Report from Sri Lanka Forum

Participation in the High-Level Multireligious Forum for Peace and Reconciliation toward Shared Sacred Flourishing – Colombo, Sri Lanka

On 3rd of November 2025, Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace Asia, attended the High-Level Multireligious Forum for Peace and Reconciliation toward Shared Sacred Flourishing, held in Colombo by the Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace. The forum brought together around one hundred religious leaders representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity from across Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has long endured the consequences of civil war, and its effects continue to weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of the people. Against this backdrop, participants reaffirmed the crucial responsibility of religious leaders to promote reconciliation, healing, and the establishment of enduring peace.

In remarks delivered during the forum, Rev. Dr. Shinohara highlighted the importance of religious leaders continuing to inspire hope and courage among the people, underscoring that this mission lies at the very heart of Religions for Peace.

Rev. Dr. Shinohara further noted that the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) seeks to stand in solidarity with religious leaders in countries facing complex challenges, to view local issues from a global perspective, and to leverage its international network and resources to help address them. At the same time, ACRP serves as a valuable platform for learning from the wisdom and experience of local and grassroots initiatives.

One moment during the forum left a deep impression. A young participant shared the story of Kyūshirataka Station in Hokkaido, Japan—a railway station that remained in service solely for one high school girl. Despite depopulation in the area, the Hokkaido Railway Company continued to operate the line until she graduated. The speaker reflected that this story embodies the spirit Sri Lanka needs today—the belief that each individual life holds profound value.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants adopted a joint statement, affirming their shared commitment:

“We further affirm, through our engagements and exchanges taken today, to continuously cultivate, nurture, and strengthen our collaboration and cooperation as we mutually seek to advance Peace and Reconciliation through Interreligious Harmony toward Shared Sacred Flourishing.”

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