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Understanding Constraints and Challenges to Increase the Number of Women Mediators in Community and Special Mediation Boards in Sri Lanka
  • April 15, 2025
Community Mediation Boards are an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, established in Sri Lanka in its modern form in 1988. Mediators are nominated from the community, and serve for a period of three years. At their inception, women mediators made up less than 2% of community mediation boards. Over 3 decades later and despite multiple efforts to improve the gender balance among mediators, women mediators still make up less than 30% of the total. This study set out to understand the reasons for the comparatively low participation of women mediators in Community and Special Mediation Boards in Sri Lanka and to explore measures to respond to these reasons and encourage an increase in the number of women mediators.
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An Island-wide User Experience Survey in relation to Community Mediation Boards
  • April 15, 2025
Mediation is one of the long-term flagship programs of The Asia Foundation (Foundation) in Sri Lanka, spanning over three decades of support extended to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Mediation Boards Commission (MBC) since 1989 when Community Mediation Boards (CMB) were first designed and established. Over the course of thirty years, the Foundation has provided multifaceted support for mediation, strengthening mediation processes across the country. The Foundation’s Sri Lanka office is currently implementing a project titled “Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution in Sri Lanka” (SEDR) in collaboration with the British Council funded by the European Union. The project aims to strengthen local mediation processes through a range of initiatives, including but not limited to providing support to enhance mediation training skills and techniques, offering specialized knowledge, supporting the establishment of special mediation boards across the country, and raising awareness. These initiatives aim to enhance the mediation services available to individuals at the community level.
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MEDIATION AS A DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM WITH A FOCUS ON MEDIATING FINANCIAL DISPUTES
  • April 16, 2025
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HANDBOOK ON KEY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS RELATING TO LAND AND PROPERTY IN SRI LANKA
  • April 16, 2025
The main purpose of the Handbook is to provide an overview of legal and administrative aspects relating to Private and State Lands in Sri Lanka to create a basic understanding on the subject matter and make an easy reference resource tool for the Mediation Training Officers (MTOs) and Land Mediators (LMs) of the Mediation Boards Commission (MBC) of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) enabling them to know the key principles and procedures underpinning the land rights of the people. In addition, this Handbook will guide and help the Land Mediators to become aware of how to handle matters and complaints regarding land related disputes as mandated by the Extra Ordinary Gazette Notification bearing No. 2261/68 dated January 06, 2022.
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MENTORING HANDBOOK
  • April 12, 2025
Mentoring is a valuable development activity from which both mentees and mentors gain a great deal. The experience, insight and guidance provided by a mentor can complement and add value to a mentee's work. Mentorship brings the value of a professional relationship outside of the formal work structures of a workplace and provides a space for mentees to freely discuss work goals, objectives and challenges and empowers them to identify their own goals and support them to find solutions to challenges. Unlike static learning methods such as reading or attending lectures, mentoring focuses on experiential, dynamic learning with an emphasis on interpersonal connection and needs based guidance.
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The Island-wide Assessment of the Usage of Dispute Intake Boxes
  • April 14, 2025
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Dispute Intake Boxes (DIBs) introduced by the Mediation Boards Commission (MBC) in Sri Lanka, aiming to improve access to dispute resolution services. DIBs were placed in Divisional Secretariat (DS) Offices nationwide in 2022 to streamline dispute submissions, addressing difficulties in accessing Mediation Board Chairpersons. Despite the DIBs being designed with instructional materials and forms to facilitate dispute resolution, early data from 2023 showed low usage, prompting the MBC to investigate the barriers to adoption.
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STRENGTHENING A JUST ALTERNATIVE - A KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES (KAP) SURVEY REPORT - SEDR
  • April 15, 2025
With funding from the European Union, the British Council, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, is implementing the Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project in Sri Lanka over four years (2020-2024). The four main results of the project seek to enhance the effectiveness and availability of dispute resolution mechanisms and to foster social cohesion and more inclusive community-state engagement in Sri Lanka. These results feed into the overall objective of the SEDR which is ‘to strengthen dialogue between the people and the state thereby contributing to the resolution of critical underlying causes of conflict and prevention of escalation of local disputes’ and the specific objective which is to improve dispute resolution services for both individual and community level grievances (Request for Proposals, KAP survey, dated 06 January 2020).
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EQUAL VOICE, STRONGER JUSTICE: ENSURING GENDER PARITY IN MEDIATION BOARDS
  • April 15, 2025
Women are actively visible in public spheres in Sri Lanka. But despite making strides in areas such as politics, public office, business, and civil society, and their active participation in the community, women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s mediation boards remains low. The Ministry of Justice took an initial step in 2003 to mainstream gender into the mediation program, and one aspect was to increase women’s participation in mediation. The number of women mediators was as low as 1.8 percent when the mediation program first began in 1989 with this number increasing to 30 percent three decades later. Though there is growing institutional interest to increase the percentage of women mediators
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AN ISLAND-WIDE USER EXPERIENCE SURVEY IN RELATION TO COMMUNITY MEDIATION BOARDS
  • April 15, 2025
The Asia Foundation worked with Jinendra Kothalawala, an independent consultant to carry out a user experience survey with support from the Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) program implemented jointly by The Asia Foundation and British Council with support from the European Union. The survey was conducted with the aim of establishing key indicators' to better understand the user experience of Community Mediation Boards (CMB). The primary respondents included disputants and mediators, while Mediation Development Officers (MDOs) and Mediation Training Officers (MTOS) contributed valuable qualitative insights.
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Mentoring for Mediators
  • April 15, 2025
Mediation in Sri Lanka was formalized with the introduction of the Mediation Boards Act of 1988 by the Ministry of Justice and appointment of the Mediation Boards Commission. Handling approximately 250,000 cases annually with a significant settlement rate of 60%, Community Mediation Boards play a crucial role in providing access to justice and improving community relationships. Their effectiveness lies in creating a safe, informal environment for dialogue to reach mutually agreeable solutions, focusing on the underlying interests of the parties involved rather than legal interpretations.
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MEDIATION COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE IN SRI LANKA
  • April 15, 2025
To create a much needed space for key actors driving mediation on the ground in Sri Lanka-Mediator Training Officers and Mediation Development Officers of the Ministry of Justice, and volunteer Mediators - to reflect on mediation practices to gain new perspective on knowledge and practice, facilitate peer learning, to enable a platform to discuss challenges and find solutions, and to remain up-to-date with global and local trends.
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FUTURE-READY MEDIATION: STRENGTHENING THE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE OF AN EFFECTIVE MEDIATOR
  • April 15, 2025
Over the years, the Foundation has supported the design and makeup of the standard five-day training program for mediators. This is a training on the mediation process and key principles of mediation aligned with international standards for mediator training given to newly appointed mediators. Collaborative Decision Resources (CDR) Associates, an organization based in Boulder Colorado, has been engaged in designing and updating the standard training on mediation with the Foundation over the past 30 years, with the last update to the training program done in 2011. Current global trends in the use of mediation for effective alternative dispute resolution brought into sharp focus the need to update the five-day training program to align with evolving international standards.
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OPTIMIZING DISPUTE SUBMISSION TO MEDIATION BOARDS
  • July 20, 2025
To help people submit their disputes easily to Mediation Boards, the Mediation Boards Commission (MBC), with support from The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) through the European Union’s Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project, launched a special Dispute Intake system in March 2022. Dispute Intake Boxes were placed in all 329 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across the 25 districts, streamlining submissions and improving public access to mediation services. In 2024, the Foundation conducted an island wide assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the Dispute Intake Boxes with research support from Survey Research Lanka Pvt. Ltd.
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(2003) Community Mediation Programme
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This guide is an overview of the functions and activities of Community Mediation Programme (CMP) and Mediation Boards in Sri Lanka. The study highlights the importance of these alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in promoting community harmony and resolving conflicts at a grassroots level. The key findings show the positive impact of CMP in fostering peaceful resolutions, reducing the burden on the formal judicial system, and enhancing access to justice for marginalised communities. The paper also outlines the structure, functions, and operational procedures of Mediation Boards, underscoring their role as impartial mediators in resolving different civil and social disputes. Overall, the paper advocates for the wider adoption and governmental support for community mediation practices in Sri Lanka to strengthen social cohesion and access to justice.
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(2009-2014) Disputes Brought to Community Mediation Boards
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This presentation lays out a range of data findings collected by Community Mediation Boards from 2009-2014. Data was collected on the number of disputes brought to boards and their success rates for settling them. The data also organises statistics on the number of disputes brought to each province, with the Western province receiving the greatest share at 25% of all disputes and the Northern receiving the fewest at 1% in 2009. However, by 2014, the Northern province’s shares rose to 15% highlighting the success of awareness campaigns and increased government support to regional Mediation Boards. The slides included are a valuable resource for those looking for data and
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(2010) Community Mediation for a Violence Free Society - a Resource Book for Mediator Trainers
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This resource book explains the value of community mediation in resolving conflicts at a local level, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of empowerment among disputants. It outlines various mediation techniques, communication strategies, and conflict resolution models that can be employed by trainers to equip mediators with the necessary skills to mediate successfully. Additionally, the resource book highlights the significance of cultural sensitivity and impartiality in mediating the diverse community disputes found in Sri Lanka. The paper also touches upon the challenges faced in community mediation and offers practical guidance on addressing these issues to ensure successful mediation outcomes.
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(2011) Community Mediation Boards - A Just Alternative
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This publication reflects on the origins, challenges and advancements of Community Mediation in Sri Lanka over the past twenty years. The publication is a tribute to an exceptionally successful mediation program of the Government of Sri Lanka and offers some insights into the Sri Lankan Mediation Boards Model and the people who have driven and sustained it for the last twenty years.
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(2011) Evaluation of the Community Mediation Boards Program in Sri Lanka
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The evaluation, conducted in 2011, sought to assess the effectiveness and impact of the Community Mediation Boards (CMB) Program in Sri Lanka. The report highlights that the CMB Program played a significant role in resolving different disputes within local communities, including interpersonal conflicts, property disputes, and minor criminal offenses. The mediation process was credited as accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant, leading to increased participation from community members. However, the report also pointed out some challenges faced by the CMB Program. These included limited resources and capacity, uneven distribution of CMBs across regions, and the need for ongoing training and support for mediators. The report’s recommendation is that by addressing these issues, the program's impact and longevity can be improved.
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(2013) JSRP - Community Mediation _ Social Harmony in Sri Lanka (Craig Valters)
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This paper investigates the role of community mediation in fostering social harmony in Sri Lanka. The study considers community mediation in Sri Lanka’s post-conflict context, researching how mediation initiatives have contributed to resolving disputes, promoting reconciliation, and enhancing overall social harmony. The research highlights that mediation mechanisms have been instrumental in bridging gaps between communities, encouraging dialogue, and mitigating tensions arising from ethnic, religious, and cultural differences. By promoting local participation and ownership, community mediation has proved effective in building trust and fostering sustainable peace in Sri Lanka's diverse society. The paper emphasises the importance of continued support and recognition of community mediation as a key strategy for nurturing social harmony and preventing conflicts from resurfacing in the future.
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(2016) Expectations and Experiences - Northern Province
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The paper explores the effectiveness and impact of community mediation boards in the Northern Province. The paper emphasises the need for an inclusive approach that considers the perspectives and values of all parties involved. The unique experiences of peoples in the Northern Provinces were considered through interviews of various stakeholders, including community members, mediators, and local authorities, who spoke on their expectations of the mediation process. Key successes of community mediation boards were their ability to solve minor disputes and foster a sense of social cohesion, but they did also face several challenges. These challenges include issues relating to mediator training and qualifications, power imbalances, and limitations in handling complex or sensitive cases. The paper concludes by advocating for ongoing support, capacity-building, and community engagement to enhance the effectiveness of community mediation to promote peaceful relations and regional justice.
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(2016) People's Perceptions - CEPA - December 2016 - North-East and Uva
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This study focuses on the role and impact of mediation boards in resolving disputes within local communities in Sri Lanka's Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces. Through considering the norms of regional communities, the research explores how mediation boards contribute to social cohesion, access to justice, and overall community well-being, shedding light on the significance of this alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the context of Sri Lanka's cultural diversity. A key take-away from the study, was that the local participation in the mediation process gave communities a sense of ownership over dispute resolution alongside increasing feelings of fairness. Ultimately, the research allowed for a deeper understanding of the complex social dynamics involved in mediation, this is expected to allow policymakers to develop more targeted and effective interventions for promoting positive community relations and justice.
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(2016) Sociological Enquiry - Peoples Perceptions and Experience- Monaragala
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This study explores how people local to Monaragala, Sri Lanka, perceived and interacted with Mediation boards. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys and interviews to gather data from individuals who have encountered mediation boards. The inquiry finds that by internalising a process of accessing justice within communities, many participants feel that outcomes are fairer than if they had gone through formal courts. Nonetheless, it was also identified that the boards lacked an even gender balance which raised the question of appropriate representation, while other participants considered power imbalances as a factor that could decrease their faith in the mediation process. Such information is being used to improve the mediation process through new recruitment drives and specialised training to identify and overcome power imbalances.
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(2016) Sociological Enquiry - Peoples Perceptions and Experiences - Trincomalee and Batticaloa
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This paper investigates the views and experiences of Mediation Boards among individuals in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa Districts. The study analyses the effectiveness and significance of boards as a tool for conflict resolution in a local context. The research team actively engaged with community members to understand their perspectives on the Mediation Boards' functioning and impacts. The key findings of the publication displayed the importance of the boards in resolving disputes alongside improving community relations. The study highlights that people view the boards positively, appreciating their role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and maintaining social harmony. However, some challenges that were identified concerned gender representation and power dynamics within the mediation processes. Such observations are expected to influence future training of mediators and recruitment initiatives to improve the quality of mediation.
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(2016) Understanding Women Mediators
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The Asia Foundation set out to understand and profile women mediators working in the community mediation boards by conducting a survey, which would provide a sound basis for greater advocacy to increase the participation of women mediators. This is a crucial first step toward the equal representation and participation of women mediators within the wider context of gender equality for women in mediation. While the report offers key insights and recommendations, the most important recommendation that emerges from this study is the need for proactive affirmative action to increase the number of women through temporary quotas at nomination and special measures at selection.
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(2021) Training Needs Assessment Report - Final - English
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This report researched the specific training requirements of mediation officers, who, in turn, will use the conclusions reached by the report to train future mediators. The study uses qualitative interviews and surveys to gather data from mediation officers, and those who use mediation services, to better understand the skills, knowledge and sensitivities that these officers need to effectively educate aspiring mediators on. The report identifies that successful mediators need to possess a strong understanding of conflict resolution theory and practice, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, the research highlights the significance of continuous professional development to keep mediation officers updated with evolving mediation techniques and the best practices.
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MBC School Mediation Training Hand Book (Sinhala)
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The School Mediation Handbook outlines the process of the workshop that is to be undertaken in establishing school mediation units which will span across five days. It emphasizes upon the aims and objectives of the workshop and also details the different types of activities and entailing outputs that are to be associated with the workshop. The handbook reflects upon theoretical and conceptual understanding of conflicts/ disputes, different attributes and skills that should be possessed by a school mediator, definition and understanding of mediation as well as on the structure of the school mediation unit. Thus, this handbook is intended to provide the basis for the functioning of the school mediation units which have been established in the country through the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice.
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(2013) Land Mediaion Manual_Resolving Land Disputes
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This document highlights the significance of implementing efficient procedures and strategies to address land conflict in Sri Lanka. The authors emphasise the importance of promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, to decrease the burden on court systems and foster communal solutions. The paper also displays the significance of clear and transparent land tenure systems, which play an important role in preventing disputes. It provides practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to create an encouraging environment for resolving land conflicts and ensuring fair outcomes. Overall, the paper serves as a valuable resource for understanding and managing land disputes, offering insights into procedures and strategies necessary for achieving successful resolutions.
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(2014) A Rapid Assessment of Land Disputes in the Northern and Eastern Province
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The Government of Sri Lanka plans on setting up Special Mediation Boards to address the land and community disputes that were caused, or further complicated, by the Sri Lankan civil conflict. To support this process, it commissioned this assessment to study the nature, type, and scale of prevailing land disputes the Northern and Eastern provinces. When considering the context of the civil conflict, the assessment stresses the importance of equal ethnic representation. The assessment compiles a list of all relevant Acts and ordinances regarding land ownership and explains how they may be interpreted by stakeholders. The document is also key in raising the various complications that mediation boards need consider because of the conflict. Such complications include the inaccessibility of documentation to displaced persons returning to their homes, the support for new inhabitants by dominant regional groups, questions of inheritance and the existence of ‘outsiders’ re-locating to disputed land. Ultimately, the recommendations made are for the boards to prioritise impartiality and close communication with all regional communities throughout the mediation process, alongside creating a transparent application process and fostering inter-communal dialogue.
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(2015) Addressing Disputes Faced by Migrant Workers and their Families - Resource Book
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The primary focus of this paper is to explain the challenges encountered by migrant workers and their families in Sri Lanka. It outlines potential solutions and strategies to address these issues effectively. The key findings highlight the need for enhanced support and protection mechanisms for migrant workers, emphasising the significance of cooperation between the Sri Lankan government, relevant authorities, and international partners to safeguard the rights and well-being of these workers and their families during their employment overseas. The resource book represents a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding migrant labour and aims to foster positive changes in the policies and practices concerning Sri Lankan migrant workers.
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(2015) Resolving Land Disputes _ Effective Procedures and Strategies
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The manual outlines dispute resolution mechanisms, procedures and strategies that are or will be put in place by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Justice’s Special Mediation Boards (Land) to promote the resolution of a variety of housing, land and property disputes in the country. It is to be used by Mediator Trainers of the Ministry of Justice to train mediators who will be appointed to Special Mediation Boards (Land). The Manual will provide mediation skills to mediate land related disputes with additional information on how dispute resolvers can provide effective assistance to parties to amicably settle land disputes and build positive working relationships, which are critical for stability, economic development and a sustainable peace.
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(2019) Review of Land Mediation Boards
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The event report provides an overview of the Review Meeting on Database and Progress of Special Land Mediation Boards, held in September 2019. The meeting focused on effectiveness and progress of the Special Land Mediation Boards in their efforts to reduce land-related disputes through peaceful resolutions. Additionally, the report presents valuable statistical data on the number of cases handled, success rates, alongside ‘success stories’ of different mediation cases wherein participants reached an agreeable settlement. Key findings revealed that mediation was contributing to a rise in solved land disputes, fostering cooperation between individuals in dispute, and easing the burden on the traditional legal system.
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(2020) Land Mediation Boards Programme Status Report
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This status report outlines the context for, and establishment of Special Mediation Boards (SMBs) for resolving land and property disputes in the Norther and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka. The report identifies that SMBs were approved by government in 2003 but only used after the 2004 Tsunami hit Sri Lanka. Due to the context of a natural disaster, the report observes that, the use of SMBs was crucial in providing people with an accessible form of justice. The report highlights the effectiveness of SMBs in facilitating fair and quick settlements while fostering a sense of community engagement and ownership in the resolution process. The study also emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and cultural sensitivity in successfully mediating these disputes. Overall, the report lays out the beginnings and development of the SMB program and its significant impact on resolving land and property disputes in the Northern and Eastern regions.
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(2022) Land Mediation - CEPA - Eastern and Nothern
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This paper presents detailed research on the experiences and expectations of the mediation process in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The document clearly explains that the expectations of local populations are driven by an interest in accessing justice through a mechanism seen as more fair, more accessible and with greater sensitivity towards local customs. However, it is also highlighted that misperceptions have arisen with some individuals expecting judgements instead of settlements from the mediation process. In acknowledging this, the paper places importance on actively advertising mediation locally and presenting it through educational platforms. The paper also looks at the first-hand observations of mediators who raised concerns that it was difficult to apply the legal knowledge on land that they acquired through the training in cases when mediating. Therefore, the recommendations made focus on education for both mediators and stakeholders alongside supporting the expansion of expert panels who provide support to mediators in specialised areas.
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OPTIMIZING DISPUTE SUBMISSION TO MEDIATION BOARDS
  • July 21, 2025
To help people submit their disputes easily to Mediation Boards, the Mediation Boards Commission (MBC), with support from The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) through the European Union’s Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project, launched a special Dispute Intake system in March 2022. Dispute Intake Boxes were placed in all 329 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across the 25 districts, streamlining submissions and improving public access to mediation services. In 2024, the Foundation conducted an island wide assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the Dispute Intake Boxes with research support from Survey Research Lanka Pvt. Ltd.
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Handout Resolving Peoples Land Disputes Through Mediation
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This handout, created for the Jaffna Mediation Board, explains the reasons behind the Sri Lankan Government’s creation of a national Mediation Board program and the expected merits of mediation to local communities. The handout addresses the qualifications that a complaint must have to be recommended to the boards, alongside detailing the process for how to submit a case. The expected benefits of mediation are the resolution of disputes through amicable settlement, greater accessibility to justice within society, faster processing of justice, reduced burden on the courts system and valuable community input into the process of local harmony.
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Progress Report - Special Land Mediation Boards in Kilinochchi
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This Progress Report provides an overview of the board's performance and impact in Kilinochchi. The intention of this publication is to assess the effectiveness of the Special Land Mediation Board in resolving land-related disputes and promoting peace and stability in the region. The report presents detailed statistics on the number of cases handled, the success rates of mediations, and the types of disputes addressed. Key findings reveal that the board has had significant success in facilitating peaceful resolution of land conflicts, therefore contributing to community cohesion and reducing tensions amidst stakeholders. Furthermore, the publication highlights the importance of land-related issues in post-conflict regions and emphasizes the role of specialised mediation mechanisms in engaging local communities in their own process of accessing justice and achieving peaceful community relations.