Community-Based Peacebuilding and Sustainable Livelihoods: A Study of Development Practices in the Malayaga Community in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study explores how community-based peacebuilding initiatives contribute to sustainable livelihoods among the Malayaga Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Historically marginalized and socio-economically excluded, the Malayaga community—descendants of Indian plantation labourers brought during British colonial rule—faces persistent inequalities in access to education, land, and political participation. This research adopts a qualitative approach to examine how localized peacebuilding and development practices enhance social cohesion, gender equity, and economic empowerment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted in Malayaga Community. The findings reveal that community-based organizations (CBOs), including women’s cooperatives and youth development groups, have become critical agents of peace and sustainable change. These initiatives foster trust across ethnic and class divisions, promote participatory decision-making, and support livelihood diversification. However, structural barriers such as gender discrimination, limited institutional support, and economic dependency continue to hinder equitable development. The study argues that sustainable peacebuilding must be rooted in local agency, ethical governance, and inclusive policy frameworks that prioritize the social justice concerns of plantation communities. By integrating peacebuilding into sustainable development planning, this research highlights pathways to build resilience, reduce marginalization, and strengthen inter-community harmony in post-war Sri Lanka.