Working for justice, dignity, dialogue, reconciliation, peace and care for creation, especially in communities carrying wounds of conflict.
- 2005
- CPR established
- 2021
- Family ministry began
- All
- Faiths and communities
From the Province history
History & details
Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR)
The Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR) is an Oblate ministry established on 2 May 2005 to promote peace, justice, reconciliation, and human dignity in Sri Lanka. It was founded in response to the needs of communities affected by ethnic conflict and social divisions, with a mission to build bridges among communities and empower marginalized people to live with dignity and equal rights.
Its vision is “A just and peaceful Sri Lanka where the rights of all people are assured.” With the support of partners such as Misereor, CPR works with communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote human rights, equal opportunities, social awareness, and peaceful coexistence among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The Centre also accompanies war-affected and marginalized communities through psychosocial support, livelihood assistance, and training in non-violent communication. Over the years, its programmes have been coordinated by Fr. Bernard, OMI, and currently by Fr. Jeevarantam, OMI. Because of its advocacy work, some Oblates have also faced security threats and intimidation.
Today, CPR continues to address important social issues through human-rights advocacy, minority rights, interreligious dialogue, women's and children's rights, gender equality, environmental responsibility inspired by Laudato Si', and intercultural exchange programmes. It also conducts awareness and empowerment programmes for students and youth on issues such as substance-abuse prevention and road safety.
Through these initiatives, CPR continues the Oblate commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation, and service to the most vulnerable, helping build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful Sri Lanka.
Specialized Ministry to Dysfunctional Families
Inspired by the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod and his concern for families in difficulty, the Jaffna Province launched this ministry in 2021. Fr. Stany Anthonipillai, OMI, began by accompanying single mothers, widows, and families affected by the war, particularly in the Vanni region and parts of the Jaffna Peninsula.
The ministry provides empowerment programmes, awareness sessions, counselling, limited legal assistance, and pastoral accompaniment. It also promotes Gospel values among families of different faith backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, and Catholics.
With the support of generous benefactors, the ministry continues to provide livelihood assistance, home-gardening projects, children's nutrition programmes, and food assistance to families facing hardship. Through this ministry, the Oblates seek to restore dignity, strengthen families, and bring hope to those experiencing abandonment, poverty, and difficult family circumstances.
Source: Pathinathan Sathiyaseelan, OMI, “Present Ministries of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Jaffna Province”
What we do
- Human-rights advocacy and minority rights
- Interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence
- Care for creation inspired by Laudato Si’
- Training in non-violent communication
- Empowerment of widows, single mothers and struggling families
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”