Experiences of Sri Lankan Tamils Displaced to Colombo: Three Narratives

Authors

  • Diotima Chattoraj Institute of Development Studies (IEE), Ruhr University Bochum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.17.1.2018.3646

Keywords:

Sri Lanka, internally displaced persons, Colombo, Tamil

Abstract

This paper focuses on the experiences, challenges and aspirations of three middle-aged Sri Lankan Tamil Displaced persons in Colombo who are reluctant to return to their places of origin in the northern provinces of Sri Lanka due to several personal and professional reasons. The paper aims to analyze the diverse experiences they faced due to displacement. It also uncovers strategies used to cope in a new city and portrays the differences they experience between the places they came from and the city they now live in. The empirical point of departure has been drawn from the stories of three middle-aged Sri Lankan Tamil Displaced persons in Colombo. The paper argues that they have adapted to their place of displacement and view the city as a more suitable place to live compared to their places of origin. In addition, they also identify displacement as a blessing in disguise as they believe integrating in Colombo helped them to aspire to a better future which would have never been possible in their places of origin. Thus, this paper provides a picture of how they have reconstructed their lives in Colombo and how this has led them to reconsider and renegotiate their relationship to their 'homes'.

Author Biography

Diotima Chattoraj, Institute of Development Studies (IEE), Ruhr University Bochum

Diotima Chattoraj received her doctorate (Magna-cum-Laude) from the department of International Development Studies (IEE), Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany. Her thesis examines the different kinds of attachment that post-war displaced Sri Lankan Tamils have to their places of origin. She has presented parts of her research findings in conferences in Germany and Canada and has several articles in process for publication. Diotima has been a voluntary reviewer for the Mayor's Office on African Affairs and Juma ventures in the USA. In addition, she has experience working for non-profit organisations.

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Published

2018-04-25

How to Cite

Chattoraj, D. (2018). Experiences of Sri Lankan Tamils Displaced to Colombo: Three Narratives. ETropic: Electronic Journal of Studies in the Tropics, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.17.1.2018.3646