Kathmandu, May 28:

Archaeology and heritage studies can be applied to conflict resolution, said Prof Sudharshan Seneviratne, an archaeology professor at the University of Pearadeniya, Sri Lanka.

Addressing a gathering at Russian Culture Centre, Prof Seveviratne today said studies on heritage and culture could be an urgent remedial strategy against the self-destructive path currently unfolding in the region.

“Culture does not evolve in a vacuum or in isolation,” he said adding, “A shared culture represents the best of humane aspirations and connected destinies.”

In his presentation at a Vesak Commemoration Oration 2007 on ‘People to People Connectivity and Peace Interaction: Redefining Heritage for Conflict Resolution’, he said, “Redefining the vision of the futuristic role of education is one of the most central and challenging issue facing contemporary South Asian society.”

He highlighted the cross-regional and cross-cultural orientation as an alternative approach to conflict resolution.

“We can learn lessons from Sri Lanka that how fragile peace is, even during the cease fire,” said Kunda Dixit adding: “History talks about who killed who and when. It rather should tell how long people live in peace.”

The programme was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Nepal Sri Lanka Cultural, Social and Economic Forum.

The newly-formed forum is headed by Joy Dewan. It aims to further enhance the relationship between the two countries in social cultural and economical field.