| dc.description.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. | en_US |
