Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Like Gandhi, Ambedkar was truly a Mahatma and a great visionary. As the Chair of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar was primarily responsible for gifting to India a great…
Author: Devanesan Nesiah
Non-existing ethnic problem in Sri Lanka
In his article under the above title in the Island of Saturday 3rd December, my old friend P.S.Mahawatta pays me two inaccurate compliments. Firstly, he says, using the present tense, that I…
Dealing with Caste Prejudice and Inequalities in Sri Lanka
There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence of the wide prevalence of caste prejudice and occasional oppression spread across our island, particularly concentrated in some localities, notably in Jaffna, but focused research…
The murder of 600 policemen
In of 21 September 2016, Thivanka Perera posed the question “How about the widows of the 600 policemen?”. The rest of the article does not merit a response, but this question does.…
Response to Izeth Hussain on Racism
Featured image courtesy Al Jazeera Until recently, I have seldom had occasion to disagree with Izeth Hussain. However, while there is much that I agree with in the contents of his article published…
S P Jeevanantham: Eminent teacher and social worker
Featured image courtesy johnians.org The Principal of St. Johns College, Jaffna, in appealing for contributions to a memorial fund in the name of the late S.P.Jeevanantham, has described him as a great…
Singing our National Anthem in our National Languages | Part 2
Read Part 1 here. There have been diverse responses to the singing of our National Anthem in both our national languages; some sensible, some stupid; some patriotic, some racist. Among the questions…
Singing of our National Anthem in the two National languages | Part 1
Image courtesy Narenthiran I read Prof. Carlo Fonseka’s article under the caption ‘Accolades for President and Prime Minister‘ in 10 Feb. with much interest and appreciation. Listening to the singing of the…
Who are “war heroes”?
Featured image courtesy DNAIndia We daily read and often hear of “war heroes”, and of our duty from protect them from any charges of misconduct. This is one of the few issues…
Are we progressing towards Good Governance?
Featured image courtesy puvath.lk I wish I could answer this question with an unqualified yes, but I cannot. There has been significant progress on several issues, but also stagnation and even regression…
Of Tamils and Tigers (Part I and II, by Ben Bavinck) and Palmyra Fallen (by Rajan Hoole)
Picture courtesy panoramio These three books are essential reading for those interested in the events in the North and East of this Island, and their impact on the people of that region…
The Use of Strategic Considerations in Elections
Photograph by REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte, via On what criteria should we vote in elections? Should it based on the issues closest to our own, irrespective of likely consequences? Or should it be strategic, designed…
Peace and Reconciliation: A Way Forward
Photo via I have enjoyed and appreciated the documents you have sent me and am happy to speak to you on Peace and Reconciliation – Way Forward. Up till the time of…
Gang rape and murder of a school girl
Image courtesy News First The recent gang rape and murder of a school girl in Jaffna has, within the few days, triggered many public reports in newspapers and elsewhere, raised many issues…
Are Sri Lankan Tamils prone to collective political suicide?
Photo by AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena via SBS We have entered the ninth decade since the Donoughmore Reforms leading to the first State Council elections of 1931. Through the early part of these eight…