We Walk on the Same Corridors of Our University'': Contemporary Reflections of Sinhala--Tamil Relations in Sri Lankan Public Universities

Naren  Deepan Selvaratnam; Ooi  Boon Keat; Jacquline  Tham

Article Details

We Walk on the Same Corridors of Our University'': Contemporary Reflections of Sinhala--Tamil Relations in Sri Lankan Public Universities

Authors:

Naren Deepan Selvaratnam | Ooi Boon Keat | Jacquline Tham

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.9 Issue 5, pp.614-635

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

7/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001514177

pISSN:

2518-668X

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Inter-ethnic relations amongst students in public higher education institutes (HEIs) in Sri Lanka are weak. This deficit deprives students of experiencing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to be productive citizens the country demands. Considering the violent history both Sinhalese and Tamils share, there is a dearth of minority discourse in Sri Lanka. As a consequence, research that explores inter-ethnic dynamics within public HEIs in the island nation is also minimal. Similarly, being mindful of the fragileness of Sri Lanka’s race relations, it is unclear how responsible local authorities should facilitate educational reforms to foster student success. To address this literature gap, the present inquiry conducted a document review to identify contemporary student and instructor perspectives associated with learning in state-run universities. A total of nine newspapers and blog posts by students, journalists, and academics that critically discuss learner experiences in minority-dominant Jaffna University were chosen after a careful evaluation. Using thematic analysis, three key themes were generated. As per the obtained results, inclusiveness and appreciation between Tamils and Sinhalese learners remain a challenge. Moreover, local security forces continue to suppress minority student voices, leadership, and civic engagement. Further, there is a need for governmental interventions to systematically implement DEI policies to improve the quality of learning spheres for students. Overall, this interpretative research lays out key observations associated with race relations in Sri Lankan HEIs.

Article Details

We Walk on the Same Corridors of Our University'': Contemporary Reflections of Sinhala--Tamil Relations in Sri Lankan Public Universities

Authors:

Naren Deepan Selvaratnam | Ooi Boon Keat | Jacquline Tham

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.9 Issue 5, pp.614-635

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

7/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001514177

pISSN:

2518-668X

diversity

inclusion

minority groups

interethnic relations

multiculturalism

cultural awareness

Issues

Article Details

We Walk on the Same Corridors of Our University'': Contemporary Reflections of Sinhala--Tamil Relations in Sri Lankan Public Universities

Authors: Naren Deepan Selvaratnam | Ooi Boon Keat | Jacquline Tham

Publisher: KnE Social Sciences

Journal: KnE Social Sciences Vol.9 Issue 5, pp.614-635

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 7/2024

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001514177

pISSN: 2518-668X

diversity

inclusion

minority groups

interethnic relations

multiculturalism

cultural awareness

Issues

Authors:

Naren Deepan Selvaratnam | Ooi Boon Keat | Jacquline Tham

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.9 Issue 5, pp.614-635

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

7/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001514177

pISSN:

2518-668X