One of the most traumatic events of the early stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka that has been raging for more than 25 years is the burning of Jaffna Public Library, which housed more than 97,000 books and irreplaceable palm leaf manuscripts, the wanton burning of the most important library of the Tamils was a major loss to the cultural heritage. This documentary attempts to document war scarred life of the Library and the socio-political violence connected with it. 

You can watch it here: http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1613/Burning-Memories

A set of photos of railway stations in northern Sri Lanka in various states of disrepair. Via twitter.com/rkguruparan

Mr Rajapaksa has long promised a political solution to Tamil grievances … Such steps could go a long way to satisfying Tamil aspirations. Yet there are reasons to doubt Mr Rajapaksa’s willingness. A regional assembly set up in the east in 2008, and headed by an LTTE turncoat, is toothless and unloved. Asked whether he considered devolution important to mending Sri Lanka’s division, Mr Rajapaksa said: “Sri Lankans are not worried about these things, they are only for outsiders and NGOs with nothing better to think about. Sri Lankans want economic development…but a political solution is coming.”

For now, while so many Tamils are ruined and grieving, Mr Rajapaksa must be largely right. And with the economic reintegration of the country, Tamil demands for regional autonomy may weaken. Sri Lanka, with its growing private sector, can afford them an increasing array of opportunities. On a personal level, too, the spiteful racism that once expressed Sinhalese attitudes to Tamils is said to be less evident. But these are mere hopeful thoughts, falling far short of addressing Tamil concerns. Meaningful reform is required.

Tamils, a divided house, also need to unite—preferably also with Muslims. The two groups have much in common. Together they could form a powerful block. Otherwise, it is hard to see who could defend their interests—certainly not, as the wretched survivors of Mullaitivu beach know, Western governments.

Monitor the results of today’s presidential election in Sri Lanka as they’re released. This site was a reliable and timely source of info during the last two elections.