A look at Muslim-Christian ties in the 19th and 20th century Batticaloa
I recall these facts not to hurt or embarrass anyone but to point out a way to establish a better and more cordial relationship between the two communities.
19TH century
Many schools were established by Christian missionaries in Muslim villages in the 19th century and the Muslims of that time had no objection to these primary schools being built there with Christian missionary funds. It would appear the Muslim elders of that time gratefully accepted and encouraged this gesture.
It may be claimed, perhaps truthfully, that these schools were established with the aim of converting Muslim children to Christianity. But it is relevant to remember that the missionaries did not insist that they first convert before the schools were put up. They just left the question to the free will of the people who benefited by their goodwill.
To give a few examples of these schools: Methodist schools were established in Sainthamaruthu (1878), Sammanthurai (1878) and Nintavur (1885).
In 1871, Ms. Beauchamp set up Methodist Mission schools in Eravur and Akkaraipattu. Three other Methodist schools were started also. These include the Vilaakanth Methodist Mission School renamed Al Muneera Vidyalaya and the Akkaraipattu Methodist Mission School renamed Al-Zahira Vidyalaya. The name changes took place after the government takeover of schools in 1962.
In 1881 there were 43,000 Muslims in the Eastern Province and there wasn’t a single Muslimestablished secular school. All the schools and the school buildings in Muslim areas were put up by Christians out of church funds.
20th century
Besides, in the early 20th century, most of the leading and prominent Muslim leaders such as the Kariappars, the Mustaphas and the Sinnelebbes – leaders who contributed greatly to the progress of Muslims -- received their English education in Christian secondary schools like Methodist Central College, St Michael’s College or Vincent School in Batticaloa, at a time when there were no secondary schools in any Muslim areas. These educated Muslims became eminent professional men and women, and were the great pioneers in the uplift of the Muslim community.
Furthermore, medical units were established in Muslim areas by the missionaries, when knowledge of hygiene, disease prevention and treatment were at a minimum among the natives. Dedicated and selfless women missionaries like Ms. Clegg (known to all as Clegg Amma), Ms. Chadwick and Ms. Raymond worked tirelessly and fearlessly at times of outbreaks of cholera and smallpox epidemics, that decimated the population in the South of Batticaloa District. Irrespective of religious differences, they worked to save lives. One cannot forget their yeomen service.
One should not forget or hide these facts from the future generations. It should be taught as part of our school curriculum, with the aim of promoting greater cordial and understanding relationships that will eliminate hatred and violence as was demonstrated recently in our country. Shirley. W. Somanader Retired Assistant Director of Education