Essays
Essays on a variety of subjects related to Sri-Lanka and South Asia. Most of the essays have been what
I have written to newsgroups. Included are also some enlightening essays authored by others. It is assumed the
reader has background knowledge on the historical books of Sri Lanka and India.
History, Caste, Color and Aryans:
Essays on the Arayan antecedents of the Sinhalese and Tamils as evidenced in the Mahavamsa.
An analysis of how groups can be differentiated. Current example of how a group can
re-invent their identity.
Comparison of the genetic heritage of Sinhalese and Tamils.
A genetic study shows that Sinhalese and Tamils share about 55% of a common gene pool. The major part of the Sinhalese
(70%) genes are of South Indian origin.
Keppetipolas heritage.
Language and Ethnicity are not synonymous. Examination of how using them in an
synonymous manner can lead to erroneous conclusions.
A short note on King Parakramabahu, Magha of Kalinga and the Nalanda Ellawa murder.
A look at the origins of the Lanka and Jaffna Kings.
A correspondence between Sunil Koswatte, Jeevan Hoole on the validity of color
in differentiating between Sinhalese and Tamils.
On the caste structure among Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Articles on caste from Colombo Calling - Issue #18
A collection of correspondence between many authors on the Vedas, status of Women, Purushamedha
and the Laws of Manu.
First millennium AD iron smelting industry produces high-carbon steel similar to 'Damascus' steel swords.
Language and Standardisation
These are articles on the standardised scheme for University entrance. All Sri Lankan universities are
state
universities and entrance is based on performance at national exams. Prior to 1971 there was a large propotion
of Tamils in the Universities. To correct this "problem" a quota system based on language
(media wise representation) was introduced in 1971 and 1972. Subsequently after 1972 the quota system was
changed based on the population of each district (district quota sytem).
A look at different schemes to correct educational attainment and access to resources discrepeancy problem.
About standardisation from the SLNET Forum from other authors
Misceallaneous
A questionaire to aid in expatriate Sri Lankans rexamine the basis and rationale of their opinions.
Sri Lanka has a very high literacy rate and health standards in spite of its low per capita income. A reuters report
on this phenomenon.
A report on the Samanalawewa Dam failure by Kashyapa Yapa.
The LTTE leadership has no antecedents in the traditional Tamil leadership. A correspondence on the social causes
for the rise of the LTTE.
Roots of Sinhala Names such as Alahakone, Mudali by Nanthi .
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Kitty
Wood
sbarrkum@email.com