residents to connect with the country’s rich and diverse history. The museum took place from November 8-14 at the Kurunegala Town Hall in, through the partnership of Search for Common Ground, along with the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory.
This initiative is supported by the programme Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE), co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms.
The museum’s stop in Kurunegala, is part of an islandwide tour that continues after 2020, when it was brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic. The museum had already toured in its full form to 6 locations across the country, prior to this event. The museum offers the public an educational and interactive experience that goes beyond history books, to bring Sri Lanka’s post independent history to life, through curated exhibits by artists, historians and researchers.
Over the week, the museum has been attended by schoolchildren, teachers, researchers, artists, youth networks, religious leaders and decision-makers from within the district.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, on November 8, Chief Guest, North Western Province Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene remarked, “I believe this initiative is valuable, especially for children, as this will help them learn from historic events and understand what went wrong. Children need to be given opportunities in society where they can interact with a variety of people, comprehend their rights, and develop an appreciation for diversity. As a result, our communities need to start a dialogue about what led to divisions within our society. This museum, in my opinion, is a fantastic initiative to support and initiate just such a dialogue.”
“The Government was able to commit to reconciliation measures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry is continuing to support efforts of reconciliation with funding from foreign entities, because of the numerous obstacles in the current environment” explained Additional Secretary, National Integration Division, Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Mrs. R P S Samankumari, in her keynote address, at the opening ceremony. “This museum aids in the post-conflict era by allowing us to reflect on the past, when the nation experienced numerous internal conflicts, in addition to the civil war, and to comprehend the causes of these regrettable events. We must be able to recognize one another as Sri Lankans, while also appreciating the diversity of our cultural backgrounds.’ She added.
The Government’s commitment to supporting this process was further emphasised by the Director General, Office of National Unity and Reconciliation. Deepthi Lamahewa, who explained, “The MoJ is the initiative’s primary line Ministry. The Ministry works with civil society organisations, reconciliation and coexistence committees, and official agencies that are dedicated to the nation’s reconciliation process. We are delighted to be here today and contribute to the endeavor of promoting social togetherness in Sri Lanka.
Operating within the MoJ, ONUR is the relevant national office for peace and reconciliation initiatives. We are present to be part of a component of the project today. The SCOPE program has offered to continue the work of fostering peace and reconciliation in the nation in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka.”
The travelling history museum is an initiative aimed at deepening the understanding of the pluralistic experiences of Sri Lankans from different walks of life. It was initiated in 2019, under an earlier programme, the Strengthening Reconciliation Processes in Sri Lanka, co- financed by the EU and German Federal Foreign Office. During this time, more than 20,000 persons visited the museum. Given the high level of positive reception and feedback, plans were drawn to take the museum to more locations. This was curtailed by thepandemic. It currently has taken its full shape under the auspices of the SCOPE programme, and will be touring different parts of the country till 2025.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Edoardo Spacca, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, explained how the EU is committed to
supporting this independent and innovative initiative from its very inception because “as the EU, we have supported the travelling history museum initiative from the start, together with the German Federal Foreign Office. Increasing our understanding of each other is a key element in reconciliation and social cohesion, which provides the potential to drive broader societal progress, which is a key priority in Sri Lanka.” He also reflected on how the museum’s inquiry that was exploratory and encouraged empathy for oneself and others reflected concerns that also shaped the EU as it is today. “The EU itself is a very diverse and pluralistic group of nations that have overcome historical differences and conflicts to work together, striving for the greater good of all citizens”.
The It’s About Time travelling history museum showcases diverse exhibits and installations that use interactive features for an engaging and informative experience, curated by experts from interdisciplinary fields.
The museum also features a screening of Prasanna Vithanage’s film Gaadi, four plays using dark humor to explore societal pressures on youth, titled “Keti Nattiya Gomuwa”, followed by a public dialogue.
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