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 inmy ears from advertisements in the 'fifties, and theyalways evoked a picture of a magical, exotic island worldwith acres of rich green tea bushes somewhere beyondthe swelling rollers of the Indian ocean. Today "Sri Lanka"doesn't sound as romantic-but if I were to visit thatland, I would be sure to take with me a copy of DrParamothayan's book. The title Edge of the Lagoon arewords, once again, to conjure with! And indeed, the booktakes one to the heart of that magical, though turbulentland with its ancient myths and rich mixture of cultures.
This is a meticulous, academic, well-researched study orexploration, especially of Jaffna, that region in thenorthern apex of that triangular land just 22 miles fromthe southern tip of India, and is well supported bymeticulous and accurate footnoting and quotations fromthe people who have shaped the country.
-Charles Muller, Diadem Books
