In Focus

The Reconciliation Mechanism: Memorial Parks as a Peacebuilding Platform

Admin November 29, 2019

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

In Focus

Election Monitors Report: “The people have full responsibility to prevent election violence!”

Admin November 12, 2019

A.M.FAIS Ahmed Munas Makeen, Executive Director of CaFFE on monitoring violence and fraudulent campaigning at the upcoming presidential elections “Politicians from the ruling party are using state property for their propaganda purposes to win the election by obtaining preferential votes. These are the ones who are constantly seizing power. But without such political

In Focus

An Academic Opinion Marginalizing People Who Mislead Others

Admin October 14, 2019

Z.A. RAHUMAN The necessity to introduce a Value Education system across schools and universities in Sri Lanka “After the creation of ethnic based schools in Sri Lanka, there is a chance for increasing ethnic differences. The system of Value Education should be implemented in our country. This means that students of all ethnicities should be […]

In Focus

Selling Sorrow Effects of Public Exposure to Personal Loss

Admin September 18, 2019

MELANI MANEL PERERA “Exploitation of personal stories of sorrow and loss is a breach of privacy and an addition to the pain already being felt by the victims of the Easter Sunday Attacks,” says Dr. Ravindra Ranasinghe, a psychotherapist at the Hemas Group also works with the World Health Organization to prevent community harassment. Dr. […]

In Focus

The Power of Language Words to Overcome Ethnic Conflict

Admin September 18, 2019

GAYAN YADDEHIGE “Language is the primary tool in uniting people of all ethnicities. The era we live in today is the best for the use of language where we see many efforts to create division among the people.” said Mr. Milinda Mayadunna of the Department of Official Languages. We spoke with Mr. Mayadunna on how […]

In Focus

Talking to Writer Fatima Zimara Ali “They only have Islamic names, but they aren’t real Muslims”

Admin September 6, 2019

KURINCHPPAARTHTHAN “Islam does not permit extremism. It is a peaceful religion. Suicide is a totally prohibited in Islam. This is what the moulavis (Religious scholars) teach on the Friday sermons” says Fathima Zimara Ali, a writer who published under the pseudonym Oothaapoo. Her literary contributions lead her to be conferred title “Desakeerthi” by the state […]

In Focus

Terrorism & Islam “When I see them, my agony increases”

Admin September 5, 2019

PRIYATHARSHAN The Easter Sunday bomb blast in Sri Lanka claimed the life of more than 200 people. Hundreds more were injured. The incident caused deep sorrow among several and led to suspicions and conflicts among communities in the country. The Catamaran met some of the victims of Negombo’s St. Sebastian church, where communities have dwelled […]

In Focus

The Kattankudy Story In Brotherhood with the South

Admin August 29, 2019

MANGALANATH LIYANAARCHCHI Since the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, many around the island view Kattankudy in the Easten Province in a negative light. The date palm trees, Arabic signboards and a 100% Muslim population in the town have contributed to several myths being spread by an anti-Muslim propaganda machine. The Catamaran went to Kattankudy […]

In Focus

DRESSED FOR ARREST Unjust Police Detentions After Easter Sunday

Admin August 21, 2019

M.B. MHOMED Thousands were arrested across Sri Lanka following Easter Sunday’s bombings. One detainee, Ms. Mazahima, a 47 year old from Hasalaka, Mahiyanganaya was not arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist, but simply on the basis on her clothes. She was charged with wearing a garment which a purported a Dharma Chakra, a Buddhist […]