The Future of Sri Lanka: A Discussion on the Diaspora and Political Engagement in the Post-War Era

Co-Sponsored by Sri Lanka Democracy Forum and the South Asia Solidarity Initiative

With the military conflict between the Sri Lankan state and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) over, much post-war discussion concerns the future of the country's Tamil citizens. As international furor grows over the 250,000+ internally displaced people in government camps in the country's north, the question remains: what is the path forward for minorities in the Sri Lanka? Protests by the Tamil diaspora show that many abroad still see militarism and secession as necessary to meet the aspirations of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The presentations and discussion will attempt to open up debates about the political future of Sri Lanka's minority citizens.

Moderator:

Cenan Piran of Lanka Solidarity

Presenters:

Sashi Selvendran: Lanka Solidarity

V. V. Ganeshananthan: Author of “Love Marriage”/Lanka Solidarity

Ahilan Kadirgamar: Sri Lanka Democracy Forum (SLDF)

Varuni Thiruchelvam: cellist

Last updated: 2009-05-22 14:34:29