peace and war [a humanity ashore pictorial]

Hear my Voice ~ Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan

2011-02-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan ~ “Please bring my father back to me”

Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan struggles to come to terms

Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan (7) always stays alone and confines to a Brown plastic chair with flower work. The chair is bigger than she. She wears a pristine White pleated frock, which is the school uniform with Light Blue and White stripe tie. Light Blue silk ribbon holds her straight hair into a Pony tail, and wears a pair of artificial White stone ear studs. She does not mingle with anybody. She seldom talks or plays. She stays quiet.

"My father used to tell me a lot of nice bed time stories, before I go to sleep everyday. We used to sing a lot of beautiful songs together in Tamil. Now, nobody either tells me any story or sings with me. I feel very lonely as my father is not with me" laments Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan while tears fill her both eyes, and pour down endlessly through her charming cheeks.

Her father got injured during the last phase of the war in Vanni, North of Sri Lanka in April 2009, and admitted to the hospital. But, Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan has not seen her father afterwards. She moved from Bharathipuram in Vanni to Jaffna Peninsula along with the rest of her family members, and living here in a small apartment.

"I pray three times a day, and ask God to send my father safely to me wherever he is now. I am neither able to study nor sleep without my father. His wonderful memories stay intact. Please bring my father back to me. I want my father. Nobody can replace him. I have a younger sister, she too needs our father" laments Bonsika Vadivel Vasanthan. There is seeminlgy no end to her search.

Hear my voice ~ Jalajakumari Selvarasa

2011-01-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Jalajakumari Selvarasa ~ "I could often feel the nostalgia"

Jalajakumari Selvarasa is convinced and lives daily with hope

Jalajakumari Selvarasa (41) is very duty conscious in a bottle green traditional Shalwar Kameez. She sits at the entrance of the women’s side of the springs, and gives the instructions in Tamil to the devotees who visit "Keerimalai" springs in Jaffna district, North of Sri Lanka. She shows the way with her shiny smile to the new comers here in "Keerimalai".

Keerimalai literally translates Mongoose Hill in English. Naguleswaram temple is one of the five hallowed Lord Sivan temples (Panchcha Ishwaram) in Sri Lanka. Naguleswaram temple is situated here in "Keerimalai", which is 50 feet above the main sea level.

"I am happy to be here and help the devotees. It is a sacred place and sanctity should be maintained at all times. I am doing a small service to the community" says Jalajakumari Selvarasa while wearing a cotton cap to compete with the balmy weather here in "Keerimalai" .

Red vermilion called "Pottu" (dot) is placed on her forehead and pair of Silver toe rings on her feet show that she is married. A sharp line of holy ash on her forehead and a multi colour holy thread on her left wrist show her strong spirituality.

She has five children~ 2 sons and 3 daughters. She got displaced several times due to war. She lived in "Pandatharippu" and "Vanni". She currently lives in Alavetty in a rented house. Her house in "Keerimalai"stands still and empty with names written in English, Sinhala and Tamil and pictures painted in colour.

"Displacement has become a part of my life. I initially got displaced in 1983 from our house in Keerimalai, during the heavy fighting between the security forces and Tamil Tiger rebels known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. My house falls under the High Security Zone (HSZ) in "Keerimalai".

Now, I get to see my house everyday when I come here for my duty. But I could often feel the nostalgia. I am looking forward to a day, when I will be able to live in my hometown again with my family. I hope and pray that, the day is not too far. I have a few dreams to come true, one is returning to my hometown and live with my family and serve the God" shares Jalajakumari Selvarasa with her unambiguous hope flickering in her heart.

Hear my voice ~ Velupillai Yesupalan

2011-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

Velupillai Yesupalan ~ "My father is my role model"

Velupillai Yesupalan (16) seems nervous and unsettled as he waits at his school during the morning break~ drinks interval as it is called here in Jaffna. He wears a pair of Dark Blue shorts, White short sleeve shirt with the school batch stitched on the pocket of the shirt on left. A pair of his Black shoes removed and kept outside the library of his school.

Normally shoes are removed when entering the library, because it is compared to a shrine and considered sacred. Feet covered with a pair of Cotton socks upto his knee are fixed firmly to the Grey cement floor. He takes a while to settle down and talk to me. He is a Grade 11 student of Kondavil Hindu Maha Vidyalayam in Jaffna district, North of Sri Lanka.

"I do not have a father. He was killed during the war. I feel sad and depressed, because I am fatherless. My father is my role model. I want to be like my father, who was helpful to others despite many setbacks" emotionally shares Velupillai Yesupalan as he continuously bites his right hand finger nails, and tears pour through his both eyes and roll down quickly through his tender cheeks.

His family is originally from Thellipalai, moved to Thirunelvely, Iranaimadu, Vallipuram and Puthukkudiyiruppu due to war. They are currently occupying the station master’s quarters in Kondavil.

"My mother works hard to look after us carefully. She tries very hard to feed us with three meals. She is becoming old and finds it hard to do a lot of work. I have three younger brothers and a younger sister. Since, I am the eldest in the family, I have to take care of my mother and siblings. I am trying to study hard and pass the exams, but I get disturbed when I think of my dear father" continues Velupillai Yesupalan.

He rarely talks and plays with his fellow students and friends. He stays reserved.

"My favourite game is cricket. I used to play with my father. Now, I rarely play with my younger brothers. My dream is to become a school teacher" continues Velupillai Yesupalan as he adjusts the school badge on his shirt pocket.

Here my voice ~ Arumugam Varatharajan

2011-01-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Arumugam Varatharajan ~ "I want to feel 'belonged'"

Arumugam Varatharajan wants to spend the rest of his life in his ancestral house

The time is 12.10PM, it is lunch time in Sri Lanka. The scorching Sun shines bright in Jaffna, North of Sri Lanka. Arumugam Varatharajan (56) wrapped in an old Blue Sarong and wears no shirt as the weather is balmy. He is seen busy stitching bags at his small tailor shop in Kondavil~ Jaffna district. A ladies’ bicycle is parked on the wall. His shop also has candy, shampoo and pen for sale. A piece of used sack is placed on the steel pedal of his old USHA sewing machine to comfort his tired feet. A straight line of White Holy ash from the nearby temple still stays on his forehead amidst non-stop sweat, which proves he is an ardent devotee of Goddess.

"I left my ancestral home in Kaankesanthurai, which is in High Security Zone (HSZ), in 1990 along with my family. Ever since, I have been living in a rented house in Alavetty in Jaffna district. My ancestral house was destroyed during the war. I still treasure those old memories of living in Kaankesanthurai with all the relatives" says Arumugam Varatharajan while his fingers race with an old USHA sewing machine needle.

He was a farmer before the displacement in 1990, he followed his forefathers. Later, he turned into a tailor and began to stitch bags, dresses and footwear.

"My average daily income is Rs.500/=~Rs.1,000/=. I have some regular customers. I work 365 days to earn an enough income to look after my family. I have three children who are still schooling. I want to educate them well, and make them understand the human values which are currently being forgotten" continues Arumugam Varatharajan.

People visited their houses and properties in the High Security Zone (HSZ) in Jaffna district. Arumugam Varatharajan too has visited his ancestral house a few times.

"I am looking forward to go back to my house and live in Kaankesanthurai before I die. I want to continue with farming there. I feel being myself, when I am in my own house and surroundings. I easily connect myself to the place, where I was born and raised. I feel the 'belongingness' whenever I visit Kaankesanthurai, which brings the most happiest memories ever. I feel lost being displaced and living in another place. I am unable to fit in another place. I neither wanted to leave Jaffna nor Sri Lanka. I want to continue living in Jaffna with my family" continues Arumugam Varatharajan while his eyes get filled with tears, but he tries hard not to let them roll down his cheeks.

Hear my voice ~ Thenuja Tharmeshwaran

2011-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Thenuja Tharmeshwaran ~ “I am always my father’s pet”

Thenuja Tharmeshwaran struggles and unable to forget the traumatic past

Thenuja Tharmeshwaran (15) waits with hope at the entrance of her school~ Kondavil Hindu Maha Vidyalayam in Jaffna district in Sri Lanka. Her eyes are full and filled with tears and roll down her cheeks while she shares her agony with me sitting closer in Jaffna, North of Sri Lanka. She wears a pristine White pleated frock which is the school uniform with Light Blue and White tie, her hair is middle parted, neatly plaited into two and tied with matching brilliant blue silk ribbon. Red stone circle ear studs add colour to her complexion. A White pair of shoes tightly tied and feet are fixed to the cement floor. She sits straight on a Brown plastic chair and makes instant eye contact. Her fingers are crossed and she keeps quiet most of the time thinking deep. Black round “Pottu” (dot) is placed perfectly between her two eyebrows along with sandalwood and holy ash on top decorating her smooth forehead. It shows her strong spirituality.

"I lost my father during the war. I feel sad and helpless, when I think of my beloved father. I always feel terribly lost after his death .He is my bestest friend, and I am always his pet. My heart does not allow me anytime to speak in past tense, when I talk about my father. Because I feel he is always with me~ he loves me, listens to me, cares for me, talks to me and watches me, although he is not physically near to me. But he is always dear to me" shares Thenuja Tharmeshwaran.

She lived in Vanni, North of Sri Lanka, which was formerly controlled by the Tamil rebels known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam who were defeated by the Government security forces in May 2009. She got displaced during the war and stayed in the internally displaced camp in Vavuniya in Sri Lanka. Gradually she moved to Jaffna, and she currently lives there with her extended family.

"I have nightmares while sleeping, because I am unable to forget my father and the sweet memories. We used to play hide and seek and snake and ladder together. These are our favourite games. I miss him so dearly.I often dream that, my father is still alive somewhere, but it is not true in reality. He is (was) such a loving and caring father, who never failed in his duties. He attended to my needs and wishes whether he had enough money or not" her voice cracks down and tears begin to pour through her both eyes endlessly. She uses her pink handkerchief with embroidery to wipe the uncontrollable tears.

She is unable to get rid of the trauma of losing her father suddenly. But she tries to attend the school regularly, pay attention to her studies and pass the exams. She rarely mixes with the rest of the kids.

"My favourite subject is Tamil. I want to study hard and become a teacher. I want to make my father’s dream come true to change the lives of the people" continues Thenuja Tharmeshwaran with hope in her eyes and heart.

reading the newspaper

2009-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

A man reads the newspaper as the war was nearing an end

2008-07-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Anoma Rajakaruna shares her photos of people in black and white. Anoma has captured many expressions and many environments. Every photograph speaks differently. As a film-maker, photographer and poet ,Anoma has well captured the many moods of men, women and children around the Island. The exhibition is divided as My story, her story, his story and their stories comprising 34 photographs. [contd.]

Internally Displaced Persons in Puttlam launch new Political Front

2008-06-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

“We lack road, water, and housing facilities. Our children are unable to attend school regularly as there is no proper transport service. We don’t have any facility and leading the same life even now as same as 18 years ago”.

[Read & hear more]

Christmas hopes from Jaffna

2007-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

"I have carved you on the palm of my hand” ((Isaiah 49.16)~Read & see more

Journalists Protest Press Burning Amidst Anger and Frustration

2007-11-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

With the media under fire, the protesters demanded to safeguard the journalists: [Read & See More]

Sri Lanka Public Service Journalism Awards 2007

2007-11-21T20:20:00.001-08:00

The Public Service Journalism Awards 2007 was much-awaited event among the provincial journalists in Sri Lanka. The glamorous event was held on November 16 th 2007 at the Galle Face Hotel [Read & See More]

Thoughts for Peace

2007-11-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

"Peace is what makes us feel that we are living happily as humanbeings. No difference inside the nation in relation to language, religion, race or creed." - [Read & See More]

Commemoration Event Honours Life of Kethesh Loganathan

2007-08-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Late Kethesh Loganathan was a man of action. He showed his humanity. Kethesh was a committed human rights activist. He campaigned for the rights of the Tamils within the framework of an united Sri Lanka. He cared; and was killed. [Read & See More]

Symposium on Indo-Lanka Accord Reflects, Reviews and Seeks Recipe for Success with Future Agreements

2007-08-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Indo-Lanka Peace Accord was signed on July 29th 1987 between the then Sri Lankan President Late J.R.Jeyawardene and then Indian Prime Minister Late Rajiv Gandhi. It drew a lot of attention locally and globally. It marks the 20th anniversary this year. Number of events has been organized by various institutions to mark the 20 th Anniversary of signing the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of signing the Banda-Chelva pact. [Read & See More]

Neo-Barrelism, The Exhibition of Paintings and Installations by Chandraguptha Thenuwara

2007-07-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

‘Neo-Barrelism’, The Exhibition of Paintings and Installations by Chandraguptha Thenuwara was inaugurated on July 26 th 2007 at the Lionel Wendt Gallery. The exhibition will remain open till July 28th 2007. The viewing hours are from 10am to 7pm. The exhibition is organisd by Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts (VAFA): [Read & See More]

Prayer for peace

2007-07-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Veemansa Bodhi Sanga Society organized a Prayer for Peace to create space for the people of all communities to talk peace. [Read & see more]

Symposium of Religious Leaders for Peace

2007-06-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

The National Peace Council of Sri Lanka has organized a Symposium of Religious Leaders for Peace along with National Conference on Religions for Peace and Sri Lankan Movement for Justice, Peace and Reconciliation. It was held at the BMICH (Bandaranaike International Memorial Conference Hall) o June 28th 2007. Religious dignitaries belonging to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity gathered to show their united support for sustainable peace in Sri Lanka. [Read & See More]

Koiyaavaady welfare camp, Puttlam district

2007-06-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

There are 136 families- 720 persons living in Koiyaavaady welfare camp in Puttlam district for more than 17 years: [Read & See More]

Nookkuraansolai welfare camp-Kandalkuda, Puttlam district

2007-06-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Muslim community of Mannar was forced to leave from the home town in 1990. Most of them never went back to check about their properties due to fear. Some of them went back to Mannar during peace time after 2002, but did not want to stay long due to uncertainty: Read & See More

Shakthi Welfare Camp

2007-06-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

June 20th 2007 is sixth anniversary of United Nations designated World Refugee Day; a day marked around the globe calling for focus and attention on the matter.

In Sri Lanka, the total number of persons displaced after April 7 th 2006 till April 16th 2007 is 301,879 - total number of families 81,399 according to UNHCR. [Read & See more]

Savukkady Welfare Camp

2007-06-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is a very cramped camp with canvass tents put up next to each other. There are 1,920 persons-520 families living in this camp. They got displaced from Periyapullumalai, Sinnapullumalai, Pankidaaveli, Unnichchai, Kokkattichcholai, Vavunatheevu, and Karadiyanaaru. [Read & see More]

Bus blast in Kebittigollewa

2007-06-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

"The Sinhalese are very kind, and love each other.They would not have done something like this. They do not like to kill people. I have been helping the affected since the incident happened.It is very sad that we lost 64 lives, and more injured" says Jayawathi (40) from Kebittigollewa. [See & Read more]

Youth in peace building

2007-04-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

The Peace building and Development Institute in Sri Lanka in partnership with Peace building and Development Institute – International Peace and Conflict Resolution Division of American University has arranged a week long training on “Youth & Conflict: Integrating Youth in Peace building Training” at Palm Village Hotel in Uswetakiyawa: Read More

Uswetakiyawa fisher folk

2007-04-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

It’s a season for variety of fish in Sri Lanka: More Pictures

Civil Monitoring Commission-First Public Meeting

2007-04-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

"Please find my husband. I am helpless after my husband has disappeared. Do you want me to commit suicide along with my five children?" queries a woman who went in front to the stage, where the Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was seated: More

Kirimichchai jungle

2007-04-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Cranes in Kirimichchai jungle - former no-man's zone in the East of Sri Lanka
More Pictures: Living with Nature

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

2007-04-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Awareness essential to prevent loss from mine menace: More Pictures

Nostalgia for “Vali North”

2007-03-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

“Vali North: Paradise Life and Camp Life”- A Nostalgia Story, By N. Parameswaran : Read & See More

Katpity Fishermen

2007-03-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Fishermen at Katpity, Sri Lanka’s littoral North West, near Puttalam: More Pictures

“A Glimmer of Hope”

2007-03-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

The South Asia Peace Institute organised a symposium on the Experts Committee Reports forwarded to the APRC (All Party Representative Committee), and the launching of the book “A Glimmer of Hope” at the JAIC Hilton Hotel on March 22 nd 2007: Read & See More

Nuraichcholai Refugees

2007-03-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

"I was displaced from Mannar in 1990 along with my family. I have been living in Arafa Nagar since then. I had to leave my own house and belongings. I am living with my daughter now. I work in the agro filed which cultivates onion, chillies, and cabbage. I go to the field and earn Rs.150/= per day, which is not enough to manage myself" says Sabeena Zubair (54): More Pictures

Colleagues welcome freed Journalist

2007-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Journalist, Parameswary Munusamy In front the Sri Lanka Supreme Courts complex in Hulfsdorp: More Pictures

IDPs at Maavadivempu

2007-03-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

"We witnessed our village reduced to rubble,while we were fleeing" say the refugees from Vakarai: IDPs at Maavadivempu, More Pictures

IDPs in Kiran, Eastern Sri Lanka

2007-03-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

"I missed my son Rajendran (44), while leaving Vakarai. He is a mentally retarded person. I am worried about him, and don't know his whereabouts" says Sellaiah Ramupillai (72), who is a farmer from Kathiraveli: More Pictures

2007-03-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Children in Sainthamaruthu - East of Sri Lanka

Vinayagapuram refugee camp in Valaichchenai - Batticaloa district

2006-12-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Children at Vinayagapuram refugee camp in Valaichchenai- Batticaloa district, More Pictures

International Human Rights Day

2006-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Right hand means dignity; Dignity means Human Rights.
Drawings on display by the students of Gateway International College: More Pictures

"This is the maze we have entered into"

2006-11-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

Maze - by Bandu Manemperi and G.R.Constantine - More Pictures

“We can help people to contribute to peace and humanity”

2006-11-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

"We can help people to contribute to peace and humanity" - Mumbai Peace Activists in Colombo: [Read More]

"Give space for life - Not for violence"

2006-10-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

"We lost our loved ones in all parts of the country earlier. When people disappeared in Jaffna in 1982, we all kept quiet. We did not experience it until disappearance happened in 1989 in the South of Sri Lanka. Now Tamil people are disappeared in Jaffna and Colombo. We should not keep quiet about it. We have to get together and stop the disappearance" says Sunila Abeysekera, Executive Director of INFORM. human rights centre in Sri Lanka: More Pictures

Children's voices for peace

2006-09-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Jeyanthi Hemamali (11) from Matale sings "Smile While Live" a theme song for the Universal Children's Day along with her friends: More Pictures

Refugees among refugees

2006-09-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

People who have no place to stay, decided to stay on the streets, in Kantale - More Pictures

Muthur, deserted town

2006-09-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Newly built Tsunami reconstructed houses are damaged in Thaqua Nagar, More Pictures

Muthur IDPs

2006-09-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

40% of recent internally displaced people are children, More Pictures

People's Voices for Peace

2006-09-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

People in Sri Lanka celebrated International Peace Day with demonstrations, prayers, and inter religious programmes throughout the country on September 21 st 2006.

People of all walks of life in Sri Lanka want peace. They think peace is a distance dream, but speaking out without fear on Peace day is imporatnt to them; because they think the more silent they are - the worse they have to face in the future - More Pictures

International Peace Day

2006-09-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

International Peace Day was celebrated in Sri Lanka on September 21st 2006. Women for peace and democracy organized an hour long demonstration at the Lipton Circus. More Pictures

Uppuveli Fishermen

2006-09-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Uppuveli has a beautiful beach. Aqua sports such as wind surfing, rowing used to take place in the Uppuveli beach earlier. But due to the situation tourists arrivals are less than year before according to the hoteliers in this area.

The beach is empty with some fishermen from Kanniya come here to fish. They neither stay long in the sea nor shore. They try to sell the fish on the shore, and leave home as quickly as possible. They stay almost twenty kilometers away from the sea. More Pictures

2006-09-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

"I do not earn enough income to take care of my family. Life is becoming ver difficult here" says Mohamed Thalith (70), a shop keeper in Kinniya. More Pictures from Kinniya

Stranded to safety from strife stricken Jaffna

2006-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

ICRC brings stranded to safety from strife stricken Jaffna More Pictures

Anti War, Peace Rally in Colombo

2006-08-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

National Anti War Front organised a peace rally in Colombo on August 17th 2006.The peace rally started from Hyde Park in Colombo 2 and went onto Viharamahadevi open air theatre after an hour.
More Pictures

Muthur displaced - in Negombo

2006-08-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

"We want an assurance from the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for our lives and properties.We are not engaged in fighting.Also we not involved in politics.But why are we targeted? This is not acceptable at all" says Sultan Naazeer (35) of Thakkuanagar in Muthur
More Pictures

"Talk Peace"

2006-08-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

"I want to live in harmony with Tamil and Muslim communities. I do not want to see a war in the country again", Bandulavathy Vithanage of Kirulapone in Colombo.
More Pictures

2006-08-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Theatre of the People build bridges among the Tamil,Sinhala and Muslim communities
More Pictures

2006-08-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

The basic needs of people such as water,passage and food should be met.Humanitarian support must be extended to the needy.People have started to displace towards Verugal river bank,when the air strikes and naval attacks happened in the LTTE control areas three months ago.We are protesting here to bring the matter to the limelight� says Professor Chitraleka Maunaguru of the Eastern University of Sri Lanka: More Pictures

2006-07-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

"I type letters for the clients and earn Rupees three hundred per day. It's not enough to meet my needs, but I am managing with the money which my son in Denmark sends. My wife is expired. The situation is tensed.I do not want to go and live with my son in Denmark, because it's very cold there. I was displaced from Jaffna and no living in Vavuniya with my daughter. I want to live peacefully here" says a retired technical officer the irrigation department Krishnar Sivaguru (68) in Vavuniya town, North of Sri Lanka

2006-07-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

"My husband, from Pooneryn and a farmer - passed away. I am now living with my sister in Chetty street in Jaffna. I have three children.They are all married and settled abroad. I come daily to the Nallur Kandasamy temple to pray for permanent peace" says Rajasundari Ratnasabapathy (78) in Nallur, North of Sri Lanka

2006-07-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

"Both of my eyes are blind. My husband is ill, and I do not have children. I have to earn an income to take care of my husband. His medical expenses are very costly. I hardly earn Rupees two hundred per day now.I am looking forward to the Nallur Kandasamy Annual temple festival, which begins on July 30th" says Gnanamma Sangaraiah (75), who sells peanut on Kizhakku veethi of the Nallur Kandasamy temple in Jaffna

2006-07-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

The jack fruit season has begun in North of Sri Lanka. An ethnic Tamil seller is seen here taking jack fruits to sell in Chavakachcheri public market in Jaffna district

2006-07-18T19:11:00.001-07:00

Selliah Ramalingam (65) sells paalaipazham in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka."I go to an area to pick up paalaipazham, which is fallen from the tree, and clean them,thereafter I bring them to Murugandi Pillaiyar temple area to sell. I am growing older, and it is not an easy job for me to do, but I have to earn a daily income to take care of my family"

2006-07-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Alphine Amma Kasipillai (45) sells paalaipazham in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka. Paalaipazham season has just begun. She says that she has eight children and her husband is separated. She earns Rupees three hundred per day. She walks daily from her house to Murugandi Pillaiyar temple area to sell paalaipazham.

2006-07-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Andrew Mills, a journalist from Canada enjoys a mango in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka

2006-07-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

A Selam mambazham is sold for Rupees thirty in Murugandi. These mangoes are from Puthukudiyiruppu, North of Sri Lanka. The mango season has just begun

2006-07-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

"The mangoes from the North are tastier than other parts of Sri Lanka.I make it a point to stop at Murugandi Pillaiyar temple area to but mangoes, and jack fruits whenever I travel on A9 main high way" says Panchchavarnam Mohanraj (27) of Colombo.

2006-07-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Palapazham from Puthukudiyiruppu, North of Sri Lanka is being sold in Murugandi.A palapazham is sold for Rupees One Hundred

2006-07-18T18:44:00.001-07:00

A "Karuththa Kozhumbu mambazham" is sold for Rupees twenty five in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka

2006-07-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Palapazham from Puthukudiyiruppu, North of Sri Lanka is being sold in Murugandi. A palapazham is sold for Rupees One Hundred

2006-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Fruit stalls in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka

2006-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

"Travellers on the A9, main highway (Jaffna-Kandy main highway) are very less now, due to the prevailing tension.Therefore the business is not good.I hope that,there will be more travellers travelling on A9 in the near future, when the annual festival of the Hindu temples begin in "Aadi", the month of July" says a fruit seller in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka Sivasundaraj Thurai (40)

2006-07-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

"Travellers on the A9, main highway (Jaffna-Kandy main highway) are very less now, due to the prevailing tension. Therefore the business is not good.I hope that,there will be more travellers travelling on A9 in the near future,when the annual festival of the Hindu temples begin in "Aadi", the month of July" says a fruit seller in Murugandi, North of Sri Lanka Sivasundaraj Thurai (40)