Growing up during Sri Lanka's civil war taught me that getting along with people across divides is a virtue we can learn

"Kandy, a city built around a lake, is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites, and hosts vibrant religious processions."

"Sri Lanka's civil war, lasting from 1983 to 2009, was fought between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Tamil separatist group, leading to significant loss of life."

"Despite a rich tapestry of religious life, Sri Lanka's diversity has often exacerbated conflict, revealing deep-seated mistrust and grievances among its communities."

"The author’s family background reflects Sri Lanka's diversity, with a Catholic mother and a Buddhist father, showcasing the coexistence of different faiths."

Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a city rich in religious diversity, featuring Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Hindu kovils, and Muslim mosques. The author experienced this pluralism firsthand, attending various religious observances. However, despite this diversity, Sri Lanka has faced significant conflict, particularly during the civil war from 1983 to 2009, which resulted in the deaths of 80,000-100,000 people. The war highlighted the divisions within the country, exacerbating mistrust and grievances among different ethnic and religious groups.

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