Conflict and Peace:

Media Reportage of the Sri Lankan Crisis in 2022

Abstract

The article looks into the part played by civil society forums in restoring peace in Sri Lanka following the nation-wide political and economic crisis that overtook the island nation in 2022. It analyzes civil-society discourses on the Lankan crisis that appeared in Press editorials and the advocacy communication of NGOs articulated in the social media. The Press provides a platform for civil discourse, to debate and articulate on current affairs and generate public opinion to guide the decisions of ruling governments. This paper examines the editorials that appeared in leading Indian and international newspapers as well as narratives of non government organizations (NGOs) to analyze the communication discourses on the political crisis that had engulfed Sri Lanka. The findings show that journalistic coverage along with citizen-mobilization initiatives can work towards resolving disputes and restoring peace in strife-ridden conditions. Peace-oriented journalism and humanitarian efforts by civil-society groups like NGOs can play a vital role in resolving conflict and working towards restoration of peace.