Abstract This paper takes a look at the social turbulence, political instability and human rights violations that are a part of life in the country of SriLanka. The paper presents a brief history of the country, some background information on human rights violations there and then takes a look at how minority grievances, claims and rights are central to the human rights situation in SriLanka. The paper proposes that though the Tigers are the minority, and have been oppressed in significant ways for many years, both sides in the ongoing conflict in SriLanka have committed - and continue to commit - egregious human rights violations; as long as this continues, so will the suffering and killing of all ethnicities.
Human Rights and Political Realities in SriLanka Today:
Facts and Background
What do the Tigers (LTTE) Say is their Main Issue?
What are the Main Minority / Ethnic Issues that History will Show
are Legitimate, Insofar as the Tigers (LTTE) Grievances are
Concerned?
Evidence that the Sinhalese Government Commits Human Rights
Violations
Evidence that the LTTE Commits Human Rights Violations
From the Paper "The island nation of Sri Lanka is located in Southern Asia, in the Indian Ocean south of India. The island's size is 64,610 square miles (which about the size of West Virginia) and its coastline is 1,340 km. The population of Sri Lanka is approximately 19,905,165, of which 68.2% are between the ages of 15 and 64; only 7% are over 65 and 24.8% are fourteen years of age or less, according to CIA data. The main environmental problems facing the island's peoples include: heavy deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife species threatened by urban sprawl and poachers; pollution caused by mining activities, sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation and serious air pollution in Colombo."
Abstract The paper begins by presenting an overview of the U.N. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It then examines the background of the conflict between the Tamil ethnic minority and the government of SriLanka. The paper looks at the different points of view on this conflict and the consequences of these differing opinions. The paper then looks at rape as a form of torture used by government officials against Tamil women.
From the Paper "The government encourages its soldiers to use rape as a weapon against the Tamil, because it is aware that this is a very powerful weapon of war. As a proof of the fact that rape is used and encouraged as a weapon against the resistance, the Tamil women are raped in the most inhumane ways possible, with the head of the victim "covered with a polythene bag filled with chilli powder and petrol" or, in the case of one victim, after "pins were inserted under the nails of her fingers and toes" ("Rape in Custody"). Wendy McElroy, a former victim of rape and a scholar on the effects and even the uses of this special form of violence, explains these horrible practices by saying that "rape is a political matter" ("Rape in Custody"). By using this method of torture, the Sri Lankan is not really only fighting a war of weapons. but a war of psychology."
Abstract This paper analyzes SriLanka as a foremost country of Theravada Buddhism with several very important and many more local stupas found in most parts of an officially Buddhist country. It specifically discusses the ongoing importance of stupas in everyday popular Sri Lankan Buddhism and describes the more colloquial meaning and popularity of stupas of different descriptions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Stupas as Architecture
Popular Buddhism and the Stupa
Symbolism and Stupas
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "One sees that the stupa has terrific and varied significance in Sri Lanka's Theravada Buddhism whether in formal observances as can involve festival times or traveling to very important sites or what occurs locally involving what may be a very small district stupa, perhaps situated near a temple or upon a hill. In the upcountry areas of Sri Lanka, stupas may dot hillsides and with each, however small, having particular importance to someone or to residents of a particular village, rather like the roadside crucifixes or other religious statues one expects to see in Roman Catholic countries and implying the same sense of daily awareness and frequent related observance. There is the same contrast too between Christians viewing art as merely representing a saint or the divine, as opposed to persons who can actively worship an image or attach special powers to it. The smallest of white stupas can remind the Buddhist of how he or she is to live, develop the self, of the example of the Buddha's mind, the helpfulness of veneration. Preparing this paper has been a good exercise in seeing the different levels on which Asian religious phenomena need to be assessed, the understanding of an educated monk in Sri Lanka or a Buddhist historian of antiquities obviously rather different from the homespun understanding of a person who may be a very devout Buddhist citizen. In this sense the stupa offers different kinds of symbolism that can unite diverse members of a philosophical tradition."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine, compare and contrast the arranged marriage practices in two specific cultures: a rural Sri Lankan village and metropolitan Japan. The subsequent discussion not only reveals some of the basic practices in arranged marriages in each culture, but also suggests conclusions about the basic commonalities in such practices and how development has had an effect on the practice.
From the Paper "Of all of the anthropological concepts routinely studied in ethnographic analyses, marriage is probably one of the most ubiquitous. All human societies demonstrate some form of marriage even though anthropologists cannot necessarily agree upon how marriage should be defined in a universal fashion. Nonetheless, marriage is an important part of every human society because it helps dictate kinship organization and determines individual roles within the community. Understanding the ways in which cultures treat marriage can be extremely important in understanding the most basic operations of that culture."
Abstract This paper discusses the theme and construction of home in "Running in the Family", an autobiography by Michael Ondaatje. The paper explains how, although Ondaatje's home is both in Canada and SriLanka, his autobiography revolves primarily around his life in SriLanka. The paper highlights Ondaatje's stronger connection to his Sri Lankan upbringing and home, although it is in sharp contrast to his Canadian lifestyle today.
Outline:
Introduction
Running in the Family and "Home"
Conclusion
From the Paper "To Ondaatje, his home, Sri Lanka, seems a foreign thing, at least at the outset of the book. Living in Canada and thinking about a return to his home country, Ondaatje observes that the word "Asia" has none of the "clipped sound(s)" (22) of words such as Europe, America and Canada. As a Canadian citizen, Ondaatje must necessarily look at his home country through the tinted veil of a Westerner's glance at a strange, Eastern country. However, whilst Canada has become Ondaatje's adoptive home, his origins are still in Sri Lanka, Asia. From the very beginning, Ondaatje makes his construction of his birth home known. He expresses the irony he feels towards his home country by his feelings towards how the word "sounds" - for example, "the name (Asia) was a gasp from a dying mouth. An ancient word that had to be whispered, would never be used as a battle cry" (22). In other words, to Ondaatje, Asia has none of the modern grandeur of Western countries and Europe; it is an old place, irrelevant in today's time. Even the sound of the word is weird - "the vowels took over, slept on the map with the S" (22)."
Abstract This paper argues how the main characters, in Michael Ondaatje's novel, "Anil's Ghost", revolve around nature's authority on the human experience. It describes in depth, the microcosm of the story as adorned with verbal illustrations of SriLanka's natural endowments and qualities.
From the Paper "To achieve a comfortable understanding of any world or circumstance should require a confident understanding of the environment that frames it. This is something that an author, when crafting a universe for readers that must be assumed ignorant, needs always to retain in cognizance. Certainly this was an underlying element to the process by which Michael Ondaatje rendered Anil's Ghost, a novel that decisively revolves its prime players around the criticality of nature to the human experience. This is so much the case in this piece, in fact, that nature itself takes on a dynamic character role, subject like many of the actual characters to dramatic shifts in temperament, exertion of authority and necessary seasonal routine. As such, Ondaatje is insistent upon integrating nature's participation into actions, anecdotes and memories of great significance in imparting his story. Throughout Anil's Ghost, Ondaatje employs devices embedded in the concepts of a narrative shaped world, a reader shaped narrativity and a network of knowledge systems in order to investigate the numerous functions of nature therein, and consequently illuminating the social circumstances that his character's experience. "
This paper examines literacy in SriLanka: Educational system, Official Language Act, role of goverment., literacy rate, population and economic issues.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 13 sources, 1994, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This research examines literacy in Sri Lanka. Topics discussed include background information on the Sri Lankan educational system, Sri Lanka's literacy rate and the reasons there for, Sri Lanka's literacy rate and other socioeconomic measures compared to other countries at a similar stage of economic development, and the relationship between Sri Lanka's literacy rate and macroeconomic measures.
Background Information on the Sri Lankan Educational System"
Abstract This proposed project is an effort to help landless farmers in rural SriLanka, a country beset by civil war since 1983. Early Grameen ventures in Bangladesh enabled peasants to buy implements. Landless peasants were helped to buy milch cows to better feed their children and create milk-selling opportunities. Grameen styled projects can now involve computer or telephone networks, or other small businesses created by former peasants.
Abstract The paper looks at Daniel Byman's thesis on ethnic terrorism and examines the IRA in Ireland, the ETA in Spain, the PKK in Turkey and the LTTE in SriLanka as terrorist groups fighting for nationalistic purposes. The paper shows how these groups are seen as outcasts in their homeland and find terrorism their only option to gain recognition.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Byman's logic of ethnic terrorism
The ETA in Spain
The PKK in Turkey
Ireland and the mutating IRA
The liberation of tigers of tamil eelam
Summary
From the Paper "Daniel Byman provides a thesis on ethnic terrorism. He states ethnic terrorists are usually more nationalistic than their religious counterparts as they attempt to forge a national identity (White, 2002). These groups make themselves known through acts of violence. As long as a bomb goes off or a police officer is murdered, the identity and existence of ethnic differences cannot be denied (White, 2002). Anyone that does not belong to the group is the enemy; therefore, it does not matter who they kill. This radical philosophy is extremely difficult to use counterterrorism methods against. A government must convince the leaders of the ethnic group in question that it has a vested interest in maintaining the social structure and it can achieve its goals by working within the current system (White, 2002)."
Abstract The author analyzes the reason why some conflicts do not receive a response, despite an urgent need for such a response. More precisely, through the use of both liberalism and realism, the Sri Lankan conflict is analyzed, with the goal being to understand why, despite almost fifty years of obvious oppression, civil war, and apartheid by the Sri Lankan government against the Tamil, there has been no international response.
Outline
The Civil War
The Conflict from the Liberalist Perspective
The Conflict from the Realist Perspective
Conclusion
From the Paper "Within the greater field of political science, international relations comes out as one of the more interesting areas of study. International relations is fascinating both to observe and two analyze for a number of reasons. First of all, although we often see international relations as referring only to the relationship between nations and different world governments and, hence, think of it as something which is remote from us, as individuals and citizens, it has a profound impact upon our lives. For example, the Syrian government's isolation from the non-Arab international community and the recent threats expressed by the United States regarding the consequences of refusing to withdraw from Lebanon, affect the lives of the average Syrian citizens. It affects them economically since trade and economic sanctions reduce investment and employment opportunities in the Syrian economy and affect their educational and even leisure opportunities as political sanctions make traveling all the more difficult for these citizens because they confront stricter visa requirements. The purpose of this particular example is to show that even though international relations appear remote, it is not. International relations is a part of our lives."
Abstract Examines Sri Lankan political parties after independence, including the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP). Discusses minority activism, the rise of smaller parties, and the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF).
From the Paper "More than five decades of independence for Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, has witnessed the rise of a political system with basically stable political parties. Before..."
Abstract This essay explores the methods employed in traditional Sri Lankan ayurvedic medicine, including natural plant remedies and ritualistic behaviour. A comparison between the benefits of these traditional techniques and modern western medicine is drawn, concluding that much reliance can still be placed on ayurveda and ritual healing.
From the Paper "Sri Lanka is a unique nation in that the gap between old and new is being closed. This gap-bridging is especially evident with regards to health and medical procedures. For centuries, the inhabitants of Sri Lanka have placed their faith in ayurvedic medicine such as homeopathy, home remedies using various plants and minerals, and numerous ritualistic practices. However, in recent years the tiny island-nation has seen the adoption of more modern Western techniques. This does not mean that people are abandoning traditional beliefs. In many instances, individuals will only turn to Western medicine if all other means fail. Particularly in rural areas, it is clear that "Western medicine is kept separate" (Baker 1998:65) in people's minds. The combination of these different practices has led to an interesting and well-rounded health system."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the issue of religion and tolerance, like racism, has always been a contentious one in the United States. This is particularly true of the non-Western, non-mainstream religions, such as Hinduism and other Indian religious directions. The writer then looks at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, that is also known as the Balaji Mandir and which functions as both a Hindu Temple and a Cultural Society serving the Hindu people in the area. The writer concludes that the temple has provided a focus not only for the Hindu community in the area, but also for the education of Westerners in the area.
From the Paper "The Sri Venkateswara Temple is also known as the Balaji Mandir and functions as both a Hindu Temple and a Cultural Society serving the Hindu people in the area. There arose a need for such a temple in the Bridgewater area during the 1980s. One reason is that this period saw a significant increase in the Hindu Indian population in the area. In addition to the fact that this community experienced the need for worship services and cultural connections, was also the fact that many of these people were employed by the professional sector. They therefore had significant funds to contribute toward a project of establishing a worship community and building a temple. As mentioned above, the parental concern for retaining their children's awareness of their cultural roots also played a role in the need for establishing a temple. The first step towards attaining this goal was to buy land on which a temple could be built."
Tags: Hinduism, values, integration, Indian, population
Abstract This paper examines the media's role in social construction of a criminal stereotype/category, in the example of Tamil gang activity in central Toronto. This paper reports that notions of criminality and psychological upset, on account of the war in SriLanka, and alleged connection to the Tamil Tiger movement in SriLanka have created a new variety of the glamorous terrorist who lurks among us.
From the Paper "Schissel and Brooks explain the public and social construction of crime and criminality. (2004) When examining assertions of criminality in Toronto's Sri Lankan Tamil community one is reminded of Michael Parenti's study, Inventing Reality, with regard to images of Tamil youth criminality that have been encouraged by the central Canadian print media. (1993) The Greater Toronto Area's very large Sri Lankan Tamil community began to take form in the early 1980s. Nevertheless, one finds that ignorance and media representations of the violent, gang-involved Tamil have created a situation in which other Canadians know practically nothing else about the community."
Abstract In this paper the author takes an in-depth look at British Colonialism and its rise and fall. The author also examines the effect that Colonialism has had on the countries that were previously part of the Empire, in particular Africa, and how there countries are dealing with this even today.
From the paper:
?The newly drawn map of the continent of Africa was then superimposed over the one thousand nations of indigenous people living in the various regions of Africa. In some instances, the new borders divided groups and nations of people that had formerly been united, and at other times the borders merged groups and nations that had no wish to be merged.?
