In Focus

Article 14 vs. Article 15 Freedom of expression is not an inviolable right

Admin May 11, 2020 732

SHALIKA WIMALASENA An op-ed on the freedom of speech in these troubled times Viranjana Herath has many years of experience in both print and electronic media. He is an activist who struggles for freedom of expression. He joined us to discuss media behaviour, social media responses and the

In Focus

The Impact of Sri Lanka’s Caste System Caste Differences Within Races

Admin March 24, 2020 549

KALAVARSHNY KANAGARATNAM AND HARINDRA “Because I married a girl from another caste, my family was not allowed to live in the same village” “As a result of my marrying a girl from another caste my family was not allowed to live in the same village. We had to relocate and had no contact with the […]

In Focus

The Archive of Memory Sri Lanka After Independence

Admin March 19, 2020 551

GOWRY MAHA A review of ‘The Archive of Memory’ featuring 70 stories from Sri Lanka’s post-independence era We are used to reading stories from history that are structured by the powers that be, but the book titled ‘Archive of Memory‘ makes us look back through real experiences. Defining narratives up to 2018, the book chronicles 70 years […]

In Focus

Photo Essay: The Psychology of Species

Admin February 21, 2020 694

MAHENDRA DHAMMIKA In this photo series, photographer Mahendra Dhammika captures the duality of human-animal interactions Human-animal relationships are multi-dimensional. At times, there is an uncanny similarity and at times, a stark contrast. We interact with animals in many forms; as pets, as farm animals, as strays, as exhibits and as food. Can our interactions with

In Focus

Reconciliation Flows Born on the Yan Oya River Dam

Admin February 9, 2020 779

UPUL THAMMITA How shared problems within a multi-ethnic community can pave the way for reconciliation Several large-scale irrigation projects have been initiated in Sri Lanka recently with many nearing completion at present. One such initiative is the Lower Yan Oya reservoir project. This massive irrigation project related to the Yan Oya River which begins at […]

In Focus

Because individuality is different from national identity Reconciliation is not a mathematical activity

Admin January 20, 2020 544

KALAVARSHNY KANAGARATNAM The Catamaran in conversation with social activist and writer Sarmila Seyed THE CATAMARAN: Reconciliation is viewed in relation to politics. How is it possible to focus on reconciliation via literary activities? Reconciliation in contemporary times has become a multinational business venture that accepts or denies past pogroms and genocides when it

In Focus

When someone asks you who you are: The real answer should be”Sri Lankan”

Admin January 17, 2020 537

A.M.FAIS In conversation with National Coordinator of Peace and Social Work, T. Dayabaran on reconciliation and our national identity The National Coordinator of Peace and Social Work, T. Dayabaran is educated in conflict resolution and peace-building and comes with many years experience implementing this work. He has also won the International Peace Award from

In Focus

Beautiful Paintings by Beautiful Minds Uniting the Country with Public Space Art

Admin January 7, 2020 561

GAYAN YADDEHIGE Artists of all ethnicities gather to create public space art to promote reconciliation A collective of artists are gathered to paint empty walls in and around Kandy town. Mobilized by a Facebook message, they come with no racial or religious bias. Instead, they are united in their task to beautify Kandy. Udara Chaturaka, […]

In Focus

Helping Post-War Single-Parent Households Economic Stability offered by Muslim Business owners

Admin December 21, 2019 732

SARANYA SUBRAMANIYAM How post-war, single parent households are offered economic stability by Muslim-owned businesses in Batticaloa “Women must first have the economic strength to face life with determination” says Rasa Letchumi. She lives in Manchanthoduvai area in the Batticaloa district. She is known as ‘Erumbu Rasam’ (The Ant Rasam) because she is so active! Born […]

In Focus

The Reconciliation Mechanism: Memorial Parks as a Peacebuilding Platform

Admin November 29, 2019 694

PRIYADHASHINI SIVARAJAH “Focus on small but profound efforts to bring about change will help people understand the tension between the ethnic groups” says Prof. Chandraleka Mownaguru “It will not make any sense if the reconciliation mechanism becomes only an NGO-oriented plan. Yet, no multi-religious group has brought about any changes. Focus on small but profound […]