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cultural institutions, have the unique responsibility to preserve and curate these

narratives. While often viewed as mere repositories of artifacts, museums actively
construct and communicate historical accounts, which can either perpetuate division

or foster healing. In societies like Sri Lanka, where the scars of civil conflict are still
deeply felt, the role of museums in shaping the collective memory of violence and

peace is both critical and complex.

This study explores how war and genocide museums contribute to Transitional Justice

in post-conflict settings, with a focus on how they craft narratives of violence and
peace. By examining the ways museums represent historical events, engage with

marginalized voices, and influence public perceptions, the research aims to uncover
the potential of museums as agents of social change. Drawing on frameworks such as

Maurice Halbwachs ’ Collective Memory Theory, Yuval Noah Harari’s concept of
Collective Imagination, and the pillars of Transitional Justice (truth, justice,
reparation, and non-recurrence), this study investigates how museums help shape

societal understanding of past violence and promote healing.

Through a combination of content analysis of museum narratives, visitor reactions,

and official documents, this research aims to bridge the gap in existing literature on
the role of museums in post-conflict societies, offering new insights into their

contribution to transitional justice and sustainable peace.

1.1. Literature Review
The power to remember is the power to shape the future. As custodians of collective

memory, museums hold a profound, often underestimated influence over how
societies interpret their pasts, understand their present, and envision their futures. Far

beyond preserving artifacts, museums construct narratives that define cultural

identities, moral lessons, and pathways toward justice. In the aftermath of violence,
when memories are contested and healing is fragile, the role of museums becomes

even more critical. This literature review examines the intersection of memory,

violence, transitional justice, and sustainable development, situating museums as key
actors in fostering reconciliation and peace.

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