Copyrighted to Eric Sim
Copyrighted to Eric Sim
Copyrighted to Eric Sim

Friday, July 31, 2009
Flyer reflection draft 3

Fantastic sceneries of the feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views emerge in my mind when we were told that we were going to the Singapore Flyer. I was very excited and anxious as it was my first time on a Ferris wheel, moreover it was the world's tallest observation wheel.

When we finally arrived at the destination, the place was filled with cacophony of students' chatter. When I saw the Singapore Flyer, I stared in wonderment. I was impressed by the majestic structure of the Flyer. Anticipated fear struck me as I boarded the capsule.

During the 'flight', I had the bird's eye view of the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. The view was panoramic The 'flight' was not rocky but very firm and stable. Due to the superb engineering feat, without looking at the spectacular view, I would have thought that the capsule was stationary. The 'flight' on the flyer definitely exceeded my expectations.

My friend, Yu Ting, pointed out at the Merlion and said that it was me. Everyone on the capsule, including me, was laughing. This incident reminded me of how I was given that nickname. I was drinking water as spat it out as something funny occurred. Although I was embarrassed, it was a very joyous experience.

The trip to the Singapore Flyer has imprinted in my mind as it filled me with excitement and anxiety. Although I might go for more trips on the Flyer, it would never be the same and fill my stomach with butterflies like this trip as this trip was my first lesson in the world's highest classroom. I will definitely recommend others to the Flyer. However, they will never experience the trip on the Flyer like I did!


Posted by ShAnNoN at 5:56 AM

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
It was all too much Draft 5 (2)

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh exclaimed excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake.

"Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, replied with encouragingly, patting Hiresh's head.

Years past. Hiresh had always worked hard for his dream to work for the government.

However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948. As Hiresh and his family was Tamils, they found themselves stateless.

The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted. Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seethingly, Hiresh asked his father as he shook his head in disgust, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority," Hiresh's father responded in dismay, looking into his son's eyes. "They are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well."

"But, isn't English the most important language?" Hiresh wondered out aloud confusingly, as he tried to read his father's face.

Holding on to his son's shoulders, Hiresh's father told Hiresh thoughtfully, "It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath agitatedly, staring into his father's eyes.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.

Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his dream of working for the government.

After the Resettlement in 1950,Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live.

Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid off when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure.He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils.

Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970.

After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria. Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.

Hiresh thought that, this system clearly showed that the Sinhalese were selfish. However, he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.

"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that I could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh stammered distressedly, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged hopefully, wiping the tears from Hiresh's face.

Hiresh's father exclaimed confidently,"We believe in you and your choices."

Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved.

Violence did not come only from the Tamils.The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils. Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and east of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end, due to the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?


Posted by ShAnNoN at 5:42 AM


Singapore Flyer Reflection (draft 1)

Fantastic sceneries of the feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views emerge in my mind when we were told that we were going to the Singapore Flyer. I was very excited and anxious as it was my first time on a Ferris wheel, moreover it was the world's tallest observation wheel.

When we finally arrived at the destination, the place was filled with cacophony of students' chatter. When I saw the Singapore Flyer, I stared in wonderment. I was impressed by the majestic structure of the Flyer. Anticipated fear struck me as I boarded the capsule.

During the 'flight', I had the bird's eye view of the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. The 'flight' was not rocky but very firm and stable. Due to the superb engineering feat, without looking at the spectacular view, I would have thought that the capsule was stationary. The 'flight' on the flight definitely went beyond my expectations by miles.

My friend, Yu Ting, pointed out at the Merlion and said that it was me. Everyone on the capsule, including me, was laughing. This incident reminded me of how I was given that nickname. I was drinking water as spat it out as something funny occurred. Although I was embarrassed, it was a very joyous experience.

The trip to the Singapore Flyer has imprinted in my mind as it filled me with excitement and anxiety. Although I might go for more trips on the Flyer, it would never be the same and will never fill my stomach with butterflies like this trip as this trip was my first lesson in the world's highest classroom. I will definitely recommend others to the Flyer. However, they will never experience the trip on the Flyer like I did!


Posted by ShAnNoN at 4:53 AM

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
It was all too much Draft 5 (1)

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh exclaimed excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake.

"Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, replied with encouragingly, patting Hiresh's head.

Years past. Hiresh have always worked hard for his dream to work for the government.

However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948. As Hiresh and his family were Tamils, they found themselves stateless.

The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted. Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seethingly, Hiresh asked his father as he shook his head in disgust, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority," Hiresh's father responded in dismay, looking into his son's eyes. "They are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well."

"But, isn't English the most important language?" Hiresh wondered out aloud confusingly, as he tried to read his father's face.

Holding on to his son's shoulders, Hiresh's father told Hiresh thoughtfully, "It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath agitatedly, staring into his father's eyes.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.

Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his dream of working for the government.

After the Resettlement in 1950,Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live.

Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid off when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure.

He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils. Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.

University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970.

After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria. Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.

Hiresh thought that, this system clearly showed that the Sinhalese were selfish. However, he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.

"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that I could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh stammered distressedly, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged hopefully, wiping the tears from Hiresh's face.

Hiresh's father exclaimed confidently,"We believe in you and your choices."

Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved.

Violence did not come only from the Tamils.The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils. Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and east of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end due to the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?


Posted by ShAnNoN at 5:42 AM

Saturday, July 25, 2009
It was all too much (draft 4)

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh exclaimed excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake.

"Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, replied with encouragingly, patting Hiresh's head.

Years past. Hiresh have always worked towards his dream to work for the government.

However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948. As Hiresh and his family were Tamils, they found themselves stateless.

The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted. Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seethingly, Hiresh asked his father as he shook his head in disgust, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority," Hiresh's father responded in dismay, looking into his son's eyes. "They are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well."

"But, isn't English the most important language?" Hiresh wondered out aloud confusingly, as he tried to read his father's face.

Holding on to his son's shoulders, Hiresh's father told Hiresh thoughtfully, "It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath agitatedly, staring into his father's eyes.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.

Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his with of working for the government.

Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live, after the Resettlement in 1950.

Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid off when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure.

He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils. Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.

University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970.

After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria. Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.

Hiresh thought that, this system clearly shows that the Sinhalese were selfish, but he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.

"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that I could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh stammered distressedly, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged hopefully, wiping the tears from Hiresh's face.

Hiresh's father exclaimed confidently,"We believe in you and your choices."

Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved.

Violence did not come only from the Tamils.The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils, sometimes through violence. Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and west of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end because of the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?


Posted by ShAnNoN at 8:25 AM

Monday, July 20, 2009
It was all to much draft 3

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh exclaimed excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake.

"Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, replied with encouragingly, patting Hiresh's head.

Years past. Hiresh have always worked towards his dream to work for the government.

However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948. As Hiresh and his family were Tamils, they found themselves stateless.

The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted. Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seethingly, Hiresh asked his father as he shook his head in disgust, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority," Hiresh's father responded in dismay, looking into his son's eyes.

"They are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well." "But, isn't English the most important language?" Hiresh wondered out aloud confusingly, as he tried to read his father's face.

Holding on to his son's shoulders, Hiresh's father told Hiresh thoughtfully, "It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath agitatedly, staring into his father's eyes.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.

Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his with of working for the government.

Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live, after the Resettlement in 1950.

Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid off when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure.

He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils. Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.

University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970.

After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria. Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.

Hiresh thought that, this system clearly shows that the Sinhalese were selfish, but he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.

"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that i could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh stammered distressedly, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged hopefully, wiping the tears from Hiresh's face.

Hiresh's father exclaimed confidently,"We believe in you and your choices."

Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved. Violence did not come only from the Tamils.

The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils, sometimes through violence. Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and west of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end because of the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?


Posted by ShAnNoN at 5:06 AM

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh said excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake.

"Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, said with encouragement.

Years past. Hiresh have always worked towards his dream to work for the government. However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948.

As Hiresh and his family were Tamils, they found themselves stateless. The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted.

Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seething, Hiresh asked his father, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority, they are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well."

"Isn't English the most important language?"

"It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his with of working for the government.

Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live, after the Resettlement in 1950. Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid off when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure. He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils. Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.

University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970. After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria.

Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.Hiresh thought that, this system clearly shows that the Sinhalese were selfish, but he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.

"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that i could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh said, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged.

"We believe in you and your choices."

Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved.

Violence did not come only from the Tamils. The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils, sometimes through violence.

Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and west of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end because of the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?

Labels:



Posted by ShAnNoN at 6:50 AM

Saturday, July 11, 2009

As Hiresh recalled the day that he claimed that he wanted to be in the government service, tears started puring down his cheeks uncontrollably.

"Papa, my wish is than when I grow up, I want to work for the government just like you!" Hiresh said excitedly after he blew off the candles of his third Birthday cake."Hiresh, pay attention in class and expert your English and you will definitely be able to enter the government service and become very powerful!" Hiresh's father, Nilesh, said with encouragement.

Years past. Hiresh have always worked towards his dream to work for the government. However, his dream was threatened when Sri Lanka gained independence, when the Sri Lankan government passed the Ceylon citizenship Act at 1948.

As Hiresh and his family were Tamils, they found themselves stateless. The Tamils were upset as they found it difficult to find jobs or be promoted. Ethnic violence sparked off like a norm during those days as a result of the unfair management of the government of Sri Lanka.

Seething, Hiresh asked his father, "Papa, why do we have to learn Sinhala?"

"This is to benefit the Sinhalese, the majority, they are at a disadvantage as they could not read or speak English well.""Isn't English the most important language?"

"It is but Sinhala have been declared the official language in Srilanka. Now, only Sinhala is used as the language of administration in Sri Lanka."

"But don't you think it is really unfair that out of the sudden, given only three weeks,we have to master Sinhala?" Hiresh muttered under his breath.

Hiresh's father was stumped by the question Hiresh asked him.Hiresh and his family had no other choice but to abide by the new law. Hiresh studied Sinhala, treating it as a small obstacle towards his with of working for the government.

Hiresh and his family are heavily out numbered by the Sinhalese in the area they live, after the Resettlement in 1950.


Hiresh's effort of making it into the government service was paid of when he was given a post in the Government. However, it made Hiresh disappointed and also made him thought himself as a complete failure. He could not make a difference in the treatment provided to the Indian Tamils.

Through the years, it was Hiresh's family's support was what kept him staying in the government service.University admission was based on merit and the examinations were in English, before 1970.


After 1970, to benefit the Sinhalese, the government introduced a new university admission criteria. Hiresh felt a great sense of guilt when he was informed that the Tamil students had to score higher than the Sinhalese pupils in order to enter the same course in the universities.

Moreover, a fixed number of places in the university were reserved for the Sinhalese. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results.Hiresh thought that, this system clearly shows that the Sinhalese were selfish, but he had to witness the unfairness hopelessly.


"Father, I feel hopeless and useless. I have to witness the injustice towards us Tamils, knowing that there was nothing that i could do... I feel that my choice of joining the government service was a mistake," Hiresh said, fighting back his tears.

"Son, follow your heart, do what you want," Hiresh's father encouraged. "We believe in you and your choices."


Hiresh followed his heart and quitted from the government service. Unknowingly, he heaved a sigh of relief.

All the policies had made the Tamils felt that they were discriminated. Though they have tried various ways to voice their unhappiness, none of them were successful. Therefore, the Tamils had to depend on their last resort, violence.

A militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed. They believed that resorting to violence was the only way to demand and obtain the rights of the Tamils.

When Hiresh found out about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he smiled sarcastically. Although the LTTE was a terrorist organisation, he hoped with all his heart that, the rights of the Tamils could finally be retrieved.

Violence did not come only from the Tamils. The Sinhalese also showed their hostility towards the Tamils, sometimes through violence. Riots sparked a long armed conflict between the government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers wanted an independent Tamil homeland in the north and west of the country.

Hiresh could no longer state his stand whether the LTTE were a terrorist group or heros of the Tamils. He wanted the best for the Indian Tamils but he also did not approve that violence was the correct way to earn back their respect.

Only until recently, the Riots between the Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers came to an end because of the wipe-out of the Tamil Tigers. However, will things stay peaceful in Sri Lanka? Or is the peace only temporary?

Labels:



Posted by ShAnNoN at 11:36 PM