ABSTRACT
Violent extremism has become a highly convoluted social and psychological phenomenon in Sri Lanka. This is not only due to increasing threats of violent extremism but is also a result of the country's political history, which has been marred by civil riots and the absence of a concerted and comprehensive program to address its causes. This chapter discusses violent extremism in post-war Sri Lanka, its multifaceted emotional impacts on survivors, and the nexus between such impacts and various peacebuilding interventions. Based on a field study with a diverse sample of stakeholders, including survivors of two extremist attacks, the chapter discusses the complexity of local understandings of violent extremism and peace. It compares the strengths and vulnerabilities of different civilian-led and state interventions that aim to address the issue. Based on this discussion, the chapter asserts the need for practitioners, agencies, and established peacebuilding interventions to address systemic issues and be grounded in survivors' everyday realities. Most importantly, it highlights the strength of emotions as a means to build healing alliances that can transform existing hostilities into peacefulness.
Keywords: Sri Lanka, Easter Bombing, Violent Extremism, Emotion, Reconciliation
