Program for Photographic Healing Narratives

Program for Photographic Healing Narratives

Cinema has become a highly popular medium worldwide for discussing various social issues in depth. Particularly, the role of cinema is vast when it comes to promoting positive and constructive concepts. Similarly, photography is another medium that complements this journey. Creating sensitive individuals and promoting progressive and positive ideas through the lens of these individuals is a powerful capability. Using cinema and photography as tools for the development of human society is indeed an appropriate approach. There is no doubt that these two mediums can play a vital role in establishing sustainable peace and contributing to the well-being of Sri Lankan society. Cooperation among nations is one of the most important factors for a country’s social and economic development. As a special intervention, the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation plans to develop a healing narrative through photography and short films, providing an opportunity to share personal experiences. This program also aims to engage artists who can contribute a peaceful and positive vision to future generations, thereby supporting the national unity and reconciliation efforts for sustainable peace.

Additionally, this approach offers a new perspective to mitigate the issues arising from poverty and the resulting pressures. Through this program, there is an opportunity to offer a new direction to young people who otherwise waste time in destructive ways. This will help reduce social conflicts and challenges. Furthermore, it is expected that this will encourage them to pursue self-sustaining economies, and, at the same time, new artists will be introduced to the world of work without incorporating any nationalistic or extremist views in their work through their camera lenses. This is a proactive step for sustainable unity.

Moreover, by incorporating the theme of the program, We Sri Lankans, and targeting the members of co-existence societies, it ensures the program can be carried out successfully. This strategy will ensure that these societies remain active at all times, and through the benefits and promotion provided to the members of these societies, it will help maintain active participation in other related activities, including early warning and awareness systems. This will help ensure continued direct contributions at the grassroots level, thereby sustaining the activities of the office effectively.