THE ROLES OF RELIGION AND SECULARISM IN A PLURAL SOCIETY

Center for Poverty Analysis and the International Centre for Ethnic Studies

27 – 28 November 2013

Background and Rationale

“Secularism” has consistently been the subject of caustic debate in the Sri Lankan polity for many

decades. From the colonial period to the ethno-religious upheaval in 1956 to the recent surge in

Buddhist extremism, the dispute about the value of this idea to contemporary Sri Lanka has not only

been debated by academics, politicians, journalists, and representatives of religious institutions, but has

been the basis for friction among different ethno-religious groups in our plural society. Though

advocates of secularism are genuinely concerned about the tensions currently disrupting Sri Lankan

society, their fight for secularism has not been very effective when it comes to halting the passage of

landmark policies that polarize the society along ethno-religious lines, or addressing mass mobilization

under the banner of Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism, all of which have lasting effects on the country’s

development. In this state of affairs, it is important to first understand the idea of secularism, its

compatibility with plural societies, and its role in development.

Secularism is generally understood to mean a separation of religion from the State. But while this

definition is useful, it does not take us very far. What, for instance, is ‘separation’ supposed to mean?

Does it mean an effort on the part of the State to ensure the ‘coexistence’ of all religions? Or does it

mean the active promotion on the part of the State of a non-religious attitude among the people? How

does our negotiation with different interpretations of secularism intersect with the institutions of

governance and in turn with the process of development?

The old notion of modernization and the evolutionist theories of social change based on binaries of

tradition/modern, where the process of economic development was seen as inevitably linked with a

process of cultural change and the emergence of a secular civil society, have slowly lost their appeal.

Development is also no longer seen as being inevitably tied to, or premised on, the process of

secularization. It is now widely recognized that cultural tradition and religious belief do not simply

disappear from public life. Religious identity or belief could be important constitutive elements of

individual and collective values and the notion of well-being that people may have in a given context.

Similarly community identities are not always based on “irrational” collectivist ideologies. They could be

a source of security and sustenance for individuals. Moreover, a closer view of the West also reveals

that the idea of community or religious identity had never disappeared from the “developed” Western

world as the classical theories of social change had made it out to be.

This begs an investigation about the values that underpin modern socio-economic-political structures,

the origins of these values, and the role of secularism in plural societies. A dissection of the value

frameworks that drive institutions of governance is intended to initiate dialogue among researchers,

communities, and activists that are moving towards alternative systems of knowledge about growth,

prosperity, and wellbeing.

Questioning the major value choices involved in processes and institutions of social, political and

economic development, while crucial at both the global and domestic levels, is also timely at the

country-level given the current post-war reconstruction phase of Sri Lanka. Examining the nexus

between conflict and development, within the currently accepted value system, is imperative if we are

to tread the path to sustainable peace. In this context, can development be a transformative force in

healing the wounds of war? If so, what would that development look like? What kind of values and

ethics would take precedence in a development model that is transformative and inclusive? The role of

secularism should also be addressed, particularly given Sri Lanka’s current political climate where

‘values’ are conflated with ‘religion’, which is subsequently contorted into religious

fanaticism/nationalism that is used to buttress existing power structures . What role can secularism play

in this context? To this end, “The Roles of Religion and Secularism in a Plural Society” initiates dialogue

on values and development at a systems level and at an individual and community level. At a time when

violence incited by religious extremism runs parallel to Sri Lanka’s ambitious post-war development

trajectory, this conversation is not only timely, but necessary.

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The Events

The Center for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), in collaboration with the International Centre for Ethnic Studies

(ICES) and South Asian Policy Research Institute (SAPRI) will host two distinguished scholars to deliver a

public lecture and lead a roundtable discussion on the role of religion and secularism in a plural society:

The eminent philosopher Professor Charles Taylor, best known for his contributions to political

philosophy, the philosophy of social science, and intellectual history;

Senior Fellow, Director at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in Delhi, and a noted

Indian political theorist Professor Rajeev Bhargava, widely recognized for his works on political

theory, multiculturalism, identity politics, and secularism.

1. The Roundtable discussion

Date: Wednesday, November 27th, 2013; 3 – 6 pm

Venue: Auditorium – International Centre for Ethnic Studies, 2 Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8

Topic: Ethics, Secularism, and Institutions of Governance

Participant profile: civil society organizations, think tanks, and individuals that are working in the area of

governance and development. The event will also be attended by representatives of media

organizations and journalists.

While Professors Charles Taylor and Rajeev Bhargava will lead the discussion, CEPA and ICES intend to

invite Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University Gananath Obeysekere and the

Founder-Director of the Centre for Policy Research and Analysis and Faculty member of the Department

of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Colombo Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda as

panelists for this discussion.

2. The Public Lecture

Date: Thursday, November 28th, 2013; 4 – 6 pm

Venue: Auditorium – Lakshman Kadirgamar Centre, 24 Horton Place, Colombo 7.

Topic: The Roles of Religion and Secularism in a Plural Society

Participant profile: open to the public and covered by the press

**Immediate Output: CEPA is currently in discussion with two eminent thinkers in Sri Lanka – Professor

Jayadeva Uyangoda and Mr. Victor Ivan to produce a short publication based on the content of the

roundtable as well as the public lecture in Sinhala and English languages. This publication will also have

the commentary of the two authors about the role of religion and secularism in Sri Lanka.