Source A: What does the source tell you about the relations between Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka?
Using ‘layers of inference’
Source A tells me that, to a certain extent, tensions do exist between the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka. I think that this source is found in a Pro-Sinhalese/ Anti-LTTE forum, where views can be freely expressed to the general public in Sri Lanka. It also tells me that the author thinks that the Tamils are not being treated unfairly as their demands have been met long ago. The author (the Sinhalese), recognizes the fact that the discrimination towards the Tamils exists, but it is not a serious issue. It is evident from his statement ‘discrimination is existent in every society, but it is less serious than in some countries.
By making such a statement to compare their situation with other countries, he is just providing a personal opinion that is not based on fact. Also, from the tone of his statement, he feels that the extent of discrimination is acceptable and warranted. However, based on my contextual understanding, the Tamils are being treated unfairly in Sri Lanka as they have no basic citizenship rights, such as voting, education, employment and being a minority, discrimination towards them is even more so significant.
Nonetheless, from this comment made, we can tell that the author (Sinhalese) is not targeting all the Sri Lankan Tamils. His intended purpose was to present his opinions that the Tamils do not need the LTTE to achieve the freedom and being treated as equals. His focus is on the LTTE and their violence as a terrorist organization. He firmly believes that the LTTE should not be resorting to violence to gain freedom.
As this is a voice/view of only one Sinhalese, his view may not be a representative of the views of the all the Sinhalese living in Sri Lanka. Moreover, since the tone used is biased against the LTTE, we cannot assume that the claim is based on factual information and objectivity. Hence, in my opinion, we cannot rely solely on this source to provide us with a clear understanding of the conflict in Sri Lanka.
Source E: Was this cartoon drawn by a Tamil or a Sinhalese? Explain your answer.
I think the cartoonist is a Tamil. The cartoon focuses on the university admission in Sri Lanka. Based on this caption and contextual understanding, the cartoon depicts the idea that because of the unfairness of the University admission criteria, the Tamil students are joining the LTTE. This is a result of the University admission criteria that is biased against the Tamils, whereby higher marks/scores are required for their admission to the University, as compared to the admission requirements for the Sinhalese.
I think the purpose of this cartoon is to express the unhappiness of a Tamil student, whereby it stresses on the idea that because of the unfair university admission criteria, ‘the only way forward’ is to join the LTTE and fight for a separate and independent state. In this way, they can have a better future and life ahead.
From the ‘tone’ expressed through the cartoon, it is evident that sarcasm was used to mock the university admission criteria. It is proven by the statement, ‘Marks required for university entrance (Sinhalese Students Only)’. Its implication is the fact that although the Sri Lankan government claims that Tamils with good marks can enter the University, it is not necessarily so as many Tamils do not qualify to enter the University because of the unfair entry system.
The Lion represents the Sri Lankan government and its power to implement this university admission criteria/policy. The sword is a representative of the power. The cartoon cleverly uses the size of the Lion and the Tiger (Tamil Tigers) to signify the power that the Sri Lankan government possesses over the LTTE.
The cartoonist is also implying that this policy implemented by the Sri Lankan government is like a heavy sword that only the government can lift. In addition, the cartoon also stresses on the fact that the LTTE is no longer interested in facing or solving the discrimination problems they have in Sri Lanka. Hence, it reinforces the idea that they want a separate state and break free from Sri Lanka.
The scenery after the sword depicts an idea that those who can enter the University will have a bright future that is cheery and bright. Hence, the Tamil who drew this cartoon strongly emphasizes on the unhappiness that many of his Tamil counterparts are experiencing, as they cannot enter the University and are deprived of a bright future as a result.
