Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism - Softcover

Wilson, A.J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0774807601 ISBN 13: 9780774807609

Publisher: Univ of British Columbia Pr, 2000

Synopsis

Through a succession of key stages since Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) became independent in 1948, its Tamil minority, historically concentrated in the north and east but with an important segment in Colombo, became alienated from the Sinhalese majority and, after peaceful opposition failed to secure its rights, resorted to an armed struggle.

The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) today appear to hold the key to their people's future. While they have suffered setbacks, including the loss of the Tamil capital, Jaffna, they remain a potent guerrilla force, able to strike with impunity at both military and civilian targets. The Tigers' grip on the Tamil population seems secure, as does their overseas support and funding from Tamil exiles in Britain, Canada, and Australia.

This book offers a concise history of the Sri Lankan Tamil nation, its culture, social make-up, and political evolution. In a final chapter, A. J. V. Chandrakanthan gives a first-hand account of life and attitudes inside the embattled Tamil areas today.

About this title

Book Description:

Since Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) became independent in 1948, its Tamil minority has become alienated from the Sinhalese majority, resulting in both peaceful opposition and armed struggle.

About the Author:

A. Jeyaratnam Wilson teaches in the Department of Political Science at the University of New Brunswick. He is the author of The Break-Up of Sri Lanka and S. J. V. Chelvanayakam and the Crisis of Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism. A. J. V. Chandrakanthan teaches in the Department of Theology at Concordia University, Montreal.

About this edition

• Publisher: Univ of British Columbia Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0774807601
• ISBN 13: 9780774807609
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 218