American Centre joins ‘Write to Reconcile’

The National Peace Council, in conjunction with the internationally renowned Sri Lankan author, Shyam Selvadurai, will conduct ‘Write to Reconcile’. It is a creative writing project that brings together Sri Lankan writers who are interested in writing creative pieces (fiction, memoir or poetry) on the issues of conflict, peace, reconciliation and memory, as they relate to Sri Lanka.

The American Centre joined the project recently as a co-sponsor, in conjunction with the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

The American Centre in Sri Lanka has a long history of promoting the arts in the country, particularly arts that contribute to social engagement. Recently the American Centre opened the The American Corner Jaffna so that a cultural and information office could come into existence for the people of North. This is the only American Corner in the entire North region of Sri Lanka functioning as a resource center to the general public and more specifically to youth. In addition to its library, the American Corner Jaffna also provides a venue for public readings, films, speaker programs, workshops, meetings and exhibits. ‘Write to Reconcile’ hopes to use the facilities of The American Corner during its second Residential Creative Writing Workshop that takes place in Jaffna in March 2013.

Expressing his delight at joining the project, Christopher Teal, head of the US Embassy’s Public Affairs office said “There is no greater challenge than helping a country come together after more than two decades of war. The events leading up to the conflict did not happen overnight and neither will the solution. Programs such as ‘Write to Reconcile’ are just part of the creative energy that is necessary to help bring communities together once again so that Sri Lanka reaches its full potential.”

Shyam Selvadurai also expressed his pleasure at having the American Centre on board. “I am very happy they have agreed to be a co-sponsor, given their commitment to furthering the arts in Sri Lanka. The American Centre was an important part of my cultural education growing up in Sri Lanka. Their library provided me with access to not just American culture, but also to the culture of the world and this broadened my mind. Since, ‘Write to Reconcile’ also hopes to broaden young minds, partnership with the American Centre is a great fit.”

Further, Write to Reconcile is also pleased to announce that it has now obtained the Ministry of Education’s approval for the project, which makes it possible for teachers and students interested in applying and qualifying for the project to get the necessary approval to participate. ‘Write to Reconcile’ is very keen to attract teachers who are interested in using creative writing in their classrooms and sees Ministry approval as an important step in drawing educators into the project.

For more information on the project and how to apply go to www.writetoreconcile.com. Or email us for an application at [email protected]. The deadline to submit an application is January 7.