Measuring the Level of Intercultural Competence (IC) among Muslim Religious Leaders in Sri Lanka

As far as the religious leaders are influential in Sri Lankan society, their intercultural competence (IC) level matters for social harmony in the country. The existing literature found a lack of IC among religious leaders and highlighted their damaging role in a long history of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka. Referring to the 2019 easter attack, some social activists questioned the level of IC of Muslim religious leaders and the relevance of madrasa education. This research, therefore, evaluates the level of IC among the graduates of Sri Lankan madrasas. For this purpose, the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) was adopted. This study used a mixed method of data collection. A quantitative research instrument was administered among 26 madrasa alumni, and only 101 Muslim religious leaders responded. Out of the total participants, 72 (71.3%) were males and 29 (28.7%) were females. In the qualitative approach, 06 Madrasa principles accepted the invitation to the interview. They shared information about the curriculum, madrasa environment, institution policy, and their experience in dealing with issues of IC. This research found 'minimization level or third level of IC in DMIS among all participants.' A total of 65% of participants obtained acceptance and adaptation levels of IC. Since these madrasas have no other means except Islamic religious courses to develop this level of IC, researchers concluded that the religious education in Sri Lankan madrasas does not oppose multiculturalism. Furthermore, Islamic religious education can potentially develop IC among Muslim religious leaders. Since this research was conducted among Muslim religious leaders who graduated more than ten years ago, research is needed to ensure the current situation.