‘Paradise in Tears’ - a unique and valuablecollection - US Ambassador
By Martyn Oakland
The new photographic book, ‘Paradise in Tears – a journey through history and conflict’ by Victor Ivan came in for praise from US Ambassador, Robert O. Blake Jr.
Blake said that ‘Paradise in Tears’ is a unique and valuable collection of photographs and the accompanying text documents the history of Sri Lanka from 1815 to 1994 and the various attempts to achieve peace through political reforms.
"It is a very valuable source book for anyone interested in learning more about the roots of Sri Lanka’s conflict and can also help those interested in working for a peaceful resolution", he noted.
‘Paradise in Tears’ delivers its message with a simplicity that would appeal to even the most naïve reader. The photographs flow in chronological order and are divided into four basic sections: From Feudalism to Capitalism; Agitation for Political Reforms; Gaining Independence; Decline in the rule of law and increase in violence.
The different ethnic strands that make up the nation – including Buddhist Sinhalese, Tamil, Hindu, Burgher, Christian and Muslims are depicted in the first two sections. The last two sections describe the tensions and alarming collapse into violence. The events are laid out dispassionately, with each snapshot building upon the next to construct a broad appreciation of the nation’s tumultuous journey.
Kumar Rupesinghe, Founder of the Sahajeevana Centre for Coexistence, who collaborated with Ivan to produce this book, said "Words are symbolic, but photographs go straight to the heart".
The images have an instant impact. But the educational value of the account is enriched by the sublime objective commentary that accompanies each photograph, and which builds the collection of images into a monument of knowledge, he said.
The book brings home the true reality of the tragedy that has befallen this island, detailing the communal crisis and its antecedents, stretching back to British Colonial Ceylon. It takes a very neutral stance, laying bare the mistakes, atrocities, and sins of all sides, he noted.
"The book doesn’t blame any one side", says Rupesinghe. It merely states: "This is where we are, and this is how we got here. It is important because it speaks of the same values as us (the Sahajeevana Centre) of the strong desire for coexistence and peace".
That message is there in photos and text, brought into sharp relief by each successive image. With the turn of every successive page, the reader is submerged ever deeper into a rich and deeply honest account. The last section, in particular, leaves the reader with a sense of pointlessness regarding the violence: the chronically depressing waste of life and the desperate need for the nation to heal its’ wounds, unite in forgiveness for the past, and move on to a glorious future for a glorious nation.
The website of Sahajeevana Centre is www.sahajeevana.org Email: info@sahajeevana.org
www island.lk
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