Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) is an access to justice project that will enhance the availability of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Such an approach should strengthen dialogue between the people and the authorities, thereby contributing to the resolution of critical underlying causes of conflict and the prevention of escalation of local disputes.
The SEDR project, implemented by the British Council in partnership with The Asia Foundation, was launched virtually on 29 April, with invitees Ambassador for the EU Delegation Denis Chaibi, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, British Council Country Director Maarya Rehman, and The Asia Foundation Country Representative Dinesha de Silva.
Speaking at the launch, Rehman commented: “I’m really pleased that the British Council is leading on the delivery of the SEDR Project as it is in line with our corporate commitment to contributing to more open and inclusive societies whilst prioritising youth engagement, gender inclusivity, and increased access of marginalised groups to the mediation process.” She added that the project builds on The Asia Foundation’s many years of technical support to the Ministry of Justice.
She also explained that the British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities: “For over 80 years, we have operated in more than 100 countries, around the world, in the fields of arts and culture, education and language and civil society. Our approach, which is based on mutuality, enhances the UK’s influence and promotes values that support open societies, tolerance and inclusivity contributing to shared security and prosperity.”
In Sri Lanka, where they have been working for over 70 years, their work in a civil society is through community-based interventions, whether it is through a cause of violence against women and girls or raising awareness on climate change or supporting the growth and development of the creative and cultural industry, it has all given them the insights to lead the SEDR Project.
Commenting on the importance of the project, Ambassador for the EU Delegation Denis Chaibi stated that often, dispute resolution is done through courts and litigation, which is costly as well as lengthy, which is why it is good to look at alternative ways to solve disputes, especially if communities are involved. “This project will promote mediation as an efficient way of resolving conflicts. Doing so will make people more appreciative of the value of compromise.” He also explained that the project is part of the EU project STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation Reconciliation and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) which is a programme about improving services at a local level through better governance and the participation of communities.
Minister of Justice Ali Sabry stated that the Ministry of Justice has maintained a good relationship with the British Council and The Asia Foundation over the years and they hope to continue this further with more collaborations like the SEDR Project. He further added: “Mediation is one of the most important areas in the manner in which the Government of Sri Lanka and the Justice Ministry plan to solve disputes amongst the parties. We’ve put a lot of effort into this and we are happy with the progress we have made, but there is a long way to go. We have just launched a specialised meditation board such as land, finance and immigration, so if we are successful on that, it will be a very good alternative dispute mechanism.” He observed that the people of this country can solve their disputes without spending their valuable time, energy and money to resolve their problems; and if that succeeds, he stated, that will have less pressure on the court system in the country.
Saying a few words on behalf of The Asia Foundation, Dinesha de Silva commented that they are an international development organisation that has been working in Sri Lanka since 1954 and have a long-standing history working in the justice sector in Sri Lanka. “To be able to work on this mediation programme is a tremendous privilege and one that connects so well with our historical relationship with the Ministry of Justice. Our partnership with the Government and the Ministry of Justice to introduce this hybrid form of mediation with volunteer mediators has therefore spanned a good 35 years and allowed us to introduce community mediation boards in Sri Lanka. We have also been working on specialised mediation boards, like tsunami boards and more recently land mediation boards. The SEDR Project gives our foundation the wonderful opportunity to continue our partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the mediation boards,” she concluded.
SEDR aims to provide solutions, foster social relationships and build more inclusive community state engagements islandwide, with the objective of strengthening dialogues to prevent the escalation of local disputes into wider conflicts.
