The Challenging Journey

October 13th, 2009 by yohan abeynaike

My wife and I realized a common dream recently – a long awaited visit to Jaffna. We went by plane as the bus service was functional only for Jaffna residents who travel to Colombo. What was actually a 1 hour flight became a 9 hour journey with the checking and being packed into buses at both ends. We managed to meet with university students who related their stories and what life was like during the past few years. Despite much sorrow and heartbreak their faith in Christ struck us. The journey also helped me to reflect on some of the challenges that each community faces in this post war phase. Below are some of my thoughts.

The Sinhalese have started to view the war victory as the end of the conflict and the beginning of a peaceful and prosperous era. Unfortunately the truth is not that simple. Even though the war might be over, the conflict remains. The Sinhalese lifestyle of ‘business as usual’ only contributes to the growing feelings of insensitivity and isolation felt by the Tamils. I can think of no better way to respond than to expose one’s self to the other community. It is when we take the time to build real relationships and share our true feelings with each other that we begin to understand each other and respond in sensitive and appropriate ways. The Sinhalese also needs to realize that greatness of a particular community is displayed by the way that they treat other communities, especially the ones that are considered their enemies. Going the extra mile to lend a helping hand or being the shoulder to cry on is not a betrayal of the community but rather a visible reminder of the caring nature of that community.

The Tamils have long since felt that they were being oppressed and discriminated against. Much evidence has been given to substantiate these claims although sections of Sinhala polity have challenged this view. Michael Ovey in an insightful paper writes that “the rhetoric of victimhood allows us to cast ourselves without qualification as victims… while dramatising our chosen opponents as demonic without qualification.”* Maybe it is time to acknowledge that there have been perpetrators and victims on both sides and trying to claim exclusive victimhood is self defeating. The Tamils will also have to grapple with the uneasiness of living in diversity. One is struck by the realization that apart from the armed forces, Jaffna today is a mono-ethnic town. The reintegration of especially Muslims and Sinhalese into the community will no doubt require adjusting and sensitivity. The challenge of being the majority community in a multi ethnic town lies ahead for the Tamils in Jaffna.

The journey was an eye opener in more ways than one. The church’s role in being a model community where barriers are broken and forgiveness demonstrated is crucial. It is not an easy undertaking but one that would show the authenticity of the gospel message. As we finished our journey one sobering thought came to mind – a longer and more challenging journey lies ahead.

*Ovey, Michael. Victim chic? The rhetoric of victimhood found at http://www.jubilee-centre.org/document.php?id=50

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