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With a mature intellectual tradition and intensive educational provision since the sixteenth century, Jaffna had an edge over the rest of the country, not only in the matter of educational attainment, but also in other inter-related areas, such as a favourable socio-cultural and socio-economic ethos, as well as political awareness to organise themselves. With the attainment of independence in 1948 in the wake of the liberation of India, Jaffna witnessed a gradual decline in all areas, especially with the steady upsurge of ultra-religious and ultra-nationalist chauvinism, and the substitution of demagogic rule for genuine democracy, made possible by a constitution ill-suited to the needs of an emergent nation. While analysing the situation in the light of available evidence, the book goes on to argue the case for decentralisation of government and devolution of centralised power in the interest of the nation.
"Tea from Ceylon!"-those were the words that still ring in my ears from advertisements in the 'fifties, and they always evoked a picture of a magical, exotic island world with acres of rich green tea bushes somewhere beyond the swelling rollers of the Indian ocean. Today "Sri Lanka" doesn't sound as romantic-but if I were to visit that land, I would be sure to take with me a copy of Dr Paramothayan's book. The title Edge of the Lagoon are words, once again, to conjure with! And indeed, the book takes one to the heart of that magical, though turbulent land with its ancient myths and rich mixture of cultures.
This is a meticulous, academic, well-researched study or exploration, especially of Jaffna, that region in the northern apex of that triangular land just 22 miles from the southern tip of India, and is well supported by meticulous and accurate footnoting and quotations from the people who have shaped the country.
-Charles Muller, Diadem Books
About the Author
A long time student of Comparative Education, Dr. K. Paramothayan was well known in the field of educational writing in Sri Lanka, when his book Perspectives in Education appeared in 1970, in observance of the International Education Year.Moving to the UK in 1972, he has pursued his passion for Education, while at the same time keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It is the Nazi Joseph Goebbels who said "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie."
Unfortunately this is exactly what is happening in relation to the position of Tamils in Sri Lanka thus far. Indeed the author quotes such propaganda that is widely available, for lazy consumption by tourists and the casual observer of Sri Lankan affairs, even today. Therefore it is refreshing to see the demolition of such lies through careful scholarly work. The author has produced a book of that rare quality which keeps the reader turning the pages while imparting well researched, historically accurate knowledge.
The book is unique in its span - dealing with pre-christian era Sri Lanka, the many invasions by the Cholas and the successive colonisation by the Portugese, Dutch and the British and post independence. The historical, cultural, economic and political aspects are crisply (in about 120 pages) covered with sensitivity and humanity.
It is a must read for those who think they know(!) the Tamil position in Sri Lankan history because I am in no doubt it will challenge their understanding, not through vitriol but through beautiful writing and patient exposition without rancour or communalism.
Unfortunately this is exactly what is happening in relation to the position of Tamils in Sri Lanka thus far. Indeed the author quotes such propaganda that is widely available, for lazy consumption by tourists and the casual observer of Sri Lankan affairs, even today. Therefore it is refreshing to see the demolition of such lies through careful scholarly work. The author has produced a book of that rare quality which keeps the reader turning the pages while imparting well researched, historically accurate knowledge.
The book is unique in its span - dealing with pre-christian era Sri Lanka, the many invasions by the Cholas and the successive colonisation by the Portugese, Dutch and the British and post independence. The historical, cultural, economic and political aspects are crisply (in about 120 pages) covered with sensitivity and humanity.
It is a must read for those who think they know(!) the Tamil position in Sri Lankan history because I am in no doubt it will challenge their understanding, not through vitriol but through beautiful writing and patient exposition without rancour or communalism.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Being someone who knows little about my homeland, Sri Lanka, and even less about Jaffna I found this book to be very informative and important. Indeed, it has helped me to understand much more about my home country. Edge of the Lagoon is a well researched, academic work that encompasses almost every aspect of Sri Lanka and its recent history, including the historical, environmental, socio-cultural, socio-economic, political and educational sides of Jaffna.
It describes how the situation went from good to bad to worse as well as explaining why. The author also uses lots of quotations from other, important sources that lends credence to his perspectives. It is also important to remember that it is not only a historical account, but it also contains the authors opinions and theories. This is not a book on history! As an extra point, it also contains translated Tamil verses that help connect to what the Tamil culture was and is like. His clever use of poetry helps to bring Sri Lanka to life.While it is not the easiest of reads, ultimately it is very fulilling and I would thorougly recommend it.
In conclusion, K. Paramothayan says that his main aim was for the history of Sri Lanka to not be forgotten by future generations. By publishing this book I am confident he will acheive that aim and Sri Lanka's rich heritage combined with its terrible mistakes in recent years will not be forgotten.
It describes how the situation went from good to bad to worse as well as explaining why. The author also uses lots of quotations from other, important sources that lends credence to his perspectives. It is also important to remember that it is not only a historical account, but it also contains the authors opinions and theories. This is not a book on history! As an extra point, it also contains translated Tamil verses that help connect to what the Tamil culture was and is like. His clever use of poetry helps to bring Sri Lanka to life.While it is not the easiest of reads, ultimately it is very fulilling and I would thorougly recommend it.
In conclusion, K. Paramothayan says that his main aim was for the history of Sri Lanka to not be forgotten by future generations. By publishing this book I am confident he will acheive that aim and Sri Lanka's rich heritage combined with its terrible mistakes in recent years will not be forgotten.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I really enjoyed this book and feel so much more informed about this small island and its turbulent recent past.
The book is generally easy to read and divided into chapters on various perpectives of the northern region, Jaffna( as the title suggests!)so you can dive in and out of this book - I particularly enjoyed the historical and environmental perspectives.
The epilogue draws from the various chapters and brings the story of Sri Lanka to the present. I found the author's writing here very moving but the ending is optimistic and I hope that a way will be found to unite all the people of this beautiful island.
The book is generally easy to read and divided into chapters on various perpectives of the northern region, Jaffna( as the title suggests!)so you can dive in and out of this book - I particularly enjoyed the historical and environmental perspectives.
The epilogue draws from the various chapters and brings the story of Sri Lanka to the present. I found the author's writing here very moving but the ending is optimistic and I hope that a way will be found to unite all the people of this beautiful island.
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