Society

In Conversation with Meera Lebbe Abdul Kalam Co-existence in Thalgodapitiya

Admin October 17, 2019

CHANDINI DISSANAYAKE Like the many roots that support the enormous palm tree, so should the people of Thalgodapitiya village act together to uphold co-existence. “I don’t know if we will ever go back to the simplicity of the past where even food was exchanged freely. Now, not even a toffee is

Society

In Conversation with Gamini Jayaweera Building a Society That Accepts Diversity

Admin October 17, 2019

GAYAN YADDEHIGE “Extremism is always nourished by other forms of extremism. When ordinary people suffer because of acts of extremists, they too tend to lean towards extremism.” This is Gamini Jayaweera’s interview with The Catamaran. Gamini Jayaweera is the convener of the Inter-faith Committee of Kandy, a trade union leader who fights for the rights […]

Society

The People of Katuwapitiya “How do we send our children to school?”

Admin October 15, 2019

THARMINI PATHMANATHAN In conversation with Nilanthi from Negombo, a Sinhalese, who speaks excellent Tamil. She has been a part of a fishing community in Katuwapitiya for generations. The Catamaran recently spoke with Nilanthi (43) from Negombo. Even though she is Sinhalese, she speaks excellent Tamil and is part of a fishing community that has been […]

Society

In Conversation with Bishop Gnanaprakasam Anything can be Established with an Open Mind

Admin October 15, 2019

P.PONARASU The Bishop of Jaffna talks about a culture of compromise There is nothing that cannot be accomplished with open-mindedness and the willingness to compromise. The use of words and practices that hurt the feelings of people from different religions must be stopped. The rights and sentiments of all people should be respected. The cooperation […]

Society

Identity Politics “I have no option but to leave the country”

Admin October 15, 2019

K.BAANU In conversations with people from all ethnicities in the country on their thoughts after the Easter Sunday attacks “I travel by train daily. I also speak Sinhala and Tamil fluently. As such, I have many Tamil Sinhalese and Muslim train mates. We are very close and socialize often. We cut cake and celebrate our […]

Society

Rebuilt, Like a Broken Church

Admin October 15, 2019

JAYASIRI PEDURUARACHCHI Natasha Sewwandi, a Grade 11 student of St. Peter’s College, Negombo watches with great delight as the Katuwapitiya Temple, where she prayed for help and comfort, is being rebuilt. “At first I was sad and scared, but not now. I am very happy to see our Katuwapitiya Church is rebuilt. There are Muslims […]

Society

Reporting from the East Life Slowly Gets Back to Normal in Pasikudah

Admin October 15, 2019

LASANTHA DE SILVA A story of recovery and resilience from the people of Pasikudah Abeynayaka Dhanapala, a Sinhala man; barely literate, grew up among Muslims and married a Muslim woman. His story is an interesting one. Born in Padiyathalawa, he does not remember the year a life-changing incident happened to him. He guesses it might […]

Society

Sinhala Hoppers? Tamil Hoppers? A Culture of Cooking

Admin October 15, 2019

SAKTHEENA GUNASEKARAN How different cultures in Sri Lanka prepare the same traditional meals in different ways Certain types of food are identified as parts of traditional cultures in particular regions. Although some food can be cooked by others, the preparation and presentation differs. Appam in Tamil and Appa in Sinhala are similar names for a […]

Society

The Struggle Continues A Story of Resilience from Mullaitivu

Admin October 15, 2019

LATHA THURAIRAJA The story of one woman’s resilience in the face of repetitive tragedy during the war The Catamaran recently spoke with Mrs. Pathmanathan Dhanarani, a 65-year-old living with her husband and two daughters in the Aninjiyankulam area in Mullaitivu. Still suffering the impacts of Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war, she is currently in pursuit […]

Society

Within a Multi-Religious Country The same law for everyone is not always practical

Admin October 14, 2019

A.M.FAIS In conversation with Legal Consultant Dr. A.L.A. Gaffoor, LL.D on Muslim Law in Sri Lanka Attempts are being made to reform Muslims Personal Law in Sri Lanka but not without criticism from some sections of the community. At the same time, voices are raised for uniformity of the law in the country and that […]