Gratiaen takes Malaiyaha Tamils to Jaffna
‘Writing the Malaiyaha Tamils’, a full day event in Jaffna focused on the creativity and critical conversations surrounding Malaiyaha Tamil literature. Hosted by the Gratiaen Trust, in partnership with the John Keells Foundation, it was held at the Jaffna Public Library Auditorium on February 25.
The event also took its place amongst the many commemorations held to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Malaiyaha Tamils to the island as indentured workers under British colonial rule. The anniversary fell in 2023.
‘Writing the Malaiyaha Tamils’ served as a platform to delve into the literary and cinematic creativity, experiences, aspirations, and struggles of the Malaiyaha Tamil community. Writers presented papers and shared excerpts from their works. A poignant dance performance by Dhanarajah, a dancer and instructor at the Jaffna University depicted the profound experiences of the Malaiyaha Tamil community.
A highlight of the seminar was a panel discussion focusing on representations of Malaiayaha Tamils in Tamil, Sinhala, and English writings from Sri Lanka, shedding light on diverse perspectives and narratives within the country’s literary landscape. Sivamohan Sumathy’s acclaimed film ‘Ingirunthu’, which offers an insightful portrayal of the Malaiyaha Tamil community through both individual and collective experiences located in colonial and postcolonial times was screened.
Thanking Dr. Mahendran Thiruvarangan who was instrumental in putting the event together, Co-Chairpersons of the Gratiaen Trust, Nafeesa Amirudeen and Nisreen Jafferjee said the Trust’s key objective is to help unlock the imaginative potential of young writers and artists. “Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse literary tradition, and the Gratiaen Trust seeks to recognise that creative diversity. This year, we, in association with the Trust’s long-term partner, the John Keells Foundation, are delighted to cast the spotlight on Malaiyaha Tamil Literature.”