Buddhist Practices in Rehabilitating War-Affected Children: a Sociological Study of How Buddhist Practices Contribute to the Rehabilitation of War-Affected Children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that Buddhist practices for war-affected children in Sri Lanka can play in the overall scheme of rehabilitation and reconciliation. After 1970, more research paved way for the inclusion of social aspects in psychiatric rehabilitation. Some of the strongest socio- contextual features considered under this approach include religious and traditional beliefs, family relationships and education. In light of these insights, the main intention of this paper is to discuss the ways in which religion, especially Buddhist practices, can be used in order to heal 'war-affected` children in Sri Lanka. In order to examine this, I selected one rehabilitation programme which mainly used Buddhist philosophy and practices in the Vavuniya district in Sri Lanka. I have employed the qualitative research method and my array of data collection tools included observations and interviews. The key informants/ interviewees were the programme leaders and staff, 20 children who are currently in the programme and five members including the parents of children, community leaders and schoolteachers. This study reveals that despite the practical issues concerning social/ religious rehabilitation, it nevertheless generates new insights on the rehabilitation activities of war affected children. Mainly religious-based practices work as alternative mechanisms for the dearth of professionals in the psychiatric field.