• Differentiating observations from one’s evaluations/judgements.
  One’s ability to carefully observe what is actually happening (facts) in his or her surrounding with total mindfulness of his or her possible evaluation/judgements about the incident.
  
  
• Differentiating feelings from thoughts.
  Being able to identify and express internal feelings in a way that do not imply judgment, criticism, blame or guilt.
  
  
• Connecting with the real need/value behind one’s actions.
  Being able to recognize the real universal human need/value which someone attempts to fulfil by a particular action. Identifying the universal need/value in you which is being met or unmet in relation to what is happening and how you are feeling.
  
  
• Requesting compassionately with total mindfulness of what you really want.
  Ability to request what we really want clearly and specifically in a manner that the other person is not motivated by fear, shame, obligation, guilt or social norms but by natural compassion and the sense of contributing to another person’s well-being.
  
  
• Self-Empathy.
  Ability to fully connect with what is happening in you; your evaluations, thoughts, feelings and needs in relation to what is happening in your surroundings.
  
  
• Empathy
  Ability to connect with what is happening in others; their possible evaluations, thoughts, feelings and needs in relation to what is happening in their surroundings.
  
  
• Honest Expression
  Ability to express honestly what is happening in you in a manner you do not blame, criticize or burden others and you take responsibility for what is happening in you.

NVC stands as the core thematic focus of all our work. In fact the very inception of the organization took place as a result of our founder, late Lourdes William’s personal passion and commitment to popularize Marshall’s teaching in Sri Lanka in late 1990s.

As our vision suggests we, at CCT strive for a pluralistic society where peace and harmony prevails. We believe that the Sri Lankan society has always been very diverse and inclusive throughout its long history, and disregarding this very nature during the colonial rule and post independent state policies paved path to current ethno-political disputes in the country.

We trust that promoting genuine adherence to pluralistic values among general public is key in achieving long lasting peace in the country. In CCT’s activities communities are provided with safe opportunities to open up to their identity related insecurities, fears and uncertainties, and explore constructive ways to deal with them.

Cultivating positive attitudes towards accepting diversity, along with promotion of values such as ‘Agree to Disagree’, ‘Unity through Diversity’, ‘Responsible citizens’ and ‘Respect Humanity’ etc., are vital in the journey towards a shared future for the colorful island nation of Sri Lanka.

CCT believes that conflicts are inevitable, natural and not inherently negative. It is not the occurrence of conflicts that bring destruction to human beings but the lack of constructive means of understanding the needs behind them that drives individuals to resort to violence.

While identifying the necessity of integrating Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution and Conflict Prevention approaches in interventions, CCT believes that its Conflict Transformation approaches which can bring about sustainable peace in communities.

At its core, application of NVC generates internal transformation in individuals. This enables them to communicate in clear and precise terms which enables transformation of conflicts to occur.

Considering current reality in post-war Sri Lankan society, CCT recognizes the necessity of civil society organizations at all levels integrating Transitional Justice as at least a cross cutting theme in their interventions.

CCT conducts both raising awareness and in-depth training programs to educate individuals, groups and networks about the concept of Transitional Justice and necessity of it in current Sri Lankan context in order to take steps towards reconciliation as a nation.

Building sustainable reconciliation in societies divided across many divisive fault lines is no easy task.  CCT recognizes that Sri Lanka is no exception to this reality.  It is essential to also understand that reconciliation is a process and not an end state in itself.  Reconciliation in its most basic form means building of relationships by seeking innovative ways of achieving this objective. Unfortunately there is no single word to define reconciliation either in Sinhala or Tamil.  However, a focus on promoting reconciliation is to create the space for those driving conflicts to meet and understand the painful past, envision a shared future as a means of dealing with the present. This strategy will help achieve a reduction of present or potential for violence, improve relationships between past enemies, respect the humanity of all Sri Lankans irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences, and build a democratic culture where the Rule of Law will not be compromised.  CCT will remain focused in promoting reconciliation.

Based on the values of Restorative Justice, CCT firmly believes that the communities have its own wisdom, motivation and resources to find fair solutions to their communal disputes, and any third party who strives to see long lasting peace in communities should support them to establish their own systems of dispute resolution.

Along with NVC based mediation, CCT uses various other community mediation techniques to enhance communities to be better able to resolve their disputes. CCT’s long term involvement in training members of government Mediation Boards in marginalized areas testifies to CCT’s emphasis on effective community mediation systems to bring peace and harmony in communities.