Edge of the Lagoon

by Dr. K. Paramothayan, 2007

Paperback: 162 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (September 24, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0595467334
ISBN-13: 978-0595467334

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 in my ears from advertisements in the 'fifties, and they always evoked a picture of a magical, exotic island world with acres of rich green tea bushes somewhere beyond the swelling rollers of the Indian ocean. Today "Sri Lanka" doesn't sound as romantic -but if I were to visit that land, I would be sure to take with me a copy of Dr Paramothayan's book. The title Edge of the Lagoon are words, once again, to conjure with! And indeed, the book takes one to the heart of that magical, though turbulent land with its ancient myths and rich mixture of cultures.

This is a meticulous, academic, well-researched study or exploration, especially of Jaffna, that region in the northern apex of that triangular land just 22 miles from the southern tip of India, and is well supported by meticulous and accurate footnoting and quotations from the people who have shaped the country.

-Charles Muller, Diadem Books

About the Author
A long time student of Comparative Education, Dr. K. Paramothayan was well known in the field of educational writing in Sri Lanka, when his book Perspectives in Education appeared in 1970, in observance of the International Education Year.

Moving to the UK in 1972, he has pursued his passion for Education, while at the same time keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka.

All profits will go towards relief and/or development work in the North East of Sri Lanka.

Available through iUniverse and Amazon.