Displacement Among Sri Lankan Tamil Migrants: The Diasporic Search for Home in the Aftermath of War

This book explores the concept of 'home' or 'place of origin' in the post-war era of Sri Lanka, focusing on the experiences of war-affected populations. It examines the intersections between externally and internally displaced people and notions of home in relation to gender, age, caste, and class. The author argues that notions of 'home' vary considerably depending on multiple variables and highlights the impact of migration on women's identities and attachments. The book is interdisciplinary and will be of interest to scholars in development studies, migration, conflict studies, Sri Lanka studies, and sociology. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the Sri Lankan civil war for Tamils and may have implications for policymakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the profound concept of 'home' or 'place of origin,' intricately expressed in Tamil as 'Ur.' It explores the multifaceted dimensions of this essential notion, shedding light on its profound connections to issues of belonging, attachment, detachment, and shared experiences among the war-affected population in the post-war era of Sri Lanka. Regrettably, limited research has been conducted on displacement and forced migration since the end of the war, making this book a valuable contribution to the field. It offers fresh insights into the intricate intersections between externally and internally displaced individuals and their notions of home, particularly in relation to gender, age, caste, and class. Through meticulous excavation, the author uncovers the underlying roots of the problem of being unable to return, stemming from a combination of uncertainty, unemployment, and the devastating loss of loved ones and property. What emerges is a profound understanding that notions of 'home' undergo significant variations based on a multitude of factors, with particularly notable differences observed between different generations. Moreover, this book courageously confronts the impact of migration from Sri Lanka to India, unveiling the transformative effects it has had on the lives of women in particular. By reshaping their identities through various re-invented cultural manifestations and cultivating a deep sense of attachment to their new homes, women have experienced a profound transformation. This interdisciplinary work appeals to scholars engaged in development studies with a focus on South Asia, as well as graduate students and researchers in the fields of migration, conflict studies, Sri Lanka studies, and sociology. Its comprehensive, empirically-based analysis of the consequences of the Sri Lankan civil war for the Tamil community will undoubtedly have a significant impact on policymakers as well.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811681349
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2022