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
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(1)
