Earl Forbes - for the organizing committee

As part of its programme to promote open discussion of current issues of importance, the Peradeniya University Alumni Association held a meeting at the Blue Elephant Restaurant, on Friday the 24 th October 2008. The subject for discussion was, ‘Aspects of Ethnic Bonding in Sri Lanka' as presented by Dr. Tom Silva. A panel of six learned persons, drawn from the various Sri Lankan community groups, sat at the head table with Dr. Silva and was required to comment on his presentation. The moderator for the evening's discussion was the Consul General of Sri Lanka , in Sydney, Mrs. Gothami Indikadahena.

In introducing the speakers the President, Janaka Seneviratne, reinforced that the Association was non-ethnic, non-communal and non-political with no religious bias and the discussion would take place within that framework.

Dr. Silva prefaced his later comments with the admission that he approached the subject under discussion as he would one of his orthopedic patients; in a scientific, empiric, hands-on and practical manner.

He submitted that during the Anuradhapura period in Sri Lankan history, there was little or no difference in people living in most parts of the country. In fact he referred to this period as largely one of ethnic uniformity. This however changed after about 950 A D. when North- South diversity began to show. The movement away from Anuradhapura , Polannaruwa and the North Central part of the country to the Central and Southern regions, accentuated the divide. With the spread of Buddhism ethnicity came to be clouded by religion rather than identifying differences, he said.

Following on Dr Silva's interesting and entertaining presentation, the panel comprised of Dr. Dulcy Windsor, Mr. Palitha Manchanayake, Mr. V S Nadarajah, Mr. Maithri Panagoda, Dr. Don Wikrama and Mr. Chalice Moldrich kept the audience intellectually stimulated with their individual take on the subject under discussion. However, there was general consensus that ethnic coexistence and harmony existed for centuries and the present situation in the country was more due to other reasons than ethnicity.

With a delicious meal and courteous table service provided by the Blue Elephant, and plenty of scotch and red and white wine to wash it all down, the final verdict of those present was that it was an excellent way to spend the evening.

Click here to view an album of photos submitted by the Organisers. Please note that some images are dark due to the restaurant lighting conditions