painful past to promising future

Aloysius Jeyarajah Aseervatham & Anton Xavier Rajinthrakumar

2018

© Copyright 2018, Aloysius Aseervatham & Anton Rajinthrakumar All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the authors. ISBN: 978-1-643-70986-4 ISBN: 978-1-644-40978-7 eBook

CONTENTS

FOREWORD PREFACE AN APPRECIATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF JAFFNA ORIGIN IN THE PRESENT WORLD SOCIO-CULTURAL ARTICLES A Brief History and Geography The Changing Values and Attitudes in Jaffna Striving for Peaceful Co-Existence Fostering Tamil Unity

Role of Tamil Diaspora EDUCATION ARTICLES Enhancing Educational Quality of all Tamil Students Inspiring Educational Leaders Importance of the ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT ARTICLES Recipe for Jaffna’s Prosperity

The World Bank Project for Jaffna Aviation for Northern Province Entrepreneurship Awareness for Jaffna Importance of Good Quality Water For Jaffna – An Analysis Farming Practice Changes for Jaffna Promoting Palmyrah Products Jaffna of the future GENERAL ARTICLES Jaffna and fourth industrial revolution Northern Idyll Healthcare improvement Projects for North and East Tamils Outside of Northern Province Need For More Meaningful Steps Places of interest in Jaffna Post-War – The Way Forward

FOREWORD

Aloysius Aseervatham (Aseer to me) is an indefatigable writer. He has joined force with an aspiring writer, Anton Xavier Rajinthrakumar of , to write yet another book. Both authors are alumni of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna. The latest venture is titled ‘JAFFNA’, the name of the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and the cultural capital of Tamils, from where most of the Tamils have emigrated to live in various parts of the world. Having grasped fully the reality of present day life in Jaffna, the authors invoke in us nostalgic memories of the pleasant and peaceful lives some of us, who were fortunate, had there in the past. In a long list of articles and memoirs that include history, geography, changing values and attitudes of people after the civil strife, role of the Tamil diaspora, a recipe for the region’s prosperity, necessity for peaceful co-existence etc. they pour their hearts out and burn our souls too. Life in Jaffna has changed so much over the last couple of decades. Obviously, during the civil strife, the painful reality made many people to say, “Gone are the days of peace and serenity when education thrived, farming blossomed, fishing industry flourished and so on”. Civil Strife set in like a bomb-shell and overturned the normal lives of the people while destroying the peninsular economy. While many perished, others had to flee from their homes, most of them to foreign climes. However, many continued to live there but penniless. The war has ceased, but the onus is on all stakeholders to work together to ensure durable peace and prosperity. This is the scenario which this book poignantly strives to portray. It offers thoughtful proposals and practical solutions for a better life for the people. The authors have studiously avoided petty politics and pointing fingers at any one. If they have awakened those of us fortunate to lead better lives overseas to the realities of present day ‘Jaffna’ and the overall necessity to build a peaceful and contented society there, and develop the peninsula economically, then they have in fact succeeded in their noble task of writing this book. Thank you Aseer and Anton. Please continue to do more. Benedict (Benny) Thomas Toronto, Canada July 2018

Benny Thomas is a retired Accounting professional. He is a prolific writer of articles and reviews for various journals and magazines. He was Aloysius’ contemporary at St. Patrick’s college, Jaffna and also a good friend and classmate of Anton’s father Mr. Raphael L. Xavier at the same college.

PREFACE

Jaffna - A town and a peninsula that is dear to our hearts, and to countless others who remember it as home. This book is inspired by numerous constructive conversations reminiscing about what Jaffna was, and what it could be in the future. A collection of articles, written by those who share our passion for this revered place, discuss the opportunities to rebuild their home in the wake of the ravages of three- decade long war. We hope this book provides an insight to a new generation of people of Jaffna-origin living across the world and yet connected to their ancestral homeland and stirs the depths of their emotions; imagine the possibility of regaining the pride and dignity that was enjoyed by the people of Jaffna. A brief review of the rich history of the place, combined with valuable information on the geography of the region, leads into several treatises by writers who share our vision for the resurgence of Jaffna; some of the complex challenges faced by the community are analysed, the seeds of solutions are offered in the hope of germinating in the minds of those who have the courage and integrity. Those of us who grew up in peaceful times in Jaffna pay homage to our never forgotten home through the pages of this book. We also salute the residents of Jaffna for their selfless sacrifice, bravery and resilience amid unimaginable odds. As you turn the pages of this book one after the other, we sincerely hope that Jaffna march towards halcyon days and prosperity. Aloysius J. Aseervatham Anton X. Rajinthrakumar Brisbane, Australia Toronto, Canada

It’s better to light one candle than to curse darkness.

AN APPRECIATION

My first visit to Jaffna was in 2011 with my mother and two sisters. My mother who recently passed away was 90 when she joined us in this memorable trip. I am happy to recall that she acted as our tour guide with the authentic knowledge she had acquired about Jaffna and its people while serving as a Teacher. It was a full entourage of a bus trip including members from sisters’ families and I must say it was one of the most enjoyable family trips I have made in Sri Lanka. My memories are still afresh with the natural beauty we enjoyed along the scenic routes, food, and beautiful places and temples we visited. We visited Velvedditurrai, Kankasanturrai, , Puliyankulam, , Nagar Kovil, hot water wells, Dambakola Pattuna, etc by staying in and operating from Jaffna town for a few nights. The most scenic route I thoroughly enjoyed was that leading to the Nagadeepa Temple. The day we went to the temple was slightly damp and driving through Palmyrah plantations in the drizzling rain was stunning. These are my first sweet and unforgettable memories of Jaffna. As Socrates once said, “The more You know, More You come to know, How little You know”. This book from Aloysius Aseervatham and Anton X. Raji is narrating not only what you don’t know about Jaffna, but also highlights the promising future of this beautiful piece of land on earth. With this compilation, Aloysius and Anton have taken a timely step on the journey to rebuilding Jaffna. We all have a part to play in this journey. I am sure readers will be inspired by the articles written by all article contributors simply because each article projects a different perspective of Jaffna. The realisation dawns upon us that each of us has a role to play to rebuild Jaffna exemplifying our responsibility for the betterment of all humans around the globe irrespective of ethnic boundaries. It is a pleasure to see that two gentlemen from opposite ends of the globe are making a genuine effort to connect us to make Jaffna a better place to live and an interesting place to visit. I truly appreciate their efforts. It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to write this note of appreciation on behalf of these two distinguished authors, Aloysius Aseervatham and Anton Rajinthrakumar. Jayantha Wickramatunga

Jayantha Wickramatunga is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka and works as a Senior Engineering Professional for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in Australia. He is a recipient of TMR’s Australia Day Achievement Award in 2018. He is the Current President of the Queensland Chapter of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka. He is a Broadcaster and a Panel Operator at 4EB FM Station in Brisbane and currently serves as a Director at the Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland. He is an Old Boy of and is the founding President of the Old Anandians Association of Queensland, Australia.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are very grateful to the following article and memoir contributors. The articles without any names are the joint effort of the authors themselves. 1. Dr. Ivan Aloysius - , UK 2. Mr. Cader. M. Ansari – Brisbane, Australia 3. Dr. Patrick Anthonypillai – Toronto, Canada 4. Mr. Jerome Arunakumaran – Brisbane, Australia 5. Dr. Jerome Ephraums – Brisbane, Australia 6. Dr. Wilfred Ferdinand – Negombo, Sri Lanka 5. Dr. Anthony Gnanarajah – Seattle, USA 6. Mr. Henry Jeyarajah – Toronto, Canada 8. Mr. Nithi T. Nithianandan - Melbourne, Australia 9. Mr. Innian Rasiah – Toronto, Canada 10.Mr. S.S. (Anand) Sathananthan – Brisbane, Australia 11.Dr. M. Jude Sooriyajeevan – Boston, USA 12.Mr. Yogi Srikhanta – Brisbane, Australia 13.Dr. Devasenapathy Vishvakarman – Brisbane, Australia A good number of well-wishers helped towards this book’s endeavor and the authors thank them as well. Special thanks go to Mano Jehenthiran for her Kavithai on Jaffna and to Kavie and Anjelli Soosapilla for singing and recording the song dedicated to the Jaffna Tamils. As always, Publish Wholesale in the USA have done an excellent production of this book also, for which the authors are extremely thankful. You may listen to the Tamil music by using the link: https://youtu.be/rGeMwdGnAMI

People of the world feel the anguish of the Tamils

Let our martyrs be remembered daily

May Peace and tranquility dwell in the hearts of Tamils

United, we will all live happily

The youngsters will wake up to the reality

May the widows due to war be touched by our humanity

With the love and support of the global Tamils

All wars signify the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, and they need post-war rebuilding of faith, trust and confidence. – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

TAMILS OF JAFFNA ORIGIN IN THE PRESENT WORLD

The Exodus The first wave of migration of the Tamils was to Malaysia, Singapore and the then Madras Presidency in South . The second wave was migration to Western countries because of higher education and better job prospects. Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948 and changed its name to Sri Lanka when it became a republic in 1972. The government in Colombo dominated by majority ethnic group introduced some rules during the early 70s known as standardisation which restricted ethnic minority Tamil students from entering Universities in Sri Lanka. Hence many migrated to western countries, where merit - based performance was amply rewarded. The third wave was during the three-decade long civil war. Many Tamils were fleeing the worn-torn Sri Lanka seeking political asylum. Large number of Sri Lankan Tamils in the Western countries have also gained citizenship in their adopted countries. A significant number of Sri Lankan Tamil population now reside in foreign countries. These countries include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States of America, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and so on. There is always the possibility for more Tamils to leave seeking security and dignity in faraway foreign lands if the legitimate aspirations of the people are neglected. Spread of Tamils around the world Status of in Some Countries Around the World

There is no denying that Tamils from Sri Lanka are spread across the globe because of exodus from the Island during the war. There are a sizable Tamil speaking people from Sri Lanka who have firm root in countries like Canada, USA, Australia and Western European nations. Statistics of Tamils Living Overseas

Note: The numbers may not be close to the actual current ones in some cases as census may have been taken a few years ago.

SOCIO-CULTURAL ARTICLES

1 A Brief History and Geography

Sri Lanka is a country that everyone knows today because of the thirty-year civil war there. The , caused by ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils, resulted in significant privation and loss of life. Given below is a brief overview of the history and geography of the area where Jaffna Tamils live.

Picture -1 There are nine administrative provinces in Sri Lanka, as shown in Picture 1 above. Sri Lankan Tamils mostly reside in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the country. In addition, they also reside in the country's capital city Colombo (see Picture 2). Tamils also formed communities in Amparai and Negombo, but they got included in the Sinhalese community, which forms the majority of population of the country. The Northern Province houses 70 percent of the Tamils. Jaffna, the capital of the Northern Province, has a community of Jaffna Tamils, who are considered the direct descendants of the A brief history of the Jaffna Kingdom History says that the Jaffna Kingdom had two capitals: , which is the present-day North-western Province and Nallur in Northern province. Once upon a time, the Nagas, who were immigrants from , occupied . The region was called “Nagadipa”, meaning “island of Nagas” due to this reason. Also known as The Kingdom of Aryacakravarti, the Jaffna kingdom sprawled between 1215-1624 CE around the town of Jaffna in the northern part of Sri Lanka after Magha invaded the region. Magha is considered as the pioneer of the Jaffna kingdom and is believed to be from Kalinga, India. The northern part of the country was under the rule of Pandyan dynasty in the 13th century. Kulasekara Cinkaiariyan, who was a minister during the Pandyan rule, was announced the king of the Jaffna peninsula, making him the first king of the Aryacakravarti dynasty. The Jaffna kings received enough tributes from the Vannimai chieftains under the Aryacakravarti rule, which lasted until 1619. The dynasty's rule came to an end when the Portuguese seized the Jaffna kingdom after killing the last king Cankili II.

Picture -2 The Nagadeepa-Purana-Vihara is an old Buddhist temple situated in . The temple is believed to be the site where Lord Buddha came when he visited Sri Lanka five years after attaining Enlightenment. The purpose of his visit was to settle a dispute between two Naga kings, Mahodara and Chulodara, over the ownership of a throne decorated with gems. Geography of Jaffna The district of Jaffna is one of the twenty-five Sri Lankan districts created for the purpose of second-level administration. The district comes under the administration of a District Secretariat run by GA, the Government Agent appointed by the country's central government. Jaffna District is the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and takes up a significant portion of the Jaffna Peninsula. The 1,025 square kilometre area is divided into: • Thenmaradchi • Valikaamam • Vadamaradchi • Jaffna Islands. The name “Jaffna” is actually a Portuguese translation of a Tamil word, which means “port of the lyre”. A church and a continue to stand strong since the Dutch period. Kottai Muniyappar Kovil, the famous Hindu temple, is situated close to the fort. Ceylon was taken over by the Dutch from the Portuguese and later came under the British rule, which overthrew the Dutch rule in 1795. Ceylon got independence from the British in 1948. In the southern part of the peninsula lies Thenmardchi division. This division includes sixty Grama Niladhari divisions, which consist of one- hundred and thirty villages. The division has two local administrative bodies, namely the Paradeshiya Sabha and the Chavakachcheri Urban Council. Agricultural products have always been a predominant aspect of Thenmaradchi. It's known widely for mangoes, paddy, green gram, black gram, yams, cowpea and many other . While Thenmaradchi comprises a single division of the district, Vadamaradchi comprises three divisions, namely Maruthankerni (Vadamarachi East), Point Pedro (Vadamaradchi North) and Karaveddi (Vadamaradchi South-west). Cities and towns in the eastern part include Thalaiady, Maruthankerni, Chempaiyanpattu and Chempaiyanpattu South. In the northern part of the Jaffna Peninsula lies North, which is close to Palaly and Veemankamam. Kopay forms the Valikamam East, and Valikamam West Divisional Secretariat is a primary Divisional Secretariat of Jaffna District. A string of islands drifts from the west of Jaffna into the , which connects the Indian State of and the in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. and Kayts are two islands that join the mainland, connected by causeways. Punkudutivu lies in the further west, and is the starting point for ferry services to , known for its religious shrines, and Delft, the island named after the Dutch city of the same name. Jaffna experiences a tropical monsoon type of climate, which is characterized by seasonal rainfall, warm summers and cool winters. The overall population of the district is around 600,000, fisheries and agriculture being the primary economic activities for about sixty percent of the district's workforce. , is the name given to the mainland area of the Northern province of Sri Lanka. It covers the entirety of Mannar, Mullaitivu and Districts, and most of District, and has an area of approximately 7,650 square kilometres (2,950 sq. miles). The population and infrastructure of the Vanni were devastated by the Sri Lankan Civil War. Picture -3 There are five administrative districts in Northern Province.

2 The Changing Values and Attitudes in Jaffna

Aloysius Aseervatham Lifestyles in Jaffna changed over three periods; the time before conflict (pre-1956), the time during the conflict and the civil war that followed, and the post-war era (after 2009). Some were lucky to have lived in Jaffna during the time of peace. Back then, there was an idyllic island lifestyle characterised by local customs and values. In those days, a typical family unit in Jaffna was very different in many ways as compared to the present day. Much like many other places in the world, there were old traditions that were kept. Men in Jaffna were the undisputed heads of families. They were the breadwinners and the decision-makers, and they carried the bulk of responsibility for the welfare and future of the family. Everyone in the family would have to respect and obey the man’s instructions. He would demand discipline from children and reprimand them when they misbehaved. Mothers in those days were mostly house wives. They worked very hard and dedicated their lives to the husband and children. In Jaffna, education was prized highly. Both parents desired a good education for their children. Possibly boys were strongly urged to obtain the highest education possible in order to carry on the tradition and responsibility of becoming a future head of a family. Any qualification higher than the school leaving certificate was generally not considered necessary for girls in that era. Teenage girls with career ambitions and prospects were rare. Children in most households had to get up early to study and attend to household chores if required before they went to school. When children returned home from school there would be some chores waiting for them which they have to complete before engaging playing with their siblings and /or friends. School holidays gave children a welcome break from this routine, but parents typically did not leave the children to their own devices. Parents organised various activities to keep them busy and entertained during that time. Needless to say, holidays were not viewed by parents as a time for children to switch off completely! Some parents would even begin schooling their children in the following year’s curriculum. Throughout school years, a child’s life was amply filled with work and study, and playtime had to be fitted between these priorities. There were several schools and colleges in and around Jaffna, all with good reputation. These schools were predominantly Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, and Catholic based on their location in Jaffna. Parents generally sent the children to schools that taught their faith. School uniforms were a source of pride for both children and parents alike. The street scapes were dominated on school mornings and afternoons with small and large groups of children walking or riding their bicycles to or from school. Travel to and from school was a social affair for many children. It was also a point of honour to wear clean, neatly pressed uniforms, and often children appeared to be the best- dressed people on any given street! Wealthier families drove their children to school, a task usually undertaken by the father, an uncle, an older brother (with or without a licence!) or a hired driver. For adults, modes of dress varied from traditional (among the older people) to contemporary (among younger people). Older males wore a four-yard long verti, or a sarong and an upper garment like a singlet or shirt. The females wore saris or lunghi (imported from Malaysia) with blouse. Boys wore shorts and shirt and girls skirt (short or long) and blouse. Young men and male university students copied the British fashions and wore long trousers and shirts. Trousers were popular because they lasted longer compared to verti which is soft and not durable. Traditionally, covering for the upper body was relatively sparse. Many older men in those days were seen without tops, and the older women wore no blouse (but covered their upper bodies with the sari they wore). Poorer children would wear nothing at home when they were little, reserving clothing for the times they went out in public. Most people walked barefooted, while the wealthier wore shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, or slippers. Although it is hot in Jaffna during summer, hats were not used. Instead many used umbrellas. During cold periods some people wrapped towels or mufflers around their heads to ward off the chill. Hairstyles for men varied from short to long, while long hair was favoured among women. Young girls wore their hair in one or two braids or confined it with a barrette. Older women rolled their hair and made a “kondai” (bun) at the back. If their hair was not long or thick enough to make an attractive big kondai they would buy and use artificial wigs to enhance their hair. Life in pre-conflict Jaffna was a low-technology, low-expense affair; further behind than in many other parts of a rapidly-developing world. Not many houses had tap water; a well-served as the source of drinking, cooking and bathing water for much of the population. When warm water was required, for example to bathe during colder times, water was heated in a cauldron outside the house. Tooth brushes and tooth paste were not commonplace; the average household would chew and scrub their teeth with neem tree sticks for dental hygiene. Entertainment in pre-conflict Jaffna comprised movies, dramas, plays and musical recitals. Even foreign artists would visit Jaffna often to provide entertainment. For the religiously minded there were Church and temple ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. In addition, there were both individual school and Inter-school soccer, cricket, basketball, net ball and athletic competitions which kept the public occupied during the week ends. The above lifestyle changed dramatically during the civil unrest. People stayed mostly indoors for fear of attack by the different Tamil groups fighting each other for power. During this period scarcities of food and other basic necessities like electricity, water, and fuel for vehicles was common. As in any conflict, the innocent civilians of Jaffna suffered immensely during this 30 year period. The lifestyle of the Jaffna people has changed significantly in the post war period. People have a more comfortable lifestyle with no scarcities of everyday needs. The role of women changed when they were given equal status to the men long ago. Women in Jaffna joined the work force and, in many cases, became the main breadwinners of the family. However, opportunities for women remain far shorter than for men. After the war, Jaffna recorded an increase in women who lost their partners in the violence and subsequently turned to prostitution for income. The effect of the war on Tamil children was devastating. The current Jaffna youth, who grew up during the militarised environment of the civil war, have learned that violence, aggression, and power are the only ways to solve problems. These children, now adults, still feel lost, lonely, confused or even scared. The respect for elders once commonplace in Jaffna is now scarce as this disenfranchised youth struggle with their place in society today. Repatriation of the economy after the war has led to business opportunities. However, local business people find it difficult to compete with non-Jaffna business people (from southern Sri Lanka or India) who have established businesses in the recovering economy. Better government policy, aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship, could improve this situation. The traffic in Jaffna has, thankfully, not yet made it into the twenty first century. There are very few private cars in Jaffna. Middle and old aged men and women can be seen on bicycles; young women ride scooters and young men race in motor cycles. There are more women road users today than in the past. Once the traffic rules in Jaffna were strict, the police enforced them, and order was kept, but now it is common to see – like many parts of South East Asia – three people on a bicycle or a scooter. Auto rickshaws generally referred as Tuk Tuks or three wheelers, sometimes without fare meters, dominate the streets. Good bus services with relatively cheap fares have been re- established, and they remain uncrowded today. Much of Jaffna’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed during the war. Some buildings destroyed in the war have been replaced by more modern ones. Most of the restored or refurbished buildings are colourfully painted. These are in stark contrast to the ruins that still remain, which bring back memories of the period of civil war. Jaffna’s fresh water supplies (mostly drawn from wells and aquifers) have diminished over the years, making the commodity more and more scarce in the region. The social atmosphere in Jaffna is subdued compared to its pre-war status. It is rare to hear greetings on the street, and the phrases “please” and “thank you” are not often heard. Men tend to congregate together for drinks in the evenings, and women tend to watch serials on TV. After 8pm, the roads are nearly deserted; a situation reminiscent of the days of conflict during which curfews were enforced. Smoking in public was banned a long time ago - a very good public health policy. Surprisingly though, betel leaf chewing, a habit of men in the pre-war era, has become quite common among young men in present-day Jaffna. The unsightly habit of spitting while chewing betel is still prevalent. The service industry in Jaffna spans the spectrum from poor to high. Lower end restaurants still display atrocious hygiene and it is common to see solid food items handled with bare hands, even if tongs are nearby. However, many modern hotels – mainly catering for tourists to Jaffna – have sprung up after the war. These hotels maintain a much higher standard of cleanliness and service. The economic and family disruption of the war has led to a new, less industrious people of Jaffna. The town has always lived on island time, where all deadlines are flexible, and this has worsened. Now, there is a culture of apathy, and time appears unimportant except when finishing work! Service reliability has evaporated. Young men sleep till late and widowed mothers (many whose husbands were killed during the conflict) nurse them like babies, sheltering them from doing honest work. They are made to study and encouraged to find a white-collar job, but there are few economic prospects available. The cost of living is prohibitive for most people, but fortunately, a good proportion receive foreign remittances from relatives living overseas. While this is helpful in the short term, it does little to change the apathy in the local workforce. The conflict and rebuilding of Jaffna has left the region with significant debt. People have borrowed money, and the government has borrowed money. Generation after generation will have to service public or private debt, and suicide is not uncommon when people cannot keep up with their private debt repayments. Corruption is endemic. It has become a way of life. Unless a bribe is paid for administrative services, the norm is to wait for hours or to be asked to return on another day. People pay the bribe because if they do not, then there is considerable uncertainty if or when their matters will be attended to. Government officials afford preferential treatment to those from abroad, and if good English is spoken by the customer, the job is often done promptly! Despite these difficulties, everyone carries a smartphone, in stark contrast to pre-war Jaffna, where only the wealthy had telephone connections to their houses and contacting someone through the telephone exchange was a logistical challenge. The miseries of displacement during war will remain for a very long time. The army is trying to help in the process of rebuilding people’s lives after the war. The trauma of war and displacements can be observed not only in those in Jaffna but also in those who found security abroad. Senior citizens who were forced to live overseas are now returning to spend their final days where they were born. A sad reality is that many people visiting Jaffna after a long stay in overseas countries find no one there with whom they could share their childhood memories. Tutorial and IT colleges are springing up in Jaffna although the standard of education is still being re-established and is a long way short of its pre-war levels. It will be very hard, if not impossible, for people who survived the war to forget the ordeal they went through. The continued military presence in Jaffna brings back war memories to the people; such as, running for cover during bombing; killings by separatists as well as the armed forces; schools being closed for extended periods of time; their homes taken over for army as well as rebel operations, and the loss of freedom to use the roads for fear of army harassment. It is very difficult to shift from a community mentality that was defined by war, to one that makes the most of peace. Only time will heal the Jaffna peoples’ pain. Dismantling of checkpoints will reduce the tension in the people to a large extent. Rebuilding of hospitals, schools, government buildings, roads, etc. in Jaffna must be given priority by the government. Improving the lives of the war widows, the education of youth and a good health care system should be given top priority by those who are in charge of administration in Jaffna. The speed with which the revival of Jaffna will take place depends on the politicians. Many Tamils fear that the government agenda continues to marginalise the minority Tamils, and that it will further disadvantage them. Traditional activities such as agriculture and fishing have faded from the mainstream economy, and are much less available to local Tamil people. Land is being bought by future investors, at the expense of its current population, increasing the destitution of Tamil people in their own homeland. For many Tamils, a pressing concern now is the resettlement of the refugees who were displaced in the final stages of the war and have returned to Jaffna. In addition to the population pressures this brings, there are also echoes of wartime activities. There continue to be involuntary ‘disappearances’, abductions, arrests without warrant, illegal detentions at unknown sites and a failure to release those who are being held without charge or trial. Drugs are being brought from overseas and sold in Jaffna. Illicit drugs are freely available and sold even to school-going teenagers, some as young as 11 years. Drug dealers are openly selling them in Jaffna and the surrounding villages, creating huge issues for the broader community. The increased use of drugs has increased the crime rate massively. In addition, domestic violence has increased dramatically after the end of the armed conflict. Drugs, alcohol, unemployment and economic difficulty all contribute to family and social tension. Despite these challenges, Jaffna has resources and people with which to develop its economy. It is a particularly beautiful part of an attractive island, and it has the potential for tourism. Many foreigners and Sinhalese from the South are now touring Jaffna, and this will hopefully grow and benefit the economy of Jaffna. But in order to capitalise on its potential, the issues that plague this part of Sri Lanka need to be addressed in a committed, collaborative, bipartisan way.

A politician thinks of the next election; A stateman thinks of the next generation. – James Freeman Clarke A thought provoking conversation A youngster asked his father: How did you people live before with: No access to technology, no TV’s, no air cons and no mobile phones? Dad replied: just like your generation live today: No prayers, no compassion, no honour, no respect, no character, no shame, no modesty and no time planning. We, the people born between 1930 -1970 are the blessed ones. Our life is a living proof.: While playing and riding bicycles we never wore helmets. After school, we played until dusk. We never watched TV. We played with real friends, not internet friends. If we ever felt thirsty, we drank tap water not bottled water. We never got ill although we used to share the same glass of juice with four friends. We never gained weight although we used to eat a lot of every day. Nothing happened to our feet despite roaming bare footed. Our mother and father never used any supplements to keep us healthy. We used to create our own toys and play with them, Our parents were not rich. They gave us love, not worldly materials. We visited our friends’ homes uninvited and enjoyed food with them, We had relatives who lived close by, so family time and ties were enjoyed together. We may have been in black and white photos but we could find colour memories in those photos We are most unique and most understanding generation, because we are the last generation who listened to their parents. We are also the first who have had to listen to their children. We are limited edition! So, you better: Enjoy us. Learn from us. Treasure us before we disappear from earth and your lives.

3 Striving for Peaceful Co-Existence

The degree of future peaceful co-existence of the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka depends on the measures the Sri Lankan central Government is willing to take. The Government has already taken some meaningful steps towards addressing the issues faced by the Tamil-speaking population of the Island. Progress is being made regarding the resettlement of Tamil families displaced by the long and brutal conflict, by giving back the land to the rightful owners in the North. Resettled people need help to get back to their normal lives. Funds need to be made available to make damaged houses habitable. Employment opportunities both in the State and private sectors have to be created to the unemployed. Demilitarisation of the North and East is the other urgent step required to make the Tamils feel safe and secure in their traditional homeland without fear and intimidation by those carrying arms. The people of both communities are basically good natured and tolerant. Both sides have learnt bitter lessons by going through years of enmity and war. These lessons should help them build a unified State. This will require humility and understanding from both communities. The natural tendency would be for the majority Sinhalese to trample the minority Tamils and this leads to a resistance mindset among the Tamil-speaking minority community. A Statutory framework need to be in place to maintain harmony between the two communities. Most educated Sinhalese have begun to realise the need for the Tamils to have equal rights and their grievances amicably settled. Now that the Sinhalese are living in the North and the Tamils in the South, there is a need for greater effort from both sides to learn to live as “ONE” people who love their motherland. Sinhalese Community can show their goodwill in helping the Government to frame a Constitution acceptable to all communities and religious groups that will ensure equal rights to everyone in Sri Lanka. The current South African Constitution is an ideal model that could be followed, however, the final constitution has to be a home-grown one that guarantees equal rights to all the people. The Tamil community cannot afford to sacrifice another generation in its perpetual struggle with the Sinhalese community. At the end of the day, there is no conflict in the world that cannot be resolved by dialogue. The government could organise the education of the masses on the importance of a united Sri Lanka. In this regard the media can play a vital role by restraining those who purposely seek to bring in disharmony among the people. The film industry also can play an important role by producing movies that focus on the healthy intermingling of the Sinhalese and the Tamil people. Tamils can team up with Sinhala artists to stage Dramas and Plays that can boost racial harmony by promoting the goodwill that exists within the artistic community of the country. There are other steps that can be taken, for instance inviting school children from the South on goodwill visit to the North (and vice versa) to participate in sports, etc. These types of initiatives will help to sideline extremist and racist elements. In a democratic society, everyone is free to give his or her views publicly but this does not extend to propagation of falsehoods, unsubstantiated allegations and hatred. The power of Internet and social media has to be used only as a means of promoting peace and harmony among the people. It seems to be a hobby for many to indulge in propagating falsehoods, lies and deceptions to mislead the readers. There is an urgent need to control this by law. Once upon a time, an effort was made to teach Sinhalese in Tamil schools and Tamil in Sinhalese schools with equal emphasis on the link Language English. It is heartening to note that this type of language teaching has already begun. It will do a lot of good to the country’s peace and prosperity. It will help the future generation of Sinhalese and Tamil youth to get employment easily in any part of the country. A Person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. – Albert Einstein

4 Fostering Tamil Unity

Patrick Anthonypillai We Tamils as an ethnic community have a rich cultural background and high social standards. But, unfortunately there exists, among us, a traditional trait of perpetuating discord, disunity, and disharmony within the community. Self-proclaimed superiority based on class, , creed and place-of-birth differences have been the main source of this disunity. People who consider themselves as high caste Tamils would refer to other Tamils in derogatory ways. This is an utterly rude practice unbecoming of an educated ‘high caste’ people. Although these differences are not supported by every member of the different groups, yet adhering to its practice has had a cumulative negative effect that affects the entire Tamil community. We have got used to using the diversity of class, caste, creed and place-of-birth, in an unproductive way. We need to take responsibility for the situation we have inherited and perpetuated. Appropriate action is needed to make our diversity as a tool of universal unity among the Tamil community. If we approach the disunity born of diversities among us, in a positive way, we can make the same differences become our strengths. For this to be a reality we should not only tolerate the differences that exist in our community, we should go a step further and respect them. In this way the diversity that divides us could be made to be a favourable proposition leading to a healthy state of unity in diversity. We should respect all the existing differences and accept everyone as equal members of one Tamil community. Are we prepared to embrace the diversity that exists among us and treat it with respect and far sight? Are we ready to for-go our perceived sense of superiority and face this issue on an equal footing with everyone concerned? Are we committed to uniting as a community? If yes, let us see what can be done about it, and what needs to be done. To begin with, we need to have a grass-root approach, facilitating teamwork, using our education, experience, knowledge and intellectual acumen. If we are to be successful, we must see the benefits of being united. This will enable us to have the motivation that is needed to achieve it. Being united would allow us to accomplish things that we cannot do on our own. It would let us combine our strengths to achieve unity among us. We have different skills and ideas, and we can build on each other. By sharing our skills new perspectives can crop up, our view of life can broaden, and we can become a better accommodating people. The path to unity in a divided community presents many difficult challenges. They need peaceful action to be resolved. Each of us should talk to one another, and also listen to one another with empathy. It is important to respect our diversity because it prevents discrimination and conflicts. It would enhance our personal and professional relationships, promote equality, and facilitate people to learn from each other. We must embrace gender, religious, political, social, cultural and racial differences in order to enjoy the benefits of a united society. Our efforts must be towards our collective public good. It is imperative that we do not let anyone manipulate our differences for political benefits. To build a united community, we should make a consorted effort to manage our differences productively, respectfully and with commitment. We should link positive engagement of differences to mutual benefits. This would create opportunities to present alternatives, enhancing competition for excellence. The differences among us should be respected because it will allow us to pull together a wide range of skills, experiences and ideas that would enable us to become an innovative and creative community. We can respect diversity by understanding and appreciating other people's views, values, strengths and challenges. Respecting diversity allows us to overcome communication barriers in our social, educational and work environments. We should be open to advice and criticism from members of all the different groups. This will strengthen our management skills and enable us to achieve our fullest potential as a united community. We must see our community with new eyes and find common grounds to care for our community. When differences become points of dissension, the differing parties should be determined to arrive at a workable solution and work out a comprehensive compromise. Of course, this would not be possible, if we have an attitude to impose our preference on the others. Instead we must strive for an agreement which will maintain a warm and amiable atmosphere, without losing our identity. Hence, we should willingly be sympathetic to each other’s blemishes and shortcomings. We know that no one is perfect. Therefore, we have to make a sincere effort to overcome our differences and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Tamils. Robust bonds built on respect, understanding, acceptance, and appreciating the others point of view, will make us a strongly united Tamil community that we all want to be a part of. We often talk about unity, but we have not been able to achieve it. This article is a wakeup call to our community. I ask you, the reader to examine this message both in your heart and mind. We can work with people similar to ourselves that is easy. But to work with people not similar to us we need to examine our own values and expectations. A sense of public good should be adhered to. A policy of regarding creed, class, caste, and birth place differences as accommodative diversities must be followed. Unity is the getting together and joining as one cohesive whole. The millions of Tamils, each of them with unique personalities, own ideas and opinions on how our community should be run, is a common fertile ground for all Tamils to sow the seeds of unity in diversity. It is worth the exercise because it will enable us to appreciate the value of unity in our own community. We can unite if we can find something in common among ourselves; see a part of ourselves in the others among us, and see others as equals. Differences among us that would trigger tension and conflict must be avoided at all costs. Then we can forge forward as a community focusing on our self-importance, self-improvement and in the pursuit of education, good health, and employment. I wish to site Singapore as an example where unity in diversity has been admirably achieved, to motivate you. The Republic of Singapore, a tiny island became a Nation in 1965. The people were from different countries, different cultures, different religious backgrounds and ideas. The People, all from different backgrounds and races, united as one to work towards a common goal: a better life in Singapore. Singapore had limited land with no natural resources. Yet, it has developed itself into a self-sustaining modern metropolis with high standards of prosperous and peaceful living. They have made Singapore into a multi-racial, multicultural, diverse society where everyone could work together for the good of and have an equal say. Today, the people of the Republic of Singapore, a multi-racial, multicultural, diverse society, all from different linguistic and religious backgrounds and races, have made it the 5th in Human Development Index. It has the third largest foreign market. Singapore is ranked highly in education, health care, life expectancy, quality of life, and personal safety. This was made possible because the people of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds united as one people and worked in unity to realize their hopes and dreams. If the Tamil community can brace itself as one united community the possibility of realizing its potential are enormous. Let us stand united.

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. – Dalai Lama

5

Post-war cultural changes among Tamils

Anthony Gnanarajah

6 Role of Tamil Diaspora

to help those in need in their ancestral homeland “Hands that help are holier than the lips that pray” Robert Green Ingersoll – 1899

Yogi Srikhanta In the post conflict scenario in the North & East of Sri Lanka, there is a surge in reconstruction and community assistance involving Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora individuals and their community-based organisations established in their adopted countries. The term diaspora is used broadly to denote Sri Lankan Tamils residing outside Sri Lanka as citizens and permanent or temporary residents. The estimated number of people in this group runs to approximately a million. Diaspora plays important role by committing their resources, skills and knowledge for the development of their places of origin. Primary source of help from the diaspora is in the form of remittances to family members or to a charity organisation. This foreign currency remittance helps to stimulate local economy and leads to poverty reduction by providing livelihood. However, the enormity of need is so high that much more is expected from the Diaspora. The areas that need greater focus from Diaspora are as follows: 1. Empowering Women Headed households There is a staggering number of women who have become sole winners in the North and East! These women face enormous hardships in their day to day life. The women are very vulnerable for exploitation. However most of them are resilient and with right kind of support can effectively manage their family’s welfare. Many charity groups, religious organisations, non-government organisations and individuals have initiated and funded a range of poverty alleviation projects. However, this only scratches the surface, and much more could be done. In the Vanni region, here is an example of a widow who has to support 4 children. She owns a plot of land. Apart from her daily chores she has to take each child in her bicycle to their school and pick them back in the evening – a total of 8 round trips daily! There was no well to use for the family. A couple from Sydney, Australia funded the well through an organisation called “Vanni Hope”. This enabled her to grow vegetables and in her garden and plant some trees too. She has to go several kilometres to the nearest town to have the spices grounded and make powder, packet it and sell in the local market. She was spending hundreds of rupees to have the spices grounded that she could have saved for family use. Now the same couple who sponsored the well have undertaken to provide a grinding machine to her so that she will be able to save money and sell more of her popular curry powder. This single act of kindness by the couple from overseas has enhanced the life of this widow and her children! This is a very powerful testimony to the type of help that diaspora gives which go a long way in improving the livelihood of women who are the sole income earners in addition to their roles and responsibilities as mothers. Here are some of the other type of assistance that can improve the lives of women headed families: • Funding self-employment schemes – This includes Poultry, goat rearing, sewing, growing, grocery shops, etc. • Creating employment opportunities through Micro, Small or Medium enterprises – After due profitability study, projects such as making paper cups from recycling waste paper, disposable plates from tree stem or betel leaves, sewing centres, etc. 2. Helping Families with Paraplegic and Quadriplegic People As the result of the conflict there are several hundreds of people who are now either paraplegic or quadriplegic. This group of people and their families suffer from severe hardship. Here again if one of the spouses has the spinal injury, then the other spouse has to carry the burden of providing full time care to the partner in addition to children and still expected to earn a decent income to make a living. If the injured person has no family then the situation becomes more complex. Example of help – There are practical difficulties faced by people with spinal injuries travelling to the nearest medical centre or hospital. Two business men one from Canada and other from the UK have funded an NGO project that provides mobile services to the paraplegic and quadriplegic patients in Mullaithivu and Killinochi districts. This enables a nurse and a counsellor to visit homes and provide much needed care and assistance to the patients on a regular basis. The type of assistance that can be given to families in this category includes: • Family assistance – This can be a comprehensive help to the entire family or a specific one for the affected individual. For example, one can provide monetary assistance of a specific amount to the patient so that they can lead a dignified life. In some cases, help could be provided to the family to meet expenses towards school uniforms, text books, stationery, bicycles, wheel chairs and so on. • Healthcare facility – Individuals and organisations can combine resources to build and maintain a facility where most disadvantaged patients can be housed and cared for by professionals. Even though the patient will be separated from the family for medical reasons, this will help the rest of the family members to focus more on their studies and jobs. 3. Caring for Orphans There are thousands of orphan children in the North and East. They are either taken care by relatives or by orphanages run by various faith based and secular charities. By assisting the families caring for orphans or the charities with cash or in kind, one can ease the burden and enable them to care for more children in a safe and productive environment. 4. Sponsor Students for Tertiary or Trade Studies and vocational training Education has been the strong forte of Sri Lankan Tamils. Though the 30-year conflict disrupted education in several parts of North and East, ground reality is now slowly changing. North & Eastern districts that suffered low ratings in the past are now showing steady improvements. There are a number of rural or remote location where good students lack adequate facilities to pay for additional help or sustain themselves in Tertiary institutions in the main centres. Also, currently there is a huge gap between demand and supply of tradespeople especially in the North & Eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The post conflict construction boom has resulted in severe shortage of skilled and blue-collar workers with basic training. This gives the opportunity for Tamil youth both men and women to enter this lucrative field. In public schools, education is free in Sri Lanka. Further, for Tertiary students there are bursaries and allowances available. However, there is still a substantial monetary gap between amount given by the state and the actual cost of a student studying at the University or a technical college. There are several families especially in the North & East, who simply cannot afford to educate their children beyond grade 10 or GCE (O/L). Diaspora Tamils can be part of this noble deed of helping the educational and vocational training needs of the youth in their places of origin in Sri Lanka. There are several Jaffna schools’ alumni associations functioning in many parts of the world and helping their respective schools in various ways. Also, faith-based organisations and non-profit organisations make valuable contribution in the field of education and training in North & East of Sri Lanka. It is important for the diaspora to do proper due diligence about the recipient organization to ensure optimal use of the overseas funds and material help. At the end of the day, accountability and transparency will encourage more funding in the field of education especially from overseas Tamils.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. – Nelson Mandela

EDUCATION ARTICLES

7 Enhancing Educational Quality of all Tamil Students

Anthony Gnanarajah Education is not omnipotent in solving all society's ills, but it is an important factor in enabling social mobility and economic advancement within society. Since 1980, many Tamils have left the shores of Sri Lanka and settled in Western countries like Canada, United States of America, Australia, United Kingdom, and other European countries. Even before the civil war, which devastated several Tamil areas, many Tamils have also immigrated to western countries as professionals and entrepreneurs or as family members sponsored by relatives. Tamil immigrants are spread across the globe, whether as professionals or blue-collar workers. They carry nostalgic memories of their life in Sri Lanka. Most of them are aware that they have left a rich language and culture, which can never find full expression in their adopted country. However, all Tamils of Sri Lankan origin want their language and culture to be preserved in their traditional homeland without any erosion. Internal displacement during and after the war has made children from the war-affected areas more vulnerable. In the north and east, alcohol and drugs abuse have become serious problems, even among school children. It is apparent that three decades of civil strife have resulted in long- term damage to the educational system in Tamil areas. Quality schools, which were the pride of the Tamil community, are slowly recovering from the physical, social and emotional damage they have suffered. Against this background, the expatriate Tamil community who live in comparative affluence have to consider their collective moral responsibility towards the future education of under-privileged children in the Tamil-speaking areas of Sri Lanka. Tamils living in the western world cannot tell their poor homeland Tamils, “Just pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” How to provide relevant assistance to needy students is a major question that needs to be addressed. In Sri Lanka, there are two main types of schools, government schools and non-government schools. Government schools have two categories: 1. National schools. Type 1AB, 1C. 2. Provincial schools. Type 2 and Type 3. There are few national schools and they are considered the elite of the government schools. They admit students from all over the island and are directly administered by the Ministry of Education of the Central Government. Provincial schools are the majority, and they are administered by provincial councils. Non-government schools could be divided into private schools and international schools. Private schools are expected to follow the regulations and local curriculum set up by the Ministry of Education. However, unlike the national schools, they are not directly controlled by the Ministry of Education. International schools are under the Board of Investment Regulations. Generally, they follow a foreign curriculum as well as a local curriculum. They are co-educational, and the curriculum is taught in English. Many schools providing primary and secondary education are referred to as colleges in Sri Lanka. They are not to be confused with colleges in the west that provide tertiary education. An effective strategy for offering quality education to students affected by war would help them break out of the cycle of poverty. Access to quality education should not be the privilege of the few in government Type 1AB schools or private schools. Quality education should be available to all children. The ideal is to provide equity and excellence in education to all children. An education system cannot truly be considered excellent if it is not equitable. Equity should not be confused with equality. Equality refers to treating students the same under the law, but equity means taking into account students’ circumstances and treating them fairly, rather than treating all students the same. Our strategy is to identify existing structures within the Tamil community in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka and overseas through which aid could be channelled. Many non-governmental organizations and some philanthropic organizations provide aid, but the assistance is not consistent and continuous. The following proposal is limited in scope and if successful, could be a pilot model to assist in other Tamil areas. The first step in this process is to select at least three well-established national schools like , and Vembadi Girls’ College, and three well-established private schools such as St. John’s College, St. Patrick’s College and Girls’ High School. These schools have a rich tradition, good facilities, qualified teachers, effective administration and successful Old Boys Associations (OBAs) and Old Girls Associations (OGAs). They are urban, and their proximity to one another could help to manage this proposed pilot project. For this article, these schools will be referred as ‘elite schools The second step in this process is to gain the support of overseas OBAs and OGAs. These associations raise funds through annual gatherings, dinners and cultural functions. The money raised is used to fund projects identified by the administration of their alma mater. Generally, these donations are used to fund new buildings, computer laboratories, sports facilities and scholarships. The alumni of these associations are well organized, have strong networks and function effectively. They are generous to the schools where they completed their secondary education. Elite schools always ask for more and their alumni give adequately to fulfil their requests. Smaller schools in the surrounding areas of these elite schools are mostly Type 3 government schools. These are the ‘have nots’. In the hierarchy of government schools, Type 3 schools are at the bottom of the totem pole. They have limited resources and inadequate facilities. Unfortunately, children from war-affected families and poor children from the area attend these schools. These schools do not have strong alumni associations to assist them. Evidence from a recent study of Sri Lankan primary schools indicates that school quality, socio- economic factors and child health impact student academic performance. If the elite schools could consider the Type 3 schools in the area as members of an extended ‘family of schools’, a percentage of the funds raised by the OBAs and OGAs could be targeted to assist the neediest students of Type 3 schools. The Type 3 schools are feeder schools to the elite schools. Any attempt to reach out to Type 3 schools near an elite school should have the support of all principals who could benefit from this effort. The OBAs and OGAs could take the leadership in coordinating these schools through the elite school principals. An assessment of the schools’ needs is crucial. Principals should be involved as stakeholders in the need assessment. The needs of the schools could be exhaustive, but they must be prioritized according to the resources available. Needs will vary from school to school. Some schools may need teaching material and technology training, while another, school uniforms and transportation. If possible, an alumnus of the school with expertise in group facilitation could assist the principals in understanding the symbiotic nature of the relationship among the schools. Transparency and accountability are essential in gaining the continued support of donors. Quality education research in developing countries indicates that ensuring transparency and accountability in those countries is always a challenge. If our proposed pilot project of considering schools in the area as a family of schools is to be successful, access to information is crucial. Decisions regarding the schools to be selected based on need assessment and ground realities should be left to the stakeholders. Alumni associations, as funding organizations, could formulate criteria for transparency and accountability. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, has become a serious problem in the Northern Province. The median household per capita income in the Northern Province is the second lowest after the Eastern Province. There is a strong correlation between educational attainment and employment. It is a well-researched fact that remuneration increases with increasing years of education. In the United States as of 2014, Americans with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.1 percent, and high school graduates had the highest at 9 percent. In Sri Lanka, although the rate of unemployment decreased to 4.6 percent at the beginning of this decade, unemployment among those who had GCE Advanced Level or above has more than doubled to 10.8 percent. One of the reasons for high unemployment among educated youth is the skills mismatch, as a result of the educational system not producing the skills required by the labour market. The problem of unemployment among Tamil youth could be solved simply, by improving the quality of education to provide employable skills. It is difficult to discuss future educational trends without reference to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. STEM applies to any policy, event, curriculum or education program dealing with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM acronym was first coined by the United States’ National Science Foundation. The focus on STEM education has become prevalent in addressing the ever-increasing influence of science and technology in the daily lives of citizens across the globe. In the area of employment, STEM jobs are expected to grow, and non- STEM jobs are predicted to grow by only a small percent. In the United States, one of the ways interest in STEM education is sparked is through robotic camps. Students find solutions to robotic challenges while having fun learning about robotics and computer programming. During this process, they do not realize that they are applying mathematics, technology and science knowledge to solve the problems posed. Developed countries are threatened by the growth of STEM graduates in China and India. Great emphasis is placed on STEM education in the United States, as policymakers believe that to maintain its global leadership and competitive position, they need to motivate educators, parents and students to view STEM education as a national priority. Since it is generally accepted that future economic growth will be fuelled by STEM careers, Tamil students should be encouraged and prepared to acquire STEM skills for a brighter future. Among Sri Lankan Tamils overseas, there are numerous STEM career professionals, educators and entrepreneurs. Any one of these professionals or groups could develop innovative ways to reach out to the children in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka and enhance their STEM education. An example of such an effort is Nigerian-American Obinna Ukwuani, a graduate of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He gave up the opportunity for a six- figure salary and went to build the first STEM school, Makers Academy, in Nigeria. An international organization like World Bank and multinational companies like Caterpillar and John Deere have funded robotic programs in Africa and India. Sri Lankan expatriates with connections to academic institutions in the west should explore and involve them through grants from multinational companies to assist Sri Lankan STEM education. Jaffna University teachers have recently lamented the lack of motivation and interest among Tamil students. Collaboration and interest from Tamil educators and students in the west could help renew interest and motivation among Tamil students. Evolving technology platforms could not only help facilitate western-style education but also establish better outreach from Tamils in the west with those in Sri Lanka. Like students in other parts of the world, Tamils in Sri Lanka could utilize the free online classes offered by many of the universities in the United States and other parts of the western world. In addition, the use of social media like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Reddit could help establish collaboration between Tamil students in the west and Tamil students in Sri Lanka. Tamil students in the west could take the lead, as they have early access to innovative technology. Peer-to peer-education is not new to students in western countries. Tamil high school students in their final year, or university students studying in western countries, could plan and conduct robotic camps during their vacation to high school students in Tamil areas. This could be a challenging and rewarding experience for students on both sides. It would increase their knowledge, confidence and communication skills. Sri Lankan students would experience new technologies and increase their digital literacy. Tamil students from the west would experience Tamil culture and learn the Tamil language from their peers. Funds required for robotic camps could be raised through grants or the alumni of the respective schools. Teacher preparation for STEM education is vital. Even in developed countries, there is a shortage of qualified STEM teachers. In most schools, teachers are available for the ‘S’ and ‘M’ of STEM, but not the ‘T’ and ‘E’. Expatriate Sri Lankan Tamil academics in the western universities should seriously consider the possibility of assisting Sri Lankan teachers with STEM education. They could use sabbaticals to help Sri Lankan teachers. In Sri Lanka, eliminating existing economic inequalities among Tamils through education is viable but challenging. In the context of assisting the poor Tamil children of Sri Lanka, economically vibrant expatriate Tamil communities ought to believe in the aphorism ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’.

Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny. – Christopher Markus

8 Inspiring Educational Leaders

to empower the present and next generation of the students of the North

Aloysius Aseervatham In an era of globalised economies, skills and knowledge are increasingly valuable. A good education for the youth of today is essential, so that they can become productive, versatile and broad- minded of our future society. People without a good standard of education are disadvantaged in today’s competitive environment. Like ships without compasses, there is little direction towards a productive life that is valued and rewarded by society. Every young person should be given the educational foundations that allow them to face the challenges of today and contribute to the benefit of society tomorrow. During times of peace, Northern Sri Lanka produced many prominent, dedicated and highly qualified men and women running the schools, colleges and convents in the city of Jaffna and surrounding towns and villages. Several contributed to the local, national and even global economies by producing numerous eminent professionals. In doing so, they made their schools stand out for the high standards of education and admirable discipline they provided. Among the many educational institutions in the Northern province there are several outstanding ones within the municipal limits of the city of Jaffna, including Jaffna Central College, Jaffna Hindu College, Parameshwara College, St. John's College, Vembadi Girls' High School, St. Patrick’s College, Chundukuli Girls’ College and Holy Family Convent. Many outside the city of Jaffna were also famed for their excellence, including , Mahajana College, Union College, Kokuvil Hindu College, Skandavarodaya College, St. Henry’s College, , convent, Pandaterrupu Girls’ College, Ramanathan College, Sri Somaskanda College, Hindu College, Girls’ College, Vaitheesvara Vidyalaya, Delft Mahavidyalaya, Central Maha Vidyalaya, St. Anthony’s College Kayts, Velanai Central Maha Vidyalaya, Victoria College, Thevaraiyali Hindu College and so on. In his book written in Tamil and titled (Emmai Vaazhavaithavarkal), the eminent Zoology teacher and former principal of Mahajana college Mr. Pon Kanagasabapathy described the attributes and the untiring services of 28 great former principals from North schools highlighting the unique contribution of each one of them to the advancement of education and benefit of the community. Each of the heads of these educational institutions was able to adopt the leadership style suited to his or her environment and to the political climate of the country at that time They performed their duties in a professional manner. Discipline and hard work was the key to success. Today, a different leadership style is called for. Many students in Jaffna are products of a war-torn era. Their parents led unsettled lives during the conflict and are still recovering from the anguishes of the protracted war. The students themselves may be emotionally and mentally scarred. It is vital therefore that today’s heads of schools in the Northern province apply new methods to teaching. A greater focus on a student’s emotional wellbeing is needed. Digital technologies and the exposure of students to the influence of technology including social media need to be embraced. In order to emulate the educational successes of the past, the enthusiasm of educational leaders needs to be channelled in different, more contemporary, ways than the past. Jaffna the citadel of education: The standard of education in the North before the conflict was very high. The students were disciplined with great autonomy by teaching staff. The old style disciplinary actions adopted in schools would be unacceptable and possibly unlawful in the current context. As the ethnic conflict deteriorated towards civil war, the education sector in the North became paralysed largely due to the lack of teachers and physical resources. However, since the conflict ceased, the values of education have been reclaimed. Great effort has been put towards revitalizing the standard of education in Jaffna and its surroundings. It is heartening to see that Jaffna schools and colleges are slowly making progress towards the continuation of their high- performance tradition and educating the children to realize their full potential. Despite the difficult conditions in the North, both urban and rural schools and colleges are scoring well at the national examinations. The children are also being encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities, including various sports. These basic principles for the students to become well-rounded and excel in their chosen careers are still valued and practiced. Students and their parents in the war affected areas are gradually gathering strength and beginning to concentrate on their prospects. The children are pursuing their studies in the midst of innumerable obstacles and hardship. A remarkable transition is happening in the country’s education with the blessings of all levels of government in the North. A 10-year-plan seems to be in place to improve the quality of education in the North. A special education mechanism is being planned for Jaffna with the assistance of retired teachers and principals. These initiatives continually reinforce the message to children and their parents that education paves a better way to a brighter future. This message, and the ability to make it real for the population, should be the prime responsibility of educational leaders. Major challenges: There appears to be a significant spread of drugs and alcohol use in the student community. This is one of the threats to the revival of the education system in the North. A focused effort is needed between law enforcement authorities, community groups and educational leaders to limit the negative impact of the drug trade and alcohol abuse on the prospects of young scholars. At present, there is little evidence of collaboration between these institutions to more holistically protect students from these threats. The use of electronic devices and social media has also become counterproductive to educational efforts. Both parents and teachers should take greater responsibility in guiding the students towards responsible and productive use of new and emerging technologies and devices. Roles and responsibilities of teachers: Under the prevailing educational and cultural revival situation in the north of Sri Lanka, the heads and the staff of educational institutions need to develop more than ever, empathy, compassionate organisational practices and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. They must take extra care of the students and this involves kindness, humility, courage, inclusiveness, and compassionate leadership. For their part, the teachers must do what all successful teachers have been doing for ages. These include: i. Giving clear guidelines for class room behaviour at the outset. ii. Remaining calm, cool and fully attentive in the class room. iii. Knowing the name of every student in the class which would help to deter him/her from being inattentive. iv. Ensuring the students know that the teacher cares for each of them by the way they interact. Provide prompt praise for exemplary behaviour and acknowledgement of students’ input to create a conducive learning environment. v. Getting support from hierarchy to intervene where education is disrupted or compromised. vi. Treating students with respect and dignity they deserve at every step of the learning process. Unfortunately, the three-decade long war pushed several generations of the northern students backwards in terms of educational opportunities and vocational training. They were not allowed the freedom to keep pace with the advances in technology. They missed the opportunity to acquire new knowledge shared by the rest of the country in the highly connected and globalized world. While in many ways the students of the north have been asleep, the absence of war is an opportunity for them to be woken up, and to be encouraged to catch up. The heads of schools and teachers are vitally important in this process and will need to give their best to the students, so they become empowered with the power of knowledge.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. – Abraham Lincoln

9 Importance of the University of Jaffna

in the development of Northern Sri Lanka

Inniyan Rasiah Introduction: University of Jaffna, as the only higher educational institution in the North, is in a unique position to play a significant role in the economic development and social advancement of the community it serves. Since its establishment, this noble institution with nearly 40-year history, continues to face several turbulences, threats and ups- downs, but remains standing as an institution of learning and hope. There is a greater need now, more than ever, to make this institution grow further and become more vibrant and relevant for the benefit of the students, faculty and moreover to the people of the region who endured three-decade long war. University of Jaffna (UOJ) is ranked seventh in the country, and unfortunately not among the top 4000 universities in the world. However, recently all the Universities in Sri Lanka are slipping in the world ranking. This downward trend is not necessarily because of standards are going down in Sri Lanka, but rather standards of other universities around the world are going up. Therefore, there is a greater need to take steps to improve the standard of our University, and help the students and faculty realize their full potential. UOJ suffered lots of damages to the buildings and loss of materials due to the protracted war and experienced tremendous amount of neglect over the years from the government. The brutal war in the region has affected the extended university community, both physically and psychologically. Since the end of the war, the diaspora community is showing greater deal of interest in developing educational activities in the region, and particularly in helping the UOJ. While this is a very encouraging sign, it is vitally important to channel these resources and energy towards the vital areas to achieve significant progress. The aim of any aid to the UOJ is to produce optimal results and make significant impact in the lives and livelihoods of the people of the region. University of Jaffna has a central and critical role in the economic and social development of the northern region in particular and entire island in general. One of the important roles for the university is to actively undertake research to find solutions or even alternate approaches to the problems faced by the community. Research is a critical component of any university. Recently Sri Lankan government is putting greater emphasis in developing research capacities at the universities and other technical institutes. It is critically important to ensure that UOJ receives its fair share from the central government. General problems facing the universities, and specific challenges in Jaffna: Universities in Sri Lanka, like in many other developing countries, face some of the very common problems such as shortage of trained staff, lack of funding and resources and student unrest. The shortage of trained staff is a serious limitation for the UOJ compared to other institutions in Sri Lanka. During the three- decade long civil war, transportation between Jaffna and outside the peninsula was severely constrained. Students and faculty members were not able to travel, or even communicate with institutions outside the region, let alone overseas. This situation is gradually improving as staff get more opportunities to travel abroad for further education and training. The issue of shortage of trained staff may not be solved in near future, however, there are reasons for hope. Firstly, several highly qualified academics, especially the alumni of UOJ, from abroad are visiting the UOJ to conduct workshops, lectures and seminars. These types of visits facilitate collaboration between UOJ and universities overseas. Secondly, highly motivated, hard-working and dedicated academic staff members in all faculties at the UOJ continue to set new standards. As a result of their dedicated service, several programs have been developed at UOJ in the last 5 years. Further, qualified Tamil diaspora from countries like the North America, Europe, and Oceana are showing willingness to serve at the UOJ at least on a rotational basis. Lack of funding is the most frequent complaint we hear from the UOJ staff. The capital expenditure for the University comes through the treasury, allocated under the annual budgets of the Sri Lankan government. The money allocated through the budget is very small that little or no research can be supported with that. While other universities in the country had some success in establishing collaboration with outside institutions, the UOJ experienced very limited success in establishing external collaborations. Thus, it’s important for the UOJ community to work harder to tap into all available resources, both locally and internationally. Formulating meaningful funding proposals that is backed by effective lobbying will help a great deal in securing desperately needed funds and other materials. Student unrest is another significant problem in all Sri Lankan universities. However, compared to several universities in the southern part of the country, there is relative peace in Jaffna. Frequent strikes and boycotting of classes not only cause severe economic burden on the university budget, but also adversely affect the staff morale as well as the performance of students. At a recent meeting on 'Higher ', a senior academic staff from the mentioned an important observation. “University education is free in Sri Lanka and only a very limited number of otherwise qualified students gain entrance to the University. Therefore, the student unrest in university campuses, not only put financial burden on the institution and the country, but also unfairly denying opportunities for those students who were not able to enter the university". This observation is very true and both students and faculty should work in partnership to ensure the smooth and optimal functioning of the universities. In the present context, UOJ can set an example by staying focused on the academic and social issues that matter to the community it serves. Making university of Jaffna the centre of excellence in Research & Development It is strongly believed that the academic standards of the UOJ can be significantly advanced by focusing on the following three main areas. 1. Formulating curricula to produce graduates with employable skills in today’s globalized job market. 2. Engaging in high-quality research programs in partnership with local and international entrepreneurs. 3. Initiating reforms to become a partner-of-choice in academic exchange and knowledge sharing. Lately, number of students enrolled in the universities across Sri Lanka, including the UOJ is steadily increasing. However, the question is whether the graduating students have the necessary skills to enter the job market. For the most part, their knowledge is often limited to theory learnt in texts. In contrast, the employers seek a more versatile graduate, who is not only knowledgeable in his or her field of study but also possesses the practical knowledge and exposure to wider industry. Thus, UOJ need to provide opportunities to the students to hone their soft skills and think in original and creative ways. The administration should promote a culture of “learning something from everything”, that is useful for career development of the graduates in future. Enhancing soft skills can be undertaken with the help of private sector through workshops, on-the-job training programs and intra and inter-faculty seminars and presentations on various topics of interest to the society. Some universities in Sri Lanka have established soft skills centres and have partnered with leading business enterprises in Sri Lanka to further develop these skills. We learn that Faculty of Management and Finance of the University of Colombo has developed several University-Industrial partnerships with leading businesses in Sri Lanka. Currently, UOJ’s - Faculty of Engineering is engaged in academic- industry partnership, where students are trained with the industrial partner. Such partnerships should be initiated in other faculties too. By engaging in high-quality research to find remedies to the problems faced by the local community, the UOJ can play a central and critical role in the overall development of the northern region, and the entire country. There are dedicated, and highly motivated academic staff in all faculties of the UOJ. Through their dedication, UOJ has developed several research projects, initiated research and academic collaboration with other institutions, both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Some of academic staff at the UOJ are now elected to serve in national committees. While it’s heartening to note that through their dedicated work, UOJ staff have earned the respect and become a desired partner-of-choice in some exchange programs, there are formidable challenges such as the lack of funding, limited resources and aging laboratories hindering the progress of the UOJ. LIFT Foundation It's worthy to note the existence of LIFT foundation. This ambitious initiative is based on four core values - Lead, Inspire, Focus and Tenacious. The primary goal of the LIFT Foundation is to provide the necessary financial and resource support to the UOJ so that it can become a centre of excellence for research and development not only in the Island but also in . The LIFT foundation intends to raise a substantial amount of capital to create an endowment fund to support academic and research activities and uplift the facilities at the UOJ. As this would be an endowment, only the income earned on this self-sustaining fund will be used to provide financial support for the advanced educational and research activities. Individual recipients of scholarships for higher studies would be expected to make meaningful long-term commitment to serve for the advancement of the UOJ. LIFT foundation will channel funds and resources towards the following areas: 1. Provide financial support for research projects in Jaffna that would address the problems faced by the local community. Research grant applications will be solicited from the academic staff that will be reviewed by panel of experts compromising external reviewers. Grants will be awarded based on the merits and feasibility. This scheme will be similar to already existing programs run by the NSF/ NRC (National Science Foundation/ National Research Council-Sri Lanka). Preference will be given to the projects aimed at finding solutions or alternate approaches to the problems faced by the people of the region. (e.g. The problem of contaminated water affecting the drinking water in Valikamam area should have been easily addressed by the University). 2. Encourage inter-departmental, inter-faculty, inter-institutional and multi-disciplinary research projects. Facilitate the exchange of students and staff with other universities within Sri Lanka as well as overseas. These interactions will help UOJ to enhance its visibility in the wider world and expand its horizons. 3. Establish University-Industry partnerships to help students to learn both technical and soft skills that would help them find employment after graduation. 4. Support short term training visits of the UOJ staff to other universities and research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. This can lead to greater collaborations in terms of expertise & industry-specific knowledge sharing beyond the shores of Sri Lanka. 5. Initiate workshops and conferences, and to encourage students to do presentations on topics of interest in such events. Periodic brainstorming sessions would help to identify pressing need of the region, especially in the areas of climate change and environmental degradation and associated threats to food security. Appeal to the Alumni of University of Jaffna and Well-wishers It is widely accepted that Northern & Eastern bore the brunt of the three-decade long war in the country. Warfare took a profound toll of all layers of the society creating multiple and multilevel challenges that impinge on the well-being of the entire population of these regions. UOJ was not exempted in terms of the loss of lives and devastation it witnessed and experienced over the years. Now, this institution is at crossroads looking for help to achieve academic excellence. Several thousands of past students of this esteemed institution are living in all corners of the globe thriving in their chosen career field. It is imperative to realize that by helping our Alma mater, we are not only providing an opportunity for the current students to realize their full potential but also contributing to the economic advancement and rebuilding of our ancestral homeland. Initiatives like LIFT foundation provides an excellent opportunity for the UOJ Alumni and well-wishers to make a meaningful contribution towards the advancement of UOJ and the society-at-large. Let us remember that “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Together we can make UOJ a sought-after institution for academic excellence and a place with state-of-the art facilities for research that would address the host of challenges presently faced by the northern region of Sri Lanka. It is our sincere hope that stronger and vibrant UOJ would help the northern region to emerge as the knowledge hub and economic power house of the Island.

The worst sorrows in life are not in its losses and misfortunes but in its fears. – Arthur C. Benson

ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT ARTICLES

10 Recipe for Jaffna’s Prosperity

in the 21st century

Anton X. Rajinthrakumar Introduction Jaffna – the land of the lute has gone through drastic changes over the past seven decades, and especially the three-decade long warfare impacted all layers of this unique place in multiple ways. However, with all the challenges and uncertainties, there are exciting opportunities for this place and people in the new 21st century world that is more inter-connected and rapidly changing. This cultural capital of Sri Lankan Tamils must arise from its ashes like the “mythical bird phoenix” and become one of the most developed regions not only in the Island of Sri Lanka but in South Asia. By taking advantage of the new technologies, governing structures and strategies that has made our world a new place, Jaffna must transform from war-ravaged passive recipient of international aid to stable and productive participant in the global economy for the benefit of all the people who call Jaffna their home and native land. Rule of Law The people of Jaffna are known for their simple lifestyle and law- abiding nature. It is worthy to note that prior to 80s, Jaffna was a peaceful place with minimal crime when compared to rest of the Island. While southern part of the country experienced political turmoil and armed rebellion, Jaffna experienced relative peace to an extent to which political leaders in power in Colombo were advised to move to Jaffna for their own safety and security. It’s high time for the people of Jaffna to reclaim their glory as law- abiding people, who take great pride in their peaceful nature. Everyone should be equal before the law and treated with dignity and respect in Jaffna with the change in mentality sprouting from the grass roots of the society. People and leaders should rise above petty politics and work towards common good of the society. Moreover, international companies and local investors do not make investments in the region randomly. They invest in regions and countries that believe in the rule of law—where private property is supported, contracts can be enforced by an independent judiciary, and an educated labor force is available. A strong and trusted judiciary is the bedrock of rule of law, and the peace-loving people of Jaffna must be empowered to defend the quality of judiciary. Upholding the rule of law is extremely important for Jaffna to distinguish itself from other developing regions and move from “unsettled” state to peaceful place with strong judiciary and democratic institutions. Good Governance Good governance is essential for the upliftment of the Jaffna society and smooth functioning of the variety of socio-economic and political organizations in Jaffna. History reminds us that while much effort is focused on the eradication of war and poverty that affect so many people, including young people, little attention has been directed to the root cause of conflicts. It’s a sad but known fact that many civil wars and conflicts within countries stem from poor governance and discrimination. Without delay people of Jaffna should be empowered to create a society free of corruption that takes great pride in Good Governance for the benefit of all its citizens. Jaffna must become a place where good governance is the mantra of the land that promotes the rule of law, it ipso-facto promotes transparency, enhances accountability and is committed to improvement of the general well-being of the populace. Embracing Diversity In today’s world, diversity is a great strength rather than a weakness. Jaffna is not immune to changes taking place in the broader world. In an increasingly inter-dependent world, people and leaders learn to embrace diverse view points and cultures. Traditionally, Jaffna was a closed region and relatively less-exposed to the world. Lately, people of Jaffna-origin are living in many parts of the world and continue to stay in touch with the land of their birth. Over the past several years, people of Jaffna has shown greater amount of flexibility and interest towards learning new world order that promotes diversity and multi-culturalism. While taking pride of the cultural and linguistic heritage of Jaffna, it’s vitally important for Jaffna to evolve as a society that respects multi-culturalism, promotes religious tolerance and embraces diversity without the fear of losing any traditional secular Tamilian identity. Any government whether it’s central or regional that discourages pluralism in favour of linguistic and/or religious conformity is not only anachronistic, it is doing its citizens and the national interest a disservice. Meaningful engagement of the diaspora Tamils Nearly a million strong people of Jaffna-origin has settled in overseas countries. The Tamil diaspora have not forgotten their roots and are willing to help the people in Jaffna to improve their lives and livelihoods. It is again critical to note that hard-working and ambitious Tamils from Jaffna, who made industrially advanced and affluent countries their new home are doing well economically in their adopted countries. Once the rule of law and good governance take firm root in Jaffna, many entrepreneurs from diaspora will be increasing their investment in Jaffna. By articulating the ground realities in Jaffna, diaspora Tamils may even influence the NGOs and governments in their respective nations to invest in Jaffna especially in the field of arts, culture and service sectors in addition to tourism and manufacturing. Here are some of the suggestions for the diaspora to help Jaffna become a truly thriving global town. 1. Encourage and influence authorities in your respective countries to open consular offices and cultural centers in Jaffna. For example, Tamil people in Denmark can work with their government officials to open a Danish centre for culture and development in Jaffna. Multiple countries opening cultural centres or language schools like Alliance Francaise, German – Goethe Institute etc. can make Jaffna a hub for foreign language studies. 2. Work towards partnership agreement between Jaffna and the overseas cities where Tamils reside. For example, recently Toronto Mayor John Tory signed a cooperation and partnership agreement in Jaffna with the Chief Minister and the Municipal Commissioner to advance several areas including good governance, education, public library services and economic development. With a large diaspora in Toronto, this agreement between Toronto and Jaffna symbolizes the friendship between the two cities. 3. Volunteer your time and talent in Jaffna through pre-planned and well-organized visit to Jaffna. This will be a mutually beneficial experience. There are several Jaffna schools’ alumni associations functioning in various parts of the globe. Truly meaningful volunteer exchange programs must be initiated by these overseas alumni associations by working in close partnership with respective schools and local communities in Jaffna region. These types of programs will ensure the continuation of interaction between diaspora Tamils and their kith and kin in the ancestral homeland. 4. Encourage your children to choose Jaffna to be one of the holiday destinations and a place of choice for doing volunteer work. This will promote cross-cultural interaction and provide excellent opportunity for second-generation Tamils from overseas to know their roots. When second-generation Tamil people from multiple overseas countries meet and mingle in Jaffna they will realize how Tamil unites all of them despite their diverse backgrounds. For example, when second-generation Tamil people from France, Germany, Norway, Italy, the UK and so on meet in Jaffna, in many instances speaking in Tamil will create inseparable bonding and genuine understanding. Promote all the positive things such as rich cultural and linguistic heritage, serene and simple lifestyle of Jaffna in your local communities and encourage your family and friends to visit Jaffna so that tourism industry in the region gets much needed boost. This will help towards some of the infrastructure development of Jaffna. Conclusion It is evident that combination of self-rule, freedom to choose, independent judiciary and free market economy with proper checks and balances can lead to Jaffna’s prosperity. Diaspora Tamils have a duty to help the people in Jaffna to bridge the gap between jobs and skills to make Jaffna people’s dream for better quality of life achievable. Education system in Jaffna must prioritize skills that are not only market-driven but anticipate the future. This will enable Jaffna to emerge as the knowledge hub and economic powerhouse of the Island in the 21st century. Economically prosperous, culturally flourishing and politically stable Jaffna is a sine qua non for the lasting peace and stability of the entire Island of Sri Lanka.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, we did it ourselves. – Lao Tzu

11

Solar Cookers

Jude Sooriyajeevan

http://www.solarcookers.org/

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/CooKit#Variations

http://www.angelfire.com/80s/shobhapardeshi/twelvesided.html

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. – Mahatma Gandhi

12

Good Quality Water for Jaffna Peninsula

13 The World Bank Project for Jaffna

the importance of Additional Funding (AF)

Introduction: In an increasingly globalised world it’s essential to work in partnership with international development and aid agencies such as World Bank to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people of Jaffna. The world bank project is aimed at providing the needed basic services to Jaffna in the areas of urban planning and management and strengthening administrative structures to enhance delivery of urban services in a cost- effective manner. The needs in Jaffna are enormous especially after three-decade long devastation. Therefore, Additional Funds (AF) are required to improve roads, drainage, maintain and upgrade cultural heritage sites, and provide recreational facilities to the local population. Integrated urban services improvement in targeted sectors to enhance functional aspects of the city and public urban spaces enhancement through catalytic urban upgrading to enhance the liveability of the city, are required. Other critical urban services, e.g., water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, ground water resources, are either being undertaken by other development partners or require more preparation time and thus cannot be immediately undertaken under the proposed AF. The proposed AF supports one of the three focus areas: 1. Improving living standards 2. Social inclusion through increasing quality of services and 3. Expanding social inclusion and equitable access. An additional component - Jaffna City Region Urban Interventions - is proposed to be added under the proposed AF to support priority investments in Jaffna City to improve basic services and to enhance the capacities of relevant institutions for urban planning and management through the following sub-components: Roads and Traffic Improvement: This sub-component will support the improvement of selected sections of key connectivity roads within and around ; and development of a comprehensive public transport and traffic management strategy including for bus terminal and parking. Since majority of Jaffna population uses bi-cycles, it’s critical to provide special paths for cyclists in key main roads to ensure their safety. Drainage Improvement: This sub-component will support reinstatement of the existing drainage system in Jaffna City Region, and procurement of equipment for operation and maintenance of the drainage system; rehabilitation and restoration of selected water ponds within the Jaffna City Region area and improvement of the urban amenity around ponds; and carrying out a comprehensive drainage improvement study and preparing a drainage master plan and identifying and implementing high priority investments. Urban Upgrading and Cultural Heritage: This sub-component will support to carry out urban upgrading activities for both area-specific and city-wide improvement, including the enhancement of selected streets, parks, community centres and public spaces, public amenities such as public toilets, restoration of cultural heritage assets, public safety and adaptive reuse of historic and landmark buildings. Capacity Building and Implementation Support: This sub- component will strengthen the Jaffna Municipal Council by delivering systems and building the capacities of its staff to improve urban planning and management and service delivery. Special Social Condition: About 24% of households in the district of Jaffna is headed by females. The main mode of transport for young girls and working women in Jaffna is bicycles and scooters. Urban upgrading and road improvement interventions under the AF will be geared towards these specific social conditions. The proposed AF will collect gender disaggregated data to measure impacts in particular regarding the community consultative process and committees, as part of the project design and implementation. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data will be disaggregated by gender to determine the percentage of women participating in the community consultation process to reflect their needs. Gender assessments will also be carried out for the specific interventions in Jaffna, e.g., cycle lanes, and pond rehabilitation, to measure the impact on women’s quality of life, safety and access to services. Environmental Impact: Most AF activities have inherently low environmental risk, with adverse impacts lasting only during the construction period. The desilting of drainage canals and ponds carries a high environmental risk. In Jaffna, the approach to flood water management needs careful consideration as the city is solely dependent on ground water resources, with percolation being the primary means of recharge. Appropriate studies and plans, such as Drainage Master Plan and Water Resource Board study on safe depth of pond rehabilitation desilting will have to be commissioned prior to major interventions. Conclusion: World Bank Group has a unique ability to connect global financial resources, knowledge, and innovative solutions to the needs of developing countries. Engaging international organizations like World Bank with methodically collected facts and figures would help the development of Jaffna in a huge way especially at this critical juncture of post-war rehabilitation and rebuilding. What happens in one area will have either short-term or longer-term effects on other parts of the country. Peaceful and prosperous Jaffna can be created through carefully planned and meticulously executed development projects with the help of both national and international partners.

14 Aviation for Northern Province

S.S. (Anand) Sathananthan The Northern Province of Sri Lanka encompassing the five Districts of Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya is more than ever before well positioned to share in the benefits that will flow from the emergence of Sri Lanka as a powerhouse of the global economy. Sri Lanka is virtually on the cusp of an economic resurgence on the back of political and social stability. Though the economy is overall well-managed and in good health, for what it is worth, there is clear evidence of uneven growth across the regions. Inequality with escalating social consequences still exist in certain regions, especially in Jaffna – Sri Lanka’s northernmost provincial city. In multi-ethnic Sri Lanka, a level playing field is integral to economic upliftment and social cohesion. How then can we tackle this regional inequality through aviation? Regional inequality arises because economies within the country are moving in disparate directions. The kinds of industries and skills that are currently in demand are more suited to urban centres rather than rural or provincial towns. Old mainstay industries such as manufacturing, fisheries, medium-sized farm-to-table food packaging and similar cottage industries are in decline. With improvements in transportation, businesses are moving into single centralised locations taking advantage of vast manufacturing economies of scale. In this regard a dedicated regional aviation sector is crucial to Jaffna’s and ultimately Sri Lanka’s economy. It will play a pivotal role in enabling tourism and primary production sectors to deliver economic prosperity for the region. And the prospects for job opportunities for the Jaffna people in the supporting industries cannot be under estimated either. Setting and achieving a Recovery Plan as a way forward for the northern provinces of Sri Lanka by 2025 is just not a desired option, but a must for that region if it is to be safe, healthy and culturally rich. It will also help it become an economically and socially sustainable power-house with a network of well-serviced and accessible urban centres that will be well-connected to each other and with the rest of the country and the world. The establishment of a viable regional aviation sector will enormously contribute to such a recovery plan. The regional government should aim to adopt aviation as an affordable transportation medium, complementing the various existing traditional transportation modes. It should offer subsidies on a seat- cost-per-mile basis for scheduled passenger and cargo flights. The success potential for a dependable rural and domestic aviation sector in the Northern Province within the next 5-8 years will depend on, and has to be guided by, government policy. It will hold in check the operating costs owing to high fuel and airport taxes that are beyond the control of market players. Sri Lanka has a broad network of 15 airports around the country which have potential for domestic aviation services uptake. These services include scheduled and charter flights by a number of operators on a variety of different routes. In total, however, domestic aviation remains a very small travel mode within the country, largely because of low levels of disposable incomes. The two leading domestic aviation operators, Helitours (the commercial arm of the SLAF) and Air, are the major players in this sector who are heavily reliant on tourism. To have a robust domestic aviation sector, there will be a need for supporting infrastructure, maintenance and engineering facilities, passenger and freight terminals, and ground handling facilities. These will be needing trained and capable personnel who can be readily drawn from the Sri Lankan workforce – the majority of whom are English-educated, articulate and reliable. Many years earlier, business leaders were recognised as integral to social inclusiveness. Now more than ever there is a role for businesses and entrepreneurs to address the regional inequality in the Northern Province – admittedly they have a sense of perspective that others often don’t have. Also, it is in their interest that the customers and the communities they serve should do well by them actively demonstrating a genuine commitment to developing the Northern Province. Regional aviation will provide not only choices for passengers and tourists. It will also help carry fresh high-quality farm produce and livestock speedily, linking producers to domestic and international markets. With the global travel boom just starting with trickles of those wanting to come to Sri Lanka, the Northern Province is well- placed to take advantage of this boom. Investing in a reliable and safe regional aviation industry that connects both rural and domestic markets will be a major asset for the Northern Province. Sustainability is a business imperative. As in tourism, for sustainable regional aviation, the Jaffna District Development Project team should be given an opportunity to develop a unique destination proposition for the Northern Province through a process of consultation with the Government, stakeholders and the community. This approach will help achieve measurable outcomes such as visitor growth, improved accommodation, increased spending per visitor, new hotels and numerous local employment opportunities in the long term. The Northern Province has a ready tourism market, driven by both eco and spiritual conscience. It has ample labour, local knowledge, pristine environment and other attractions. These assets should be used to invest in the people and give them access to education, health and training. It will help the local businesses in the lagging region to grow and flourish. Above all, the Jaffna people have the determination and resourcefulness required to proactively establish, manage and develop a viable regional economy that is buoyed by aviation. There is confidence about a hopeful future for the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Now is the time to expand aviation in the Northern Province that will make enormous economic contribution to not only the local economy but also to Sri Lanka as a whole.

15 Entrepreneurship Awareness for Jaffna

in pursuit of development and prosperity

Need of the hour The spirit of entrepreneurship is lacking in Jaffna. Most businesses in Jaffna are run by traders and not entrepreneurs. To ensure the prosperity of Jaffna, we need more entrepreneurs with a clear vision. It’s a well-known fact that people of Jaffna origin have become successful entrepreneurs in their respective adopted countries over the past several decades. The need of the hour is solid business establishments and industries that can provide employment opportunities to the people of Jaffna in their traditional homeland. A business entrepreneur is more than a mere trader. An entrepreneur is one who exercises initiative by organizing a venture to take benefit of an opportunity that exist in the form of natural resources and/or human capital in the area. An entrepreneur must have the burning desire and stamina that lead to concrete actions. Entrepreneurs make the optimal use of the available capital. They must have the skill, will and courage to take calculated risks to yield economic benefit to all stakeholders of the business. External markets In addition to local consumption, Jaffna also need to tap into external markets. One of the setbacks in doing trade with other countries and to some extent outside peninsula is the absence of an operating airport in Jaffna. All levels of government should come together and formulate a plan to make Palaly Airport fully operational for civilian and business activities. This will provide a huge impetus to the local entrepreneurs and producers. Thousands of people, who claim Jaffna-origin, especially the people from Velanai, Kayts, Delft and Punguduthivu are conducting business in their adopted countries. People from these Islands are famed for establishing successful businesses not only in the peninsula but also in Southern parts of Sri Lanka. There should be a concerted effort to entice people from overseas, especially the diaspora Tamils to invest in Jaffna. Increased entrepreneurial activities tend to uplift the living standards of the people of the region and leads to further innovation and development. Expanding horizons Traditionally, Jaffna people have been used to white-collar jobs. Further, sizable people of Jaffna origin find employment in government sector. However, in the globalized economy more and more private sector jobs are created through carefully planned business initiatives. Therefore, Jaffna needs new education and new thinking to take advantage of the growing trends in globalisation. Rapidly advancing technology is changing the face of businesses all over the world. There is an urgent need to promote technology into many businesses in Jaffna so that they can grow faster. In addition to this, the government has to help the entrepreneurs by readily cutting unnecessary red-tape to boost investment in Jaffna region that was devastated due to decades long warfare. The colleges and Universities should enable students to consider small business ownership as a serious career option. Higher educational institutions can provide the necessary skills and ideas to students to become successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial education and training would be one of the best strategies to expand the horizons of the Jaffna youth. This will pave the way for the sustainable development and longer-term prosperity of the Northern region as well as the entire Island.

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. – John F. Kennedy

16 Importance of Good Quality Water For Jaffna – An Analysis

Jerome Arunakumaran Introduction Jaffna Peninsula is solely dependent on groundwater drawn from a limestone aquifer for its drinking water and irrigation of agricultural lands. Drinking water for people within Jaffna municipality limits area and the surrounding area residents is supplied with water pumped from wells located in , approximately 4.5 km from Jaffna Town. Open wells are commonly built in villages for each household but sometimes one well is shared by three or four neighbouring households whose occupants are usually related to one another. The protection of groundwater quality is essential for the well-being of residents and for the sustainability of agricultural and livestock. Indiscriminate abstraction and contamination of groundwater have become major environmental problems in the Jaffna peninsula. These matters are made worse by the coastal location of the Jaffna peninsula (i.e. seawater intrusion threat) and the characteristics of the limestone aquifer which it is vulnerable to pollution due to lack of proper agriculture and sewage management facilities. Groundwater Quality Generally elevated nitrate levels have been recorded in groundwater in the agricultural areas where large amounts of animal wastes, green manures and crop residues in addition to inorganic fertilizers are regularly applied. Nitrate accessions to groundwater beneath cropped areas is worsened by excessive irrigation due to the application of inefficient irrigation practices. Nitrate in groundwater originates from natural sources: organic sources (decaying plant materials, human/animal waste discharged in septic systems, animal yards, manure storage lagoons, and wastewater treatment plant discharge), atmospheric deposition, and from the usage of inorganic fertilizer. The protection of groundwater quality is essential for the well-being of residents and for the sustainability of agricultural development. It is important to note that Groundwater Quality is essentially a farm management issue in the agricultural areas. Fertilisers make crops grow faster and bigger so that crop yields are increased. They are water-soluble minerals. After reaching the soil’s root zone, fertilisers are used by plants in the form of ammonia or nitrates. Excess nitrate may be denitrified through microbial action, releasing gaseous nitrogen; or it may be leached below the root zone. Health hazards caused by high Nitrate levels High nitrate levels in drinking water has been associated with a range of adverse health impacts. The most acute health condition associated with the ingestion of high nitrate water is known as methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome. Infants who are six months old or younger have the greatest risk of developing methemoglobinemia, because they consume a large proportion of fluids in comparison to their body weight. Their stomachs also have a low acidity which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to convert nitrate to nitrite. The nitrite then reacts with haemoglobin, the proteins responsible for transporting oxygen in the body, converting them to methemoglobin, a form that is incapable of carrying oxygen. As a result, the victim suffers from oxygen deprivation, or more commonly stated, the individual slowly suffocates. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia include anoxic appearance, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in more extreme cases, the loss of consciousness and even death. It is also noted that ingestion of high nitrate groundwater may be associated with more chronic health issues such as an increased incidence of certain gastrointestinal cancers. Livestock can also be impacted adversely through ingestion of high nitrate groundwater. Groundwater Quality Management Rapidly Increasing nitrate level in the peninsula's groundwater is gradually poisoning the residents of Jaffna. To address this issue, firstly an awareness program amongst administrators of water supply and management as well as the residents of Jaffna need to be embarked without delay. First stage in such a program, a sampling analysis and mapping exercise is required to delineate areas where it is inadvisable to consume groundwater (Special focus is required where infants are vulnerable to high level of nitrate). On a more longer-term basis reliable mapping of groundwater quality can be used to devise strategies to address groundwater quality protection an improvement. An extensive field survey of peninsula’s groundwater quality must be undertaken to collate key groundwater data (i.e. groundwater depth, total well depths, well diameters, irrigated areas from wells and crops etc.) to support planning and management of groundwater resources to foster sustainable clean drinking water supplies. The collated data can be stored in a geographical information system (GIS) to support ongoing water quality trend analysis. Systematic analysis of peninsula’s groundwater quality and compilation of data will: • Improve the understanding of the status of groundwater resources in the Jaffna Peninsula for the direct benefit of the population and to assist authorities in proper water resource management • avoid health hazards especially water-borne diseases

17 Farming Practice Changes for Jaffna

Nithi T. Nithianandan In Jaffna, farming is in danger. This danger is real and serious, requiring early intervention and fast response. The ‘Thirunavukarasu Memorial Model Farm’ in Maviddapuram, a not for profit venture, has committed itself to practically demonstrate ideas and techniques by working with the farmers, administrators and the public, to contribute to a major change. A team of scientists from Israel visited the Jaffna peninsula several decades ago and proclaimed that Jaffna peninsula faced the risk of becoming a desert. Jaffna relies on underground water and the preservation of this resource is very vital. There is no doubt that this resource is under threat right now. Jaffna needs two simultaneous actions on this matter. One is maximising the amount of rain water that seeps into the soil. This can be achieved by efforts such as creating or deepening reservoirs and ponds. The other is, minimising the quantity of water pumped out from underground. While both are important, uncontrolled pumping can easily negate the costly investment to preserve rain water. The focus of the Model Farm project is to considerably reduce the water extracted. Over pumping of water is making the wells saline. By rapidly pumping out large quantities of underground water, the water table in the limestone aquifers is lowered enabling the sea water to push in. Salt water is slowly but surely getting into the wells in Jaffna. When we use saline water for irrigation, it affects the soil as well as the plants. Chloride level rises in the soil making the soil eventually unfavourable or unsuitable for plant growth. In the Model Farm, drip irrigation is used to deliver water straight to the root zone of the plant in the right quantity. Jaffna farmers concentrate on chilies, , tobacco, tomatoes and some selected vegetables. There is a need to change to crops which use less water and at the same time are more profitable and marketable. The underground water is getting polluted by the overuse of chemical fertilisers. Plants only use a small portion of the fertiliser that farmers apply. The rest drains into the soil and ultimately into the underground water. The nitrate concentration in water builds up to levels that could make the water not fit to drink. Some people may start drinking bottled water but at a price. Most people cannot afford it. Model farm does not use artificial fertilisers. Instead, natural manure and compost are used. Pesticides and herbicides used by farmers easily find their way into the ground water, making the water detrimental to health. No agro chemicals are used in the model farm. Most farmers have become over dependant on the chemical fertiliser because it brings easy and quick money. Chemical fertilisers kill the microorganisms in the soil, making the soil less favorable for plant growth in the longer term. Soil fertility is the key to healthy plant growth. Plants growing in an infertile soil that is artificially boosted by chemical fertilisers are susceptible to pest and disease attack. As a result, farmers are forced to turn to heavy sprays of pesticides. These chemicals are not only detrimental to human health but destroy the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Another issue which calls for immediate attention is the utilisation of land in the peninsula. A significant proportion of land is either abandoned or underutilised. In some areas the situation is critical as the land owners have either settled elsewhere or migrated overseas. There is also the growing issue of farm labour shortage. If we want to cultivate more land, we should make use of the available water efficiently. This can be achieved through water saving techniques such as drip irrigation and also smartly choosing crops that are profitable but require less water. Use of efficient and modern farm tools and equipment is another area to address. In Jaffna the use of agro chemicals is heavy. Chemicals are also used to boost the weight and appearance of vegetables and . Fruits are artificially ripened using chemicals. Farmers need to be aware of the adverse health effects of the chemicals they use. The model farm that is developed is free of all chemicals including fertilisers. Only natural methods to safeguard the crops are used. The combined effect of water salinity, soil salinity and loss of soil fertility can be devastating to Jaffna's agriculture. In the long term, productivity will be lost, and agriculture will become economically unsustainable. The only way to prevent this happening is to reverse the current trend by focusing on the preservation of underground water and the land. Also, it is in the interest of health that chemical free farming should be promoted.

18 Promoting Palmyrah Products

Aloysius Aseervatham The leaves, the fruits, the trunk and the roots from Palmyrah trees have a multitude of uses. Jaffna Tamils make the best use of the various Palmyra products, and because of this they have come to be nicknamed “Panankottais”. Every part of the magnificent palmyra tree is useful to human being; in other words, people of Jaffna has the know-how to get benefit out of every part of this palmyra tree, which is popularly known as “Katpaka tharu” in Tamil. Palmyrah’s most famous products are the fresh sweet sap from the flowers called karuppani (nira), the fermented karuppani called the Palmyra toddy and the pods from the unripe Palmyrah known as nungu. There are usually three pods (glossy dark balls) in a nungu which have to be levered out. When peeled, a slippery gelatinous translucent white flesh is extracted. The cool, sweetish and refreshing taste is popular among Jaffna Tamils. The sweet sap that can be removed from the white flesh is boiled to form the sweet palm fudge known as . The Palmyrah sap (toddy) is subject to a distilling process and converted into an alcoholic drink called . There are various types of arrack, both unrefined and refined. The seeds are planted and allowed for 4-5 months to form thick roots. They are uprooted, boiled and eaten as a vegetable, called Panankilanku. Alternatively, without boiling they are dried in the sun and turned into what is called odiyal. This is then powdered to get odiyal flour which is used to make Kool, a popular party food. To make kool, simply bring about 1.5 litres of water to the boil in a large pan. Add cleaned and cut pieces of crabs (200g), prawns (400g), squids (150g), fresh tapioca (200g), long grain rice (60g), both green beans black eyed beans(110g) and bring to boil again. Now, add cleaned fish(500g), soaked odiyal flour(60g), (1/2 tsp), chilli powder (1 tsp), tamarind juice (4 tsp) and salt (to taste). Some prefer to add also a ground mixture of garlic pulp (x10), black pepper (1 tsp) cumin seeds (1 tsp) and dried red chilli. Bring to the boil again. Stir well and simmer for few minutes till the soup thickens. The odiyal flour is also used to make pittu (or ). It is a breakfast dish. When the panankilanku is split into halves and dried thoroughly in the sun, it becomes pulukkodiyal, a popular and handy snack. The Palmyrah leaves are used to thatch roofs and fences. The leaves are also used to make handicraft products such as mats, fans, baskets, nesting boxes, baby’s rattles and door hangings. The Palmyrah tree trunk is also used for various construction works especially in building structures for wells. The Palmyrah fruit is first burnt and then the outer covering removed. The fleshy part is then mixed with water and little tamarind, to form a tasty pulp. This pulp is eaten directly by some. Alternatively, the pulp can be spread in large quantities on a mat, allowed to dry in the sun for a few days and cut into rectangular slabs. The resulting product is called Pinaaddu (Jaffna chocolate). There is another type called paanippinaadu which is prepared by adding some spices like pepper and cloves and allowed to mature for a few days. These delicious snacks are usually made in smaller rectangular pieces. If mixed with flour & sugar and fried, the pulp is used to make another snack called panankaaippaniaaram. To make this, sift 4 cups of steamed plain flour (or white rice flour) and a little salt. Add the Palmyrah pulp (1 bottle from shops), 100 grams sugar and half- a- teaspoon baking powder, to make a thick paste of dropping consistency. Heat some oil in a deep-frying pan and when the oil is hot, drop a teaspoon of the paste at a time and deep fry till the paste turns into a golden colour, turning over frequently. Drain any excess oil and spread the paniaaram on an absorbent paper. In Jaffna, Palmyrah Handicraft centre is helping to uplift the lives of women. The sales of handicraft products are showing signs of improvement. Organisations such as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Design Centres (NDC) and Industrial Technology Centres (ITC) are supporting the women through their training. There is a growing desire in Jaffna for the Palmyrah products to be promoted not only in Sri Lanka but marketing internationally as well. For some time now, the palmyra products have been used by the diaspora Tamils in various overseas countries such as England, Canada, Australia and the United States of America. The products need more advertising exposure to sell to other cultures. Other countries like India which also export Palmyra products to overseas countries. The Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB) has set up an office in Jaffna that would facilitate the export of palmyrah products, handicrafts, other fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed), fish, ginger, tobacco, salt-based products and many more items.

Let us not be sheltered from dangers but be fearless when facing them. – Rabindranath Tagore

19 Jaffna of the future

Some considerations for the sake of security, peace and prosperity

D. Vishvakarman Introduction The ethnic tension started building up in post-independent Sri Lanka over many years and finally a protracted war that lasted nearly three decades. This caused many hardships to all the people of Sri Lanka regardless of their ethnicity. Thousands of lives were lost, and many left the trouble-torn Island for safer places around the world. However, The Tamils were lucky that several countries came forward to give asylum to those who wanted to flee Sri Lanka. Those who couldn’t leave their country for one reason or the other and others who were fated to stay in Sri Lanka lived a tension filled life during the entire period of this brutal conflict. Now that the war has ended, life is returning slowly to normal although lasting solution to the ethnic conflict is yet to be hammered out by all parties concerned. The trauma of the war will remain especially in the hearts and minds of the Jaffna Tamils for a long time to come as they suffered the most during the war. The Sri Lankan Government in Colombo is taking precautions to ensure that Tamil militancy remains in check. This means that they are reluctant to withdraw the military from Jaffna. Their presence unfortunately will remind the residents of Jaffna each day of their haunting past. It is imperative to find a political solution acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka so that people can lead peaceful and productive lives. The need for change The lands deserted by those who fled the country and not claimed by the rightful owners may be taken over by the government and possibly be sold to those willing to buy. There are legitimate fears that the Sinhalese resettlement program in the Northern region that the government initiated long time ago will continue. The peoples’ military personnel and their families living in Jaffna and surrounding areas at present appear to have settled in well and some even speak good Tamil just like a person originally from the North. It is most likely that the Jaffna Tamils’ will gradually learn to accept the changes in the population mix demography as well as the social and cultural changes that follow. With the increase in the Sinhalese segment of the population in the Northern region, there will be a need to build more houses, schools, hospitals etc. The Government will invest in these facilities and hopefully the workers in the Northern region are going to be the main beneficiaries. The time has come for everyone to set aside their ethno-religious differences and look to a future of acceptance, understanding, peace, stability and hope. Tamil people of the North will develop a positive attitude and look for economic, social and cultural benefits through cross cultural interactions and greater investment. The Tamils will learn to use their traditional will power, perseverance and skills in Mathematics, Science, Medicine and Agriculture to serve not only in their traditional region but extend their services to the Southern region as well to South India, South East Asia and the Middle East. Initiatives for change towards future economic gain The University of Jaffna, the Technical Colleges, the schools, the temples, present industries in the region and the hospitals will play a significant role in the future development of the region. The University, Technical Colleges and even schools need to develop a broader outlook and provide innovative courses for the public to gain knowledge and skills in niche areas such as investment finance, robotics, renewable energy, information technology, organic farming and horticulture etc. The purpose is to give people the basic skills to be self-employed in these areas as well as have a pool of skilled workers that will be attractive to investors thinking of setting up industry in the region. The people of the North will realize that they can make a significant contribution towards the different sectors of the Sri Lankan economy such as health, housing, finance, agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism and hospitality. At present expatriate Tamils are remitting significant amount of foreign funds towards the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, temples and churches in the Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Mannar regions providing employment opportunities to carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians painters etc. All economic, social and cultural benefits to be gained towards a prosperous future is underpinned by a knowledge of English and Sinhalese of the general population. By learning English which is truly an International language and Sinhalese-the language of the majority ethnic community of Sri Lanka, the average person from the North will have the ability to communicate freely with people from all other parts of the Island as well as foreigners. This will help bring down the artificial mental barriers that had existed in the general Tamil population in the past. Free unrestricted cross-cultural mixing will be encouraged for the sake of racial harmony in the future. One way this will get initiated is by having student exchange programs with the South. For any form of economic progress and material prosperity in the future there needs to be reliable sources of water and energy. These are important to set up industry and provide employment to the masses. It is full employment and a decent disposable income for the average person that would lead to future investment and prosperity. Small scale renewable energy resources such as Solar, Wind and Biomass will be developed to reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy. Water conservation and treatment including rain water harvesting, sea water desalination using solar energy will be considered for use in industry and agriculture Possible outcomes that could be derived with economic development of the North If the peace is maintained and the economy in the region continues to develop it is possible that with the blessings of the Sri Lankan government Jaffna Airport would be upgraded to become an International Airport with facilities for take-off and landing small planes carrying 50 to 100 passengers to neighboring countries. This will make it convenient for expatriates who serve the region as well as bring in more overseas visitors and reduce congestion at the Colombo Airport. The future prosperity of the North depends on (i) the willingness of the people to change their thinking (ii) making an honest effort to mingle freely with everyone (iii) supporting each other in their initiatives(iv) learning to live with people of different ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasions and (v) accepting the politicians of all parties and their meaningful ideologies and learning to negotiate and find common ground. This will also ensure peace and prosperity for all people of Sri Lanka. If peace and harmony is maintained, the expatriate Tamil community will gain the confidence to invest in the region. Further, broad minded Sinhalese businessmen who know the integrity and the loyalty of the Tamil workers as well as companies with hotel chains will consider investing in the region. Reliable sources of energy, water and a good network of roads underpin all future investment. If these facilities are made available along with a change in attitude of the local population it is possible that Jaffna region could develop into a small scale economic hub similar to Singapore, Dubai or Hongkong in the not too distant future.

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. – Christopher Columbus

GENERAL ARTICLES

20 Jaffna and fourth industrial revolution

Anton X. Rajinthrakumar Introduction The First Industrial Revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production. The Second used electric power to create mass production. The Third used electronics and information technology to automate production. Now a Fourth Industrial Revolution is building on the Third, the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. Jaffna is not immune to the fourth industrial revolution in an increasingly connected and rapidly changing world. When compared with previous industrial revolutions, the Fourth is evolving at an exponential rather than a linear pace. Moreover, it is disrupting almost every industry in every country. And the breadth and depth of these changes herald the transformation of entire systems of production, management, and governance. It’s critical for the people of Jaffna to understand that the humanity is on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way they live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. Even though it’s not fully known how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the response to it must be integrated and comprehensive, involving all stakeholders of the regional and national polity, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society. Jaffna’s people – its greatest resource – collectively have the energy and talent to create a rich future for the region. People of Jaffna are known for their willingness to work harder, however, the digital revolution provides an opportunity to work smarter. In the future, technological innovation will lead to long-term gains in efficiency and productivity in which Jaffna should be a proud partner rather than a passive witness of digital revolution. Elimination of Digital Poverty in Jaffna The digital age has brought endless potential for information sharing, community building and innovation. Yet across the northern region, many individuals struggle to access the internet or do not possess the skills to make use of the technology. As a collective, this group are said to be suffering from digital poverty - in other words, they do not have the ability to use modern technology in the same way as others, thus setting them at a disadvantage. If Jaffna suffers from digital poverty, then it cannot play a vital role in the digital revolution. Immediate action is required to ensure delivery of enhanced and stable broadband access in Jaffna region. The internet has become the main platform for contact. It has also created a host of new businesses especially for the people who have wide range of international contact. Internet enables individuals from anywhere to compete with others from around the world. In the new leveled playing field, people of Jaffna have more life chances and opportunities to succeed. Challenges and Opportunities Like the revolutions that preceded it, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise income levels and improve the quality of life for the people of Jaffna along with several other populations around the world. Digital revolution could yield greater inequality, particularly in its potential to disrupt labour markets. As automation substitutes for labour across the entire economy, manual labour becomes less needed. On the other hand, it is also possible that the displacement of workers by technology will, in aggregate, result in a net increase in safe and rewarding jobs. In the future, talent, more than capital, will represent the critical factor of production. This will give rise to a job market increasingly segregated into “low-skill/low-pay” and “high-skill/high-pay” segments, which in turn will lead to an increase in social tensions. In addition to key economic concern, inequality represents the greatest societal concern associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Traditionally, Jaffna had a strong middle-class. With the digital revolution, like many other parts of the world, a job market with a strong demand at the high and low ends, but a hollowing out of the middle may lead to drastic changes in Jaffna’s societal structure. More than 30 percent of the global population now uses social media platforms to connect, learn, and share information. In an ideal world, these interactions would provide an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding and cohesion. However, they can also create and propagate unrealistic expectations as to what constitutes success for an individual or a group, as well as offer opportunities for extreme ideas and ideologies to spread. The impact on government and people As the physical, digital, and biological worlds continue to converge, people of Jaffna should take advantage of new technologies and platforms to increase their engagement with all levels of government, voice their opinions, coordinate their efforts, and even circumvent the supervision of public authorities. At the same time, governments will gain new technological powers to increase their control over populations, based on pervasive surveillance systems and the ability to control digital infrastructure. However, people will have more freedom to express their views owing to new sources of competition and the redistribution and decentralization of power that new technologies make possible. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, finally, will change not only what Jaffna people do but also who they are. It will affect their identity and all the issues associated with it: their sense of privacy, their notions of ownership, their consumption patterns, the time they devote to work and leisure, and how they develop their careers, cultivate their skills, meet people, and nurture relationships. Jaffna must continue to evolve so that a better balance between technology and traditional values is maintained. Otherwise, Jaffna as a society could diminish some of its quintessential human capacities, such as compassion and cooperation. Their relationship with their smartphones is a case in point. Constant connection may deprive us of one of life’s most important assets: the time to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation. Responsible use of social media will make people of Jaffna proud of their heritage and traditional values such as simplicity and serenity. Conclusion In the end, it all comes down to people and values. People of Jaffna need to shape a future that works for them by putting people first and empowering them. In its most pessimistic, dehumanized form, the Fourth Industrial Revolution may indeed have the potential to “robotize” humanity and thus to deprive them of their hearts and souls. However, as a complement to the best parts of human nature – creativity, empathy, stewardship – it can also lift humanity into a new collective and moral consciousness based on a shared sense of destiny. It is incumbent on all the people of Jaffna, who take great pride in their traditional roots, that Jaffna upholds values of compassion, caring and becomes a just society regardless of the tech- savvy environment. People of Jaffna are well-known for their resilience, and ability to succeed against enormous odds by taking advantage of the opportunities, no matter how limited they may be. In an increasingly interconnected world, Jaffna has a promising future as the fourth industrial revolution evolves impacting the place and its people.

21 Northern Idyll

Jerome Ephraums We had returned to the country of our birth. My wife Anandi and I. Our first destination was the North. The lady had never been there. Her’s was an idle curiosity. Jaffna always spoken of but never seen! Mine a pining nostalgia for days gone by. Neither of us, Tamil. I had some incredible and memorable holidays previously in that wide, brown land. Who could imagine? Me, with only a train ticket boarding the ‘Yarl Devi’ for Jaffna there to be met by my friend Moorthy. It was the ‘sixties’ an euphoric age of innocence till the warmongers brought there special kind of Armageddon to a serene land. It’s a new millennium. Today, it’s 6.30 in in the morning and Anandi and I are at the . She as always stoical! Not I! An impulsive character pulling at the leash. I feel a tingle in my stomach. It’s a nameless new train with none of the romance, magic or mystique of the ‘Yarl Devi’. At a journey’s cost of 1500 rupees, it’s expensive for the local populace but ludicrously cheap for the visitor awash with dollars. Platform number one is still the same. It teems with passengers nattering, chattering. That old nostalgia is at once back and my spirits soar. How different from those humourless, rugged up commuters in cold northern climes. A comfortable train, air conditioned, with reserved seating. We’re off! ‘My God, it is bumpy isn’t it,’ the better half comments. ‘It’s the tracks,’ I say. ‘That’s part of the fun’. As it gathers speed the train bumping and bouncing along causes a deafening, eardrum shattering din. Trepidation! A miracle the shearing forces don’t separate the cabins from the undercarriage. No fettler has graced the lines with his presence since the Brits left the ‘country like no other’ as the denizens are fond of saying. Relax! It's always been like this and won’t change. Soon, we cross the Kelani. A golden burst of morning sun casts its lambent light on the river and transforms its wavelets into shimmering tinsel. It’s soon apparent what a green country this is. The striking verdancy manifests no sooner you reach the outskirts of the city. The little lakes on both sides are prolific. Lotus’s thrive, and their refulgent colourful blooms stand proudly on slender stalks. Alongside are lilies, their leaves dinner-plate sized and strong enough to support egrets and herons. Their lilac and golden yellow flowers are just as captivating as those of their sister lotuses. Water! Water! It’s everywhere! Pass Ragama and the paddies on both sides stretch interminably to reach the distant horizon. It beggars belief. Why are we importing rice? Urchins wave lustily at the passing behemoth. My stomach becomes insistent. Demanding! I’m hungry. I remember those trains of old. The magic of the restaurant car! The generous servings of bacon and eggs and buttered bread. There’s that old friend nostalgia importuning me again. Those restaurant cars wanted for nothing. They spared no expense be it breakfast lunch or dinner. It was an era when there were no bean counters counting every grain of sugar that went into your cup of tea. Service, satisfaction was their motto. I risk becoming maudlin. And so, I sought the guard. ‘Can you please tell me where the restaurant car is?’ I asked. ‘We don’t have a restaurant car, sir.’ “W h a a t! I ask horrified. The guard full of apologies. Sir, we had a fire caused by some gas bottles and afterwards the service was terminated.” I am bereft. When twenty years ago such a decision was unthinkable - people were answerable- today the path of least resistance is taken. Don’t fix the problem. Get rid of the restaurant. Meanwhile, my gut is becoming more and more insistent. It demands breakfast. It’s too long till we get to a major stop on the journey. And the blessed wife prepared for any eventuality digs into her handbag and like a magician pulls out two muesli bars. I am saved. The train carries on its bumpy journey - by now we have got used to the bounce - and slows down. Where’s this? It’s Mahawewa Station. I thought the next stop was Anuradhapura. Never mind! And then I hear what is music to my ears. A vendor walking the length of the platform shouting Patis ! Patis! He has a large platter - woven from marsh reeds - and it is chock full of patties. With meat stuffng too. Believe it or not there’s a buxom woman in ‘redda and hattae ' frying patties on the platform. The more things change the more they remain the same. I greedily indulge not forgetting the missus. The patties are sizzling hot and delicious. I follow it up with a scalding cup of milk tea. Anandi declines. She is dubious of the quality of the milk in the tea. Not me! I’m still here, unscathed. Replete, we push on. Today is the semi-final between Australia and New Zealand in the cricket World Cup. I have a new mobile phone and have paid three rupees to Dialog to be able to watch the telecast. Three rupees! In my adapted country I would have to pay a king’s ransom to do that! I tune in and watch the match on the train. It’s a tussle to divide my attention between the match and the scenery outside but the landscape is now becoming more dry zone with less to titillate. The interest of the other train travellers is piqued. They slowly gather around to watch the action on the screen. We make friends. A policeman and I get chatting. It’s too expensive for him to travel on this train but it’s a one off. He has to get back urgently to his job in Anuradhapura. Another is even more friendly. Soon, Siva has invited us, complete strangers, to lunch at his home in a suburb of Jaffna. We accept. The vegetation turns sparser and sparser. Wide open spaces begin to appear. The 3G signal is no longer supplanted by an E signal on my phone and I can watch the cricket uninterrupted. Still, I soon forsake the phone. The view outside is compelling despite the absence of arresting scenery. Little towns whizz past. Farmers in their fields, little homes with their vegetable patches, children waving as the train rushes past. An amazing transformation in the train as we passed ! Goodbye turbulence! The journey becomes silken smooth. It’s a new track. Thank you, India! My goodness, don’t the stations look swish! They’re spanking new! The buildings are solidly built, painted a buff colour and the cantilevered roof is supported by pillars painted blue and yellow. Some even have potted cane palms. It is time to reminisce. I still focus on the scene outside the train window, but my mind’s eye harks back to Moorthy, that morning in 1970, welcoming me at the Jaffna Station. Me, a callow youth at the time, he a professional ‘student’. Still a medical student at age thirty-eight. Failing the one subject, Medicine year after year. In the hostel we were strange bedfellows. Moorthy was a character! He enjoyed a drink and a flutter at the casino. I don’t know why we were drawn to each other, but we did a lot of things together. Moorthy was a larrikin. It was hard to stay angry with him for long. And God knows he did enough to make me livid. There was the time he offered to buy me drinks at that dive in Slave Island - I think it was the Hotel Nippon. We had several shots of that firewater ‘gal’ arrack, the famous Nippon meat rolls and platters of devilled pork. He ran up a rollicking bill. I was the voice of reason and somewhat tipsy reminded him it was time to leave. And believe it or not he didn’t have the money to pay the bill. Neither did I. He left saying he would be back with the money. I twiddled my thumbs and stayed hostage till he returned. He did return after one hour to pay the bill. He blocked his ears all the way to the hostel to shut out my curses. On the bus to his house in the suburbs he springs a shock on me. He is married with two children. I ask how the devil are you able to support a family. My father-in-law ...., he says sheepishly not completing the sentence. His house or rather his father-in-law’s is modest. Though I’m unable to speak a word of Tamil, his wife only a smattering of English and her father none I feel immediately at home. The welcome is obvious. The lunch laid out is sumptuous and quintessentially Tamil. Those days! How uncomplicated life used to be! In the mornings we’d go to the beach swim buy prawns, fish and crabs from the fisherman for next to nothing and on the way back linger over several glasses of the sweet nectar, neera, from palmyra trees. It’s a slow journey home. Moorthy is very popular. People warm to his raffish charm. Some do speak English and they go out of their way to be nice to me. It was a very communal life. That first day as we return from the beach a goat has been slaughtered and shared among the neighbours. Moringa (or murunga) is plucked from trees close to the fence and the curry made from it is fiercely hot. There’s lots of coriander. I look forward to breakfasts of thosai, puttu and . Long walks at night under a moonlit sky. Past the houses with their dried palmyra leafed fences. Drawing deeply on our cigarettes, replete after a heavy dinner. We walked in those days for the sheer pleasure of walking, not exercise. Today, I wince seeing, dumbbell swinging walkers, pain written on their faces, completely oblivious to their environments subjecting themselves to needless torture. Our walk is interrupted from time to time to chat with young men at their fences. There is some homage paid to our status as university students. One day Moorthy is off to Jaffna Town on his own. It’s the perfect opportunity for his wife and father-in-law to draw me into a scheme they have hatched. No doubt the father-in-law likes me. Rani, the wife addresses me shyly in halting English. They’re both in despair. Will Moorthy ever graduate? They know of his profligacy with the allowance he receives from Rani’s father, Jeyaraj. They want to give me the money which I would disburse for legitimate reasons only. Certainly not for visits to the casino. I decline. That would be humiliating for Moorthy. It’s hard to refuse them anything after the brilliant hospitality they’ve shown me, but I promise one thing. I’ll do everything to help him pass. Rani in tears! ‘Thank you! Thank you!’ She conveys my promise to her father. ‘If you can help him we would be very grateful.’ Back in the hostel in Colombo, I collar him every opportunity I get. ‘C’mon, Moorthy let’s do some “joint study”.’ Reluctantly, he agrees. We make a stab at the likely exam questions and pore over Davidson’s Textbook of Medicine. He passes Medicine and finally graduates. ‘Dr Moorthy’ I call him. He grins sheepishly. He started private practice not in his bailiwick of Jaffna but in the Deep South. There he became one of the most popular and sought-after doctors. So much for racial tension and disharmony. I may have been reminiscing, but my eyes were firmly on the passing scene. Coconut palms were slowly being replaced by palmyra. Kilinochchi! What war? Not a skerrick to remind you there was one not so long ago. Shimmering, metallic blue sheets of water on both sides of Pass and as we pass Chavakachcheri a pleasant surprise. The scrub gives way to a swathe of rice paddies, leaves dancing in the breeze and stretching kilometres into the distant horizon. Who would have thought? At last, Jaffna! In no time a three-wheeler deposits us at the hotel in town. It’s a nice hotel. The place exudes hospitality. The rooms clean and well appointed. Mr Bala, the manager can’t do enough to make our stay a pleasant one. The restaurant is a culinary delight. As authentic as northern food gets. There’s no scrimping here. We dump our bags in the room and are off, by three-wheeler, taking in the sights. The Nallur Kandaswamy kovil is impressive but the Jaffna Library is the piece de resistance. It reminds me of the Royal Library in Alexandria but is much, much more awe-inspiring. It suffered a similar fate which Wikipedia describes as, “one of the most violent examples of ethnic biblioclasm of the twentieth century.” At the time of its conflagration it was one of the largest in Asia with 97,000 books and manuscripts. We ventured into the suburbs. Narrow streets, high walls, quiet serenity! Evocative of Sienna, Italy. And clean! The next morning, I want to hire a self-drive car. Sorry, not possible. Only chauffeured cars available at US$60 a day. I don’t mind the cost, but I hate being driven around. So, I ask myself what’s wrong with taking the bus? We walk to the bus station. It’s a happy, bustling town. The roadside stalls are packed to the rafters with every conceivable variety of rice, dry fish, chillies and spices. We are going to Nagadipa in a CTB bus. It was, absolutely, the right decision. I’m sweaty to start with but as the bus gathers speed, it’s exhilarating. I feel the wind in my hair through the open window and it’s better than air conditioning. And the cost of a ticket, a laughable ten rupees. There’s a boat at the end of the bus journey to take us to Nagadipa. We stood inside the boat like packed sardines, but it was a short trip. The place is all ‘done up’ with the kovil and Buddhist temple looking pristine. I’m not sure I like what I see. I was there, in 1964 as the manager of a school volleyball team to a competition in Jaffna but that’s another story. It used to be untouched, virginal then, but the army has been somewhat over enthusiastic in its zeal to paint and pave. Back at the hotel we count the hours to dinner. Delicious food reasonably priced! There’s a posher hotel there now but I’ll still go back to the trusty old one any day. Another day! We have to call Siva and cry off our luncheon appointment. Always, a trade off these invitations. It would mean the loss of a whole day when there is so much more to see in this province so full of pleasant surprises. We board the CTB bus for and get there in no time at all. The Sacred Water Spring lives up to its reputation. The fresh water spring is high in minerals and rejuvenating. But is it my imagination? I feel, also, a sense of peace. Next the Naguleswaran kovil but the real gem is the little museum. It’s free and well worth a look. I congratulate the curator but advise him to remove those colour photographs pronto. The journey back is by bus which slowly winds its way through little villages. It’s priceless! This innocent voyeurism into the homes of everyday northerners. The next day it’s time to leave. All too soon! Mr Bala, the hotel manager has set up a large screen in the restaurant for us to watch the cricket World Cup final. But it proves to be a damp squib. New Zealand goes belly-up and loses to Australia meekly. On our way to the we stopped to buy ulundu wadae and masala wadae from a street vendor. The ulundu wadae was genuinely ulundu and tasted delicious. The Jaffnese won’t have it any other way, thankfully. We did our ‘own thing’. Strayed away from the beaten path. Met lovely people. No guided luxury tour would have afforded us such wonderful and memorable experiences. We will return. Stay longer! We sincerely hope that lot of people from other parts of Sri Lanka as well as foreign tourists visit this simple and serene place and witness the friendliness of the people, who genuinely yearn for peace and prosperity. Jaffna will surely prosper, now the dogs of war are gone. The inhabitants are clever, doughty. There will be new hotels. High rises will sprout. But please don’t destroy the essence that is Jaffna – it’s elegance and traditions. That would be a tragedy which doesn’t bear thinking.

Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others. – Martin Luther King Jr

22 Healthcare improvement Projects for North and East

Ivan Aloysius The end of the of brutal civil war in 2009 brought massive challenges and many opportunities for healthcare improvement to North and East provinces of Sri Lanka. Now people of North and East are on a long path towards recovery and rehabilitation. Civil war not only caused immense loss of life, unspeakable human tragedies at personal and collective level in the society, injuries leading to long standing health problems but also related protracted continuous mental scars in the community. World Health Organization (WHO) 2018 report states that achieving universal health coverage (UHC) means ensuring that all people receive the essential health services they need without being exposed to financial hardship as a result. Such services include public health services to promote health and prevent illness, and to provide treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care of sufficient quality to be effective. Health Investment in the healthcare sector increased following the conflict, and Sri Lanka has spent approximately 3.5 per cent of GDP per annum on health in recent years. The public health system offers universal free health care, but facilities vary between geographic locations because of decentralised service delivery. Some medicines and treatments are available only from private providers. Some specialist services are available in Colombo and district-level hospitals, including in the North and East. There are few hospitals in the war-affected interior areas of the east, and those in need of treatment must travel to district hospitals in and . According to the World Bank, life expectancy in Sri Lanka in 2015 was 74.9 years and the infant mortality rate in 2016 was 8 per 1,000 live births. Health outcomes are worse in the north and east, partly because of the delay in rebuilding destroyed infrastructure and diminution of human capital during the conflict. Mental health services are scarce and institutional capacity to respond to mental health needs is weak. Mental illness is not widely discussed in Sri Lankan society and the stigma attached to those who seek treatment discourages others from doing so. Anecdotal evidence suggests a high incidence of trauma related illnesses following the conflict, especially in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Collective trauma, a lack of mental health support and high unemployment, especially among the young, have contributed to an increase in alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, domestic and societal violence in recent years. The legacy of war continues to impose hardships, particularly on conflict-affected women due to high male death rates during conflict Tamil speaking women in the north and east have arguably been more affected by the conflict and its aftermath than any other group in Sri Lanka. Tens of thousands of war widows and wives of the missing have been forced to become heads of household and primary income earners, leaving behind traditional domestic roles and entering the public realm to engage politically, economically and socially. The latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey of 2016 estimated 1.4 million female headed households in Sri Lanka (representing 25.8 per cent of the population), mostly in the north and east. The definition of a female-headed household in Sri Lanka varies, but can include war widows, never married, disabled and elderly women, and family members of the missing or disappeared. The 2012 census found that widows led 50 per cent of female-headed households. Female-headed households are vulnerable to poverty, gender-based violence, exclusion from inheritance and property rights, access to services and employment opportunities. Government agencies and domestic and international NGOs provide some livelihood, housing and psychosocial assistance to female-headed households, but local sources claim that on-the-ground support is minimal and under- resourced. Challenges in providing proper healthcare Many problems specific to post war nation still exist such as mental health issues, long term rehabilitation of wounded in the war. As a country where mental health issues still carry harmful cultural stigma, Sri Lanka struggles to provide adequate treatment for the mental illnesses caused by the conflict. The Sri Lankan people began to experience a host of mental disorders, but neither the health system nor society was prepared to address them. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), various anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and somatization disorder — a disorder marked by numerous medically unexplainable physical symptoms due to psychological distress — became common among those affected by the war. One study showed a strong relationship between exposure to war and the number of PTSD symptoms reported, drawing a direct connection between the war and the mental disorders affecting the population. The number of suicides skyrocketed, reaching 17.1 per 100,000 citizens in 2012 and making Sri Lanka the country with the 22nd highest suicide rate in the world The government, however, neglected the mental health issues plaguing its citizens, and focused most of its rehabilitation efforts on the treatment of physical illnesses. This lack of awareness was likely caused by the cultural stigma against mental disorders that was due, in part, to Buddhist and Hindu religious beliefs in illness as punishment for poor karma, familial concern for the negative marital effects of mental disorders, and an irrational fear of unprovoked violence caused by mental illness. Among those affected by the war, children, especially those who experienced the conflict throughout their formative years, are most vulnerable to mental disorders. Although most children were affected in some way by the war, the conflict was largely concentrated in the northeast region of the country and therefore disproportionately affected Tamil children. In one survey conducted in a northeast province, 92% of the children reported experiencing severely traumatizing events and 79% had had some form of combat experience.12 Immediate impacts on children due to these kinds of traumatic events have been found to include numbness, hyper- vigilance, shock, unresponsiveness, muteness, and/or frantic behavior.2 Longer term effects included increased aggression, anxiety, depression, suicidal behaviour, and/or attention deficit disorders.13 Children are also particularly susceptible to permanent personality scarring during periods of emotional, cognitive, and endocrinological development. Because the Sri Lankan conflict has extended throughout multiple generations, it has severely impacted children’s lives and health With the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has experienced rapid economic growth driven by the expansion of infrastructure, domestic demand and improved investor confidence. Other problems are due to lack of foresight about non-communicable chronic disease management. Currently Sri Lanka is undergoing rapid economic growth which create its challenges such as increased infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health and injuries and violence Traumatic injuries accounted for highest incidence (19.3%) of hospital admission in year 2016 and the leading cause of hospital death of 14% was attributed to cardiac disease. Sharing good practice and creating opportunities for diaspora doctors Establishment of regular clinics and surgical sessions in war affected North and East is necessary. First of all, it is important to identify the gaps in local health economy and plan accordingly improvements in areas such as cataract surgery, training skills for local healthcare professional including resuscitation skills training. This can be co- ordinated with established local charitable organisations such as Lions club, Jaffna Medical Faculty students union or department of community medicine and local DPDHS health campaigns. It is best to get support from second generation diaspora Sri Lankan doctors to help to improve the healthcare system and overall health of the people of their ancestral country. Establishing a robust primary care in North and East Most of the people have access to direct consultant care in Jaffna via local hospitals outpatient clinics but also many see them privately. But there is a big gap in primary care services such as primary prevention, vaccination etc. Most of the doctors in Sri Lanka do private practice to supplement their income and many of them lack further training in unique primary care training. There is currently a direct 2-year training programme being developed with SLMA/Association of family medicine and RCGP UK. where doctors get training in UK and go back to serve their country of origin and gain internationally recognised qualifications. This can be further extended to other countries such as Australia and Canada. Our health system in Sri Lanka is diverse and enriched by the operational coexistence of allopathic, ayurvedic, sidha, unani and several other systems of medicine. It would be very useful to nurture good aspects of other systems for the betterment of people. There is a massive recent post war tourist influx to north and east which includes diaspora family returning to their homeland to see family and friends and others who enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. VFR travellers (visiting family and friends) also bring disease and having own health problems. This has to be addressed and local physicians need to be aware of this health challenges to identify and treat them effectively. Road traffic accidents are major killers in Sri Lanka which need to be classified as a major health risk. The local government and law enforcement team should work together to prevent road traffic injuries by promoting helmet and seat-belt wearing, by stopping drink driving and ensuring adherence to speed limits. Importance for the establishment of Tamil Diaspora Wealth Fund There are many ad hoc projects carried out but there were concerns money going to only selected people via personal contacts. This was one of the major issues raised by some of our batch mates working in North & East when we try to create our batch fund to help local people. Financial aid is provided by various school classmates, university batchmates and village diaspora but all these efforts need to be pooled and coordinated to be effective in a large scale Provided a transparent wealth fund is in place, the needy people could be identified and money spent wisely not only on rehabilitation projects but also on larger projects such as building hospitals, schools and industries that create employment opportunities for Tamils in our homeland. Investment in healthcare in the Northern region is not only desirable but also, an essential priority for the war affected society. Also, the healthcare performance is strongly dependent not only on the economy but also, on the health systems themselves. This link should not be underestimated.

If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. – African Proverb

23 Tamils Outside of Northern Province

Henry Jeyarajah The Tamil people also inhabit a region that spans the Trincomalee, and Ampara districts. These Eastern Tamils differ slightly from the Northern Tamils as far as social customs are concerned. The Negombo and Puttalam Tamils are distinguished from Jaffna Tamils by their unique dialects. These Tamils got integrated into the Sinhalese community over the years. The main towns in Eastern Sri Lanka are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Eastern Sri Lanka is the hidden gem of Asia. Towns and villages are occupied by Tamil and Muslim population while the inland is inhabited by the Sinhalese. The main feature of the Eastern Tamil society is the kudi system. Although the Tamil word kudi means a house or settlement, in eastern Sri Lanka it is related to matrimonial alliances. Men or women remain members of the kudi of their birth and be brother or sister by relation. No man can marry in the same kudi because a woman becomes a sister to him. A man can only marry in one of his sampantha kudis and not in the sakothara kudis. The Tamils of the have different social customs from their southern neighbours due to the influence of the Jaffna kingdom to the north. Most Eastern Tamils follow customary laws called Mukkuva laws codified during the Dutch colonial period. Many cultural events provide opportunity for people to get-together without religious or cultural differences. One good example is the annual “kite festival” celebrated in June where families accompany their children with home-made kites gather at the town beach. Every weekend people gather in beaches to spend their evening time. Places like Pigeon Island, Fort Fredric, , Vilgam vihara, Lanka Patuna and Hot wells are visited by all communities. Trincomalee has a written history dating back to the 5th century BC and was occupied by Colonial Powers such as the Dutch and French due to its ideally located naval base. In fact, during both World Wars I and II, Trinco was the naval headquarters for the Allied Powers for the whole Southeast Asia and Far East Asia command. Sunny Trinco, with its popular, tranquil white sand beaches of and Uppuveli has an abundance of sights to explore and activities to partake in during your trip to the East. A major highlight of this city is its exceptional dolphin and whale-watching opportunities. Sperm whales, blue whales, and spring dolphins can be spotted off of the city’s eastern coast, typically from March to September.

In addition, Oceanographers have dubbed Swami Rock the best vantage point for blue whale spotting. Other water activities include surfing, coral reef and shipwreck dives. Batticaloa is a major city in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, and a former capital. It is the administrative capital of the Batticaloa District. Pasikuda is a popular tourist destination.

Before 1960, Batticaloa people’s life was generally very normal. They went about their business without any harassment. There was a lot of goodwill and peace between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Even the passing of the Sinhala Only Language Act did not affect the Tamil people of Batticaloa or their way of life very much. After 1960 and during the years between 1960-1990 things started to change for the Tamil people there. The saw that the Tamil people were holding dominant positions in government jobs and in University education. Most jobs in the government sector and University faculties were competitively based and were filled by Tamils from the north and east. To remedy this discrepancy the government introduced a new Standardization policy, which provided a quota system to each province in Sri Lanka to eliminate the Tamil dominance in education and government jobs. This angered the Tamil youths which led to Tamil Tiger movement. The life of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka changed drastically. People lost their fundamental human rights and became destitute. The Tamil people were afraid for their life and lost everything, including life and property. The group that benefited from all this mayhem were the Muslim population. The social order and economic power of the Tamils in the eastern province collapsed dramatically and living conditions of the Tamil people became intolerable. Immediately after the war, in 2009 a lot of people lost their land and were forced to live in refugee camps. People who had relatives in foreign countries were lucky enough to get financial help from their kin, and those who had government jobs fared better. Since 2009, there has been a lot of infrastructure development in the eastern province, with the building of roads in Batticaloa and Amparai district with help from the Japanese government, including a new bridge which replaced the old Kallady Bridge, with the help of the Indian government. Batticaloa town looks more like a modern city now. People are building new houses, and developing their villages, town, and cities with modern amenities, including plumbing, electricity, and internet, with cell phones and mobile electronic products being a staple item for many. People are a lot happier and living a more peaceful life. Although the lives of the Batticaloa people has been significantly hindered in the past 58 years, what remains unchanged is the culture of the people and their strong identity to Sri Lanka, from the way they dress, eat, worship, or celebrate. The Batticaloa people are, and always will be, a resourceful and determined people. Hill country or Upcountry Tamils There are two groups of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The first are the Sri Lankan Tamils, who either descended from the Tamils of the old Jaffna kingdom or who migrated to the east coast. The second are the Indian Tamils or Hill Country Tamils, who are descendants of bonded labourers sent from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in the 19th century to work in tea plantations. Many came as laborers to work in the plantations, but few of them came as business people. Sri Lankan Tamils mostly live in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and in the capital Colombo, whereas Hill Country Tamils largely live in the central highlands. Colombo Chetties, once considered a Sri Lankan Tamil caste, were classified as a separate ethnic group in the 2001 census. They were a class of Tamil speaking traders, who migrated from the South India under Portuguese rule.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

24 Need For More Meaningful Steps

for communal harmony and development in Northern Province.

Cader M. Ansari Three decades of brutal civil war in Sri Lanka ended in mid-May 2009. This has certainly brought great relief to all the people in the Island who had been yearning for a peaceful environment to move about freely without the fear of bomb blasts and the ubiquitous military check points and focus on their day to day lives without any apprehension. But in the Tamil areas, especially in the Northern Province, which is the heartland of the Sri Lankan Tamils, where the people had to bear the full brunt of the war, uneasy calm fraught with anxieties, uncertainties and hopelessness prevail. The war has ravaged their lives, destroyed the infrastructure in the North, robbed their livelihood, made thousands of women war widows, orphaned many children, displaced many families and has spawned many social evils such as alcoholism, drug use and domestic violence. The war had played havoc with their lives. To alleviate this dreadful condition and to rebuild their deeply devastated lives, concrete action is needed to address some issues to ensure a peaceful and promising future. The war affected all sections of people in the Northern Province in various ways. Since 1956 political aspirations of the Tamil-speaking people had been for substantial self-rule in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The discriminatory policies pursued by subsequent governments in Colombo, particularly in education, employment and economic opportunities had strengthened the demand for meaningful devolution of power. Under the Indo-Lanka Accord, 13th Amendment to the Constitution was enacted to meet some of the aspirations of the minority Tamil-speaking ethnic community in Sri Lanka. Many people had hoped that the end of war would pave the way for an acceptable political solution to the ethnic problem that has been a menace in Sri Lanka since the Island gained independence from Britain in 1948. It will be pertinent to recall the comments made by Dr. Mahathir Mohamed – a prominent Malaysian statesman when he visited Sri Lanka in June 2010. He said that it was inevitable that people should die in a war. Hence it is more important to settle disputes without resorting to wars. But now that the war had taken place, what Sri Lanka State should do is to treat every citizen equally. If they are integrated to society and if they also benefit from the development initiatives taking place, he assured that the world opinion would certainly change in favour of Sri Lanka. It is vitally important to note that lately the Tamil leadership has come a long way to embrace a pragmatic and moderate stand. They have clearly articulated their position without any ambiguity, announcing that they are not promoting separation and they are for a united and indivisible Sri Lanka on the basis of dignity and self-respect to all its citizens. This is a convincing base on which future negotiations could be conducted to arrive at a durable political solution acceptable to all communities including the Tamil speaking Muslim Community. So far, no tangible measures have been taken to address the issues affecting war widows and missing persons at the central government level or Provincial Council level. Further, development efforts that had been initiated in the North, did not result in meaningful job creation on a significant scale. It is not necessary always to rely on the central government to resolve these issues as it does not involve huge infrastructure investment. Many things can be done at the Provincial Council and local government levels. Opening and developing cottage industries in selected areas, establishing vocational training centres to train women in selected skills, giving assistance to home-based industries by creating mechanisms to provide financial and technical support and establishing co-operative unions are some of the initiatives well within the scope of Provincial Council and local authorities. There are models in neighbouring countries to learn from. For example, in Bangladesh the operation of Grameen Banks in providing Microfinance to develop and encourage village level economic activities by women has proved to be a great success. But unfortunately, the Northern Provincial Council has so far not shown any interest in solving the women related issues. During the war poverty level in the Northern Province reached 37% compared with the national average of 15%. Per capita income was Rs.134,000 while the national average was nearly double this amount. In 2014 it’s share to the national GDP was just 5%. By contrast Western Province contributed 42% to the GDP. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Northern Province has the smallest economy out of the nine provinces. Even though all these indicators give a gloomy picture, various studies confirm the fact that the Northern Province has strong economic potential and if proper steps are taken, possibilities are there to turn around the present state. In fact, after the end of the war the government did take some initiatives. Funded by multilateral and bilateral donors such as Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Chinese and Indian national banks, the government focused on restoring and reconstructing high ways, electricity, water supply and telecommunications. This infrastructure development helped the people in social mobility, transport of agricultural produce to markets and other economic activities. Industrial sector was also given special attention. The Atchchuveli Industrial Park, which became defunct in 1991 due to the war, was rehabilitated in August 2014 with the assistance of India. The Park has about 64 acres of land for industrial use. In phase one of the project 25 acres of land has been developed to facilitate the setting up of 22 industrial units, that will provide direct employment to 2,000 people and indirect employment to nearly 10,000 people. The targeted sectors for investment in the industrial estate includes textiles, plastic and leather products, oil and fibre products, food processing units and agro based industries. All the preliminary work seems to have been completed and the project will become operational when the investors move in. A comprehensive report was drafted by a team of urban planners from Australia in conjunction with Sri Lankan planners under the Australia Aid funded program. This team was of the view, that Northern Province has great potential for economic development. The team identified several sectors for this including: agriculture and animal husbandry, fisheries and aqua culture, tourism, manufacturing and industry and mining and mineral. Each of these can play an important part in shaping the economic future of the province providing income generating opportunities for the people of the province. The Prime Minister visited Jaffna on 27 May 2018 and said the objective of the government is to develop the Northern Province and make it economically strong in line with other areas in the country. He said several large-scale projects have been earmarked to be implemented. At the Provincial Council level too, interest on economic development has been articulated. Very recently Northern Provincial Council has passed a resolution to rebuild the economy, to improve the livelihood and uplift the standard of living. The resolution noted that traditional agrarian based economy is insufficient and there must be a shift towards knowledge based and manufacturing economies. All these steps augur well for the prospects of a promising future for the Northern Province.

We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. – Aristotle

25 Places of interest in Jaffna

Travelling to Jaffna from Colombo Jaffna, the northern most region of the Island of Sri Lanka, is situated within ten degrees of latitude to the north of the equator. One can travel to Jaffna from Colombo by car, private motor coach, train, and even plane. However, the most convenient and economical way to travel will be by train. From Colombo Fort railway station, at least four passenger trains are available daily. The morning inter-city train leaves Colombo Fort station around 5.50am and reaches Jaffna around noon. This is the best way to travel in comfort, and the journey takes about 6 hours. Other trains, (morning Yarl Devi and noon Uthara Devi ) from Colombo take about 7 to 8 hours to reach Jaffna, which has a newly re-built railway station conveniently located close to many hotels and other places of interest in the city of Jaffna. There are several private bus services operating from Colombo to Jaffna, this road journey takes half a day to complete (nearly 9 hours +) following the A9 highway which runs through the middle of Sri- Lanka. Mainly people board coach buses from their starting points in Wellawatte. However, people with pre-purchased tickets have the option to embark on specified locations along the route of the bus. Whether it’s a road trip or train trip, travel between Jaffna and Colombo is scenic with changing landscapes and climate. Jaffna Train Schedule from Colombo Fort (Departure Time ) 05:45:00 A.C. - INTERCITY - A.C. - INTERCITY 06:35:00 YARL DEVI - LONG DISTANCE 11:50:00 UTHARA DEVI - A.C. - INTERCITY 20:30:00 Night Mail Train - Night Mail Train Jaffna Railway Station There are several interesting and historical places to visit in Jaffna. Some of these are within the Jaffna Municipality Limits and the others are further away from the City Centre. Locations of these places are given in the map below with a view to help the tourists to Jaffna The approximate distances from the Jaffna Central Railway Station are given for those places within the city limits. For the others the distances are given from the city’s main bus terminal.

Popular Places for Tourists to Jaffna

The – One of the most known cultural landmarks in the Island of Sri Lanka This iconic building was built in 1933. However, this historically important and cultural pride of Jaffna Tamils was burnt down in 1981. After several years, this library was rebuilt. This library is near the Jaffna Municipal Council building. It is approximately 1.5km from Jaffna central station (Jaffna central station has been marked on the above map with a blue marker). University of Jaffna University of Jaffna’s main campus is situated in Thirunelvely on Sir. Pon Ramanathan Road. This sprawling campus is home to several faculties, and approximately 3 km away from Jaffna Railway station.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil A popular Hindu Temple situated on Temple Road, Jaffna (off Main street Jaffna). The temple is located approximately 2km from Jaffna central railway station.

Nagadeepa Purana Vihara This Buddhist temple is situated in Nainativu which is roughly 35km from Jaffna bus station on Hospital Road. The temple can be reached via Jaffna-Pannai-Kayts Rd/AB19 and Valukkairaru-Punkudutivu-Kurikadduwan Rd/AB39 followed by a ferry ride from Kurikadduwan Jetty.

Jaffna – New Grand Mosque Together with , Christianity, and , Jaffna is also home to Islam. Grand Mosque of Jaffna is situated on Osmaniya College Road, about 2.5km from Jaffna Railway station. There is a sizable Muslim population in Jaffna and majority of them living in the north western part of the town.

The – One of the strongest Dutch forts in Asia The Fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It is near and Jaffna Public Library. The distance from Jaffna central railway station is approximately 2km.

The Jaffna Archaeological Museum The museum houses a rare collection of antiquities. It is located on Navalar Road, Jaffna. The distance from Jaffna central station is just less than 1.5km. Subramaniam’s Children’s Park This popular park on Front Street, Jaffna is just opposite to the Public Library. It is approximately 1.5km from Jaffna central railway station.

Jaffna Vegetable Market Jaffna’s colorful fruit and vegetable market is near Jaffna’s main bus station located in grand bazaar on Hospital Road. This market is approximately 2km from Jaffna central railway station.

Casuarina Beach This is a famous beach located about 22km from Jaffna’s main bus station. Take Kasthuriyar Rd to Jaffna-Manipay-Karainagar Rd/AB17 and then go on Jaffna-Ponnalai-Point Pedro Rd/AB21. Charty Beach The beach can be reached via Jaffna-Pannai-Kayts Rd/AB19 from Jaffna’s bus station on Hospital Road. This clean beach is situated 13km from it.

Keerimalai Hot Springs / Naguleswaram Hindu Temple This mineral water spring is located in the environs of Naguleswaram Hindu temple. This popular bathing place is near Senthankulam. The springs can be reached via Jaffna-Manipay- Karainagar Road (AB17) and Sandilippai-Senthankulam Rd/B398. It is roughly 20km from Jaffna bus stand on Hospital Road.

St. Mary’s Cathedral This is located within the municipal limits of Jaffna and nearly 2km away from central railway station. Built by the Dutch along classical lines in the 1790s, and later modernised in the early 1950’s, St Mary’s Cathedral is astonishingly large, but it’s curious to see corrugated-iron roofing held up by such a masterpiece of wooden vaulting. It’s the main church for Roman Catholics. It is adjacent to St. Patrick’s College Jaffna, on the Cathedral Road.

Nedunthivu (Delft) This is a flat Island surrounded by shallow waters and it’s situated off the north-west of Jaffna mainland. This Island is famous for wild horses and Dutch colonial fort.

Kantharodai One of the earliest archaeological sites in Jaffna and it is situated nearly 8Km from Jaffna main bus stand. It is a site with over 60 small stupas of about 10 feet in diameter and height that have been built very close to each other. Many coins have been found at the site by archaeological excavations.

26 Post-War Sri Lanka – The Way Forward

Wilfred Ferdinand Sri Lanka remains in a recovery phase where the wounds and trauma of the past three decades of violence and war have not been completely healed. Communal tension that lies beneath the surface in our society makes it susceptible to abuses by sinister forces for narrow-minded political reasons. Unfortunately, more attention is paid to the photo ops of the politicians rather than addressing the root causes of the communal tension. In some parts of the north and east economic climate is warming up. Banks, Insurance companies, large business enterprises and the hospitality sector are rushing into these areas. However, in other parts of these regions, refugees are still in camps and make shift huts with scant health, education and other facilities. There are widows, orphans and a large member of mentally and physically disabled Children born to Mothers who had poor ante- natal care during the war period. Without unity progress is not possible. Chances of peace and reconciliation seem to be slowly declining. Therefore, people from all communities should act fast to avoid another calamity and civil strife in the country. Patriotic citizens of our Country should get together for the common good. Politicians should not be permitted to continue with their sinister games. All peace-loving forces must unite to concentrate in developing the essential Services of our Country and our people. Our health care system is effective. Despite the small health Budget, the country managed to eradicate many killer and disabling Communicable diseases such as – Polio, Tetanus, whooping Cough, Diphtheria, Malaria and Filaria. Dengue is now under control. Like other advanced Countries we are now faced with increase in Non- Communicable diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke, Heart attack and Cancer. Care of our increasing elderly population is also a matter of concern. These are being very professionally dealt with by our Medical and Para- Medical fraternity. It would be fair and just to ensure that all parts of the Island including the war-ravaged North & East get free and equal access to all health services. Educational reforms at national level must aim at producing a new young generation with good emotional intelligence which includes self- awareness, impulse control, persistence, zeal and motivation, empathy and social - dexterity. Such youth will be law-abiding and capable to fight corruption, promote peace and reconciliation and lead the Country to economic prosperity. Brain-drain must be stopped and on the other hand Sri Lankans with world class skills living abroad must be enticed to return to their homeland. Sri Lanka’s educated, and highly skilled population is a major economic asset and with this, the country has a competitive advantage in the South Asian region. Human Capital and a strategic location with a growing peace dividend gives the island tremendous potential as a regional commercial hub. The country is also blessed with lush greenery and clean beaches that has the potential to attract large number of tourists from all parts of the globe. Our people from all parts of the country, especially the people of Jaffna who bore the brunt of the war deserve a better deal. It is the sincere hope of everyone that Sri Lanka doesn’t lose this opportunity. Some of the famous Jaffna Tamil proverbs: 1. If taken in excess even nectar is toxic. Alavukku minchchinaal amirthamum nanju.

2. The King administers instant punishment, but God delays his judgement. Arasan antru kollum theivam nintru kollum.

3. He who is in a hurry is deficient in sense. Aathirakkaaranukku puththi maththimam 4. The olive flower is valued sugar where there is no sugar mill. Aalai illa oorukku iluppaippoo sarukkarai

5. If ignorant of the depth, do not put forth your feet. Aazhamariyaamal kaalaiyidaathe

6. God himself is the help of the helpless. Akathikkuth theivame thunai.

LANGUAGE BOOKS By ALOYSIUS ASEERVATHAM

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO SPOKEN ENGLISH (through Tamil)

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO SPOKEN TAMIL (through English)

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO SPOKEN SINHALESE (through English)

All three books are useful to the JAFFNA Tamils and Tourists to Sri Lanka to learn the basics of the three languages of the country.

The books are available from: Xlibris and Amazon.com (both in electronic form and hard copy)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Authors of this book – Aloysius and Anton were born and raised in JAFFNA town during different eras when there was stability and serenity. Their personal and professional career paths took them to different parts of the world, and eventually they settled in opposite ends of the world. However, united by their passion for a better Jaffna, the authors joined forces to compile this book – a collection of articles and memoirs covering variety of topics primarily aimed towards making Jaffna a better place in the future. Aloysius J. Aseervatham, a Mathematics graduate and a qualified accountant has been a teacher and lecturer for most part of his working life in different continents. Al is an accomplished author who had published several books in the field of accounting during his working life and in retirement wrote wide range of self-help books in the areas of mathematics, languages, religion, astrology and . He has also written his life history under the title “Tell Tales of a Teacher” and published a book containing articles from his friends titled “Horizons” which describes their expatriate experiences in overseas countries. Anton X. Rajinthrakumar, started his carrier as a teacher having graduated with physics as major subject and later became a qualified investment finance risk management professional. He taught Mathematics and Physics in South Africa for several years. His interest in societal analysis impelled him to acquire a Diploma in Politics and Social Change from the Ecumenical Centre in Bangalore, India. Despite his busy family and professional life, Anton finds time to be a volunteer in Toronto, Canada. He is a recipient of Government of Ontario’s volunteer service award. Anton is an aspiring writer and contributes articles to various magazines and journals.