Welcome
“Digital Peacebuilding is a revolution that connects, informs, and engages individuals and communities faster than ever, creating unique opportunities to prevent violence, promote peace, and resolve conflicts. It accelerates our ability to build bridges across divides and provide peaceful solutions in ways that were once unimaginable. This is my invitation to join this digital peace journey in our fast-paced, high-tech society, grounded in love, care, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
-Harshadeva-
This is very much a reflection of my journey as a peacebuilder, practitioner, and humanitarian worker in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sudan, and South Sudan. I am trying to have an honest conversation with myself about conflict, peace, and humanity. I hope that my experiences , including both my contributions and mistakes may be helpful to you. This is an ongoing dialogue, and I thank you for visiting..
Buddika Harshadewa Amarathunga
Beyond the Blog
Citizen Diplomacy Matters in the Thai–Cambodian Conflict
The intention here is to look at this situation beyond a deal. Too often, peace is reduced to calculations of gain and loss, negotiated by elites far removed from the suffering on the ground.
The Warmth of Hotpot, The Strength of Friendship:
We just came back from a working trip to Bazhong City in Sichuan Province, China. This journey was
not only about official meetings;
Digital decency
Sherry Turkle, the American sociologist, once said: “Technology doesn’t just change what we do; it changes who we are. Online, without empathy and respect, we risk treating people as objects rather than as human beings…
World Humanitarian Day Special
World Humanitarian Day 2025: Protecting Those Who Risk Their Lives to Assist Others
On this World Humanitarian Day, we honor those who serve with courage and compassion, and remember the 17 fallen humanitarians in Muttur, Sri Lanka. Their sacrifice calls us to seek truth and justice in the name of humanity. Read my recent article in the Daily FT:
Blog Articles
Betel Nuts, Stains, and Our Coffee
Lou Kila is from Hula Village, about 90 kilometres from Port Moresby, the capital of PNG. He is a Peacebuilding Program Manager at the World Council of Churches
AI Peace Agent “Chata” & Digital Peacebuilding
From my broken laptop to building an AI peace agent I call ‘Chata,’ I discovered how technology can become a close companion in strengthening Digital Peacebuilding.
My Unexpected Teachers in Digital Peacebuilding
What happens when an indigenous youth in Mindanao uses his phone to fight injustice, or an elder in South Sudan charges his mobile just to keep hope alive?
Peter the Teacher
A story of one man’s unwavering spirit to teach and inspire, even in the shadow of war……
The AI Reply vs. Human Empathy
Before AI takes away our empathy, we must embrace the beauty of our imperfect humanity..
Why Should We Hold Hands?
Suddenly, I spotted a man in a crisp white jellabiya about 100 meters away from me. He was closer to the main road and started walking quickly …..
Localization of Digital Peacebuilding.
In our digital age, peacebuilding often happens through screens and signals, but can technology replace trust?
This reflection takes you to a quiet border town where a simple cup of coffee sparked a powerful lesson.
It’s a story about reconnecting people, rebuilding trust, and localizing digital peacebuilding.
Why Cambodia and Thailand Must Choose Peace.
When I heard about the recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, I felt deeply troubled. Even though neither country seems willing to wage a full scale war, both are standing firm in their…..
The Day My Colleague Was Slapped
This is a short story about trust, relationship building, and humanitarian access in a highly volatile conflict environment. I try my best to provide a couple of tools—well, let me say it a different way; here….
Keep Reading …..
Our conversation turned serious as we discussed the recent intercommunal conflicts affecting Yei. These conflicts, usually seasonal, had taken an unexpected turn when cattle from the Mundari community migrated into Yei during an unusual time. The Mundari, known for their agricultural and pastoral lifestyle,….
Suddenly, a man appeared from the dusty road and jumped out, trying to stop my car. I was confused — and then I heard gunfire. It was 3 or 4 rounds. I immediately
From the Archives
Witness to a Wounded Time
Most of the articles in this section were published across various platforms during the height of the Sri Lankan conflict. Though many years have passed, my heart still beats faster each time I revisit these words. They take me back to an unfortunate and painful chapter in Sri Lanka’s history.These writings are not just reflections; they are fragments of lived experience, observations, and hope amidst chaos. I share them here not because they are perfect or recent, but because they carry the raw truth of a time that shaped me — and many others — forever.
The grassroots Sri Lankan peacebuilding Initiative
Peace and love for them is about sharing. Food plays a main role in terms of sharing. People wanted to meet each other. .
Omission of gender: Sri Lanka’s “Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission”
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and its inadequacies in considering gender issues in the post-conflict Sri Lanka.
Can one man make a change in the war torn context of Sri Lanka through music?
However, his music is not to be found in the mainstream: popular media has no space…
