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The
ideology of Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism has been
the vehicle for the political aspirations of the Tamils
living in the North East of Sri Lanka and in the diaspora
for the past several years. The struggle for Tamil
nationalist ideals has resulted in major transformations
in the economic, cultural and social structure of
the Sri Lanka Tamils. It has also created a vibrant
and powerful Tamil diaspora community that is increasingly
articulate and influential in the discourse of Tamil
nationalism. The civil war has impeded research on
contemporary manifestations of Tamil nationalism and
the changes and transformation taking place in the
North and the East. The signing of the ceasefire agreement
has opened up significant spaces for social research.
The
International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) is
planning a conference on Tamil Nationalism and the
Impact of ethnic conflict. The purpose of the conference
is to begin a dialogue among Tamils as well the larger
community about Tamil nationalism, its causes, its
impact and its consequences. For the most part the
discussion on Tamil nationalism has been among Tamils,
primarily in Tamil and for Tamils. The wider Sri Lankan
and international community have all but ignored the
phenomenon. Tamil nationalism is one of the under
researched areas in the Sri Lankan social sciences.
However, the recent peace negotiations and the post
9/11 focus on “terrorism” have given some
prominence to Tamil nationalism and its importance
to the Tamil cause and its wide acceptance among the
Tamil community.
It is necessary to understand the phenomenon, the
social history of its emergence, the fears that drive
it, the sources that nourish it and the impact of
its consequences. Tamil nationalism cannot be willed
away and an objective analysis of the phenomenon will
be an important part of any future resolution of the
ethnic conflict. The conference is therefore the beginning
of the dialogue. Leading Tamil and Sinhala intellectuals,
international scholars as well as civil servants and
policymakers who have contributed to an analysis of
the ethnic conflict will be invited to present papers
on the theme
We
will invite a few leading international scholars as
key note speakers for the conference. The key note
speeches (opening and closing address) will be public
lectures aimed at raising awareness among the public
about the issues and themes related to Tamil nationalism.
The
final publication will contain the papers presented
and the comments. The purpose of the publication would
be to stimulate public awareness about Sri lankan
Tamil nationalism, its causes and consequences. Any
future solution rest on a clear understanding of the
political, social and cultural issues that have animated
the struggle for Tamil rights in Sri Lanka.
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