The European Union (EU) and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to promoting unity and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, as the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) programme officially concluded following three-and-a-half years of impactful work across the country.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held recently at the Galle Face Hotel, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Carmen Moreno said that the SCOPE programme has “helped build bridges between institutions, communities, and individuals,” highlighting the importance of the initiative in fostering trust and dialogue.
“The European Union is proud to have supported this effort to strengthen social cohesion. As Sri Lanka continues this journey, the lessons and partnerships forged through SCOPE will remain a lasting contribution,” Ambassador Moreno stated.
German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dr. Felix Neumann echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to reconciliation and open dialogue.
“SCOPE has shown how honest reflection and cooperation can build the foundations for lasting social cohesion. We are proud to have supported a programme that strengthened institutions and empowered communities to move forward together,” he said.
Launched in March 2022, SCOPE was co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration. Over its three-and-a-half-year implementation period, the programme worked with over 50 government and civil society partners, engaging more than 175,000 people across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
The initiative aimed to enhance institutional and community capacities, promote inclusive public discourse, and support economic inclusion to strengthen peace and social cohesion nationwide.
The closing event brought together government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, academics, media professionals, and private sector representatives to celebrate SCOPE’s achievements and discuss ways to sustain its outcomes in the years ahead.
Distinguished attendees included Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno, and German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann.
The programme featured a presentation on SCOPE’s impact and outcomes, a panel discussion with civil society representatives exploring key learnings, and the launch of a photo stories book capturing personal narratives and community experiences from across the island.
The event concluded with an art performance by the Temple of Fine Arts, symbolizing unity through creative expression, and an appreciation ceremony recognizing SCOPE’s many partners and collaborators. Exhibition spaces showcased installations by the Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Archive of Memory, and the Sri Lanka Barometer, all supported under the SCOPE initiative.
The ceremony served as both a celebration and reflection, underscoring the collective effort that shaped SCOPE’s success and reaffirming the shared commitment of Sri Lanka, the EU, and Germany to promote dialogue, inclusion, and unity across the nation.
