Muslim Civil Society, Islamophobia and the Quest for Social Cohesion in Post-War Sri Lanka: A Critical Survey

Abstract

This study examines the role of Muslim civil society organizations (MCOs) in promoting social cohesion in post-war Sri Lanka. Using Thania Paffenholz’s analytical framework, the paper analyses how MCOs function as key actors in social integration, dialogue facilitation, and peacebuilding. The initiatives of major organizations, such as the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), National Shoora Council (NSC), and Sri Lanka Jama’athe Islami (SLJI), are evaluated through Paffenholz’s categories of protection, socialization, and advocacy. Findings show that these organizations have contributed to rebuilding trust, promoting interfaith dialogue, and strengthening democratic and ethical values within the Muslim community. Their interventions have helped prevent reactionary violence during periods of communal tension and encouraged constructive engagement with other religious groups. However, their efforts are often undermined by Islamophobic narratives, revealing the major challenge in current peacebuilding approaches. The study concludes that with strategic recalibration and broader partnerships, MCOs hold significant potential to act as agents of national healing and long-term social transformation in Sri Lanka.

Keywords

• Muslim civil society organizations (MCOs)
• Social cohesion
• Strategic initiatives
• Interfaith relations
• Islamophobia
• ACJU

Müslüman Sivil Toplumu, İslamofobi ve Savaş Sonrası Sri Lanka'da Sosyal Uyum Arayışı: Eleştirel Bir İnceleme

Abstract

Bu çalışma, özellikle 2019 Paskalya bayramı saldırıları sonrası döneme odaklanarak, savaş sonrası Sri Lanka’da sosyal uyumu teşvik etmede müslüman sivil toplum kuruluşlarının (MSTK) rolünü incelemektedir. Makale, Thania Paffenholz’un Sivil Toplum ve Barış İnşası: Eleştirel Bir Değerlendirme adlı eserindeki analitik çerçevesini kullanarak, müslüman sivil toplum kuruluşlarının sosyal entegrasyon, diyalog kolaylaştırıcılığı ve barış inşasında kilit aktörler olarak nasıl işlev gördüğünü analiz etmektedir. Bütün Seylan Cem‘iyyetü’l-ulemâ (ACJU), Ulusal Şura Konseyi (NSC) ve Sri Lanka Cemâat-i İslâmî (SLJI) gibi başlıca kuruluşların girişimleri, Paffenholz’un koruma, sosyalleştirme ve savunuculuk kategorileri aracılığı ile değerlendirilmektedir. Bulgular, bu kuruluşların güveni yeniden inşa etmeye, dinler arası diyalogu teşvik etmeye ve müslüman toplum içinde demokratik ve ahlakî değerleri güçlendirmeye katkıda bulunduğunu göstermektedir. Müdahaleleri, toplumsal gerilim dönemlerinde tepkisel şiddetin önlenmesine yardımcı olmuş ve diğer dinî gruplarla yapıcı etkileşimi teşvik etmiştir. Ancak çabaları genellikle İslamofobik anlatılar ve Tamil topluluklarıyla sınırlı etkileşim sebebiyle sekteye uğramakta ve mevcut barış inşası yaklaşımlarındaki boşlukları ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Çalışma, yeniden stratejik yapılanma ve daha geniş ortaklıklarla, müslüman sivil toplum kuruluşlarının Sri Lanka’da ulusal iyileşme ve uzun vadeli toplumsal dönüşümün temsilcileri olarak hareket etme konusunda önemli bir potansiyele sahip olduğu sonucuna varmaktadır.

Keywords

• Müslüman sivil toplum kuruluşları (MSTK)
• Sosyal uyum
• Stratejik girişimler
• Güçlü aktör
• Dinler arası ilişkiler
• İslamofobi

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