Out of Sri Lanka: Tamil, Sinhala and English poetry from Sri Lanka and its diasporas

Sri Lanka has long been a land of infinite possibility, attracting tourists with its golden beaches and swaying palm trees. However, the country's history of war crimes, illicit assassination of activists and journalists, subjugation of minorities, and governmental corruption has been erased, leading to economic and social crisis. This anthology of Sri Lankan and diasporic poetry features over a hundred poets writing in English, or translated from Tamil and Sinhala, bringing to light a long-neglected national literature and reshaping our understanding of migrational poetics and the poetics of atrocity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

Sri Lanka, a captivating land of boundless potential, has captured the imagination of the world. The island, once colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, was envisioned as a treasure trove of gems and pearls, a strategic stopover on the Silk Road. However, the reality for tourists today is far different from the colonial dreams. They are sold a vision of golden beaches, swaying palm trees, delectable cuisine, and friendly locals. This portrayal favors the southern part of the island, which was rebuilt piecemeal after the end of the civil war in 2009, while erasing a history of war crimes, illicit assassinations of activists and journalists, subjugation of minorities, and a legacy of governmental corruption that has plunged the country into an economic and social crisis.

This groundbreaking anthology, the first of its kind, brings together over a hundred poets writing in English, or translated from Tamil and Sinhala. It sheds light on a long-neglected national literature, reshaping our understanding of migrational poetics and the poetics of atrocity. Poets who have been out of print for decades appear alongside exciting new talents, engaging in dialogue with poetry from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The anthology showcases a diverse range of poetic forms, including traditional and open forms, concrete poems, spoken word poems, and experimental post-lyric hybrids of poetry and prose. An introduction provides an insightful account of Sri Lanka's history, contextualizing the poems within its rich tapestry.

The poems in this anthology explore a wide array of themes, from love and art to nature and critical events such as the Marxist JVP insurrections of the 1970s and 80s, the devastating 2004 tsunami, and recent bombings linked to the demonization of Muslim communities. The civil war between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers, which lasted for nearly three decades, remains a haunting and ever-present presence. A poetry of witness challenges those who seek to erase or ignore the country's troubled past, urging us to engage in introspection and understanding.

This anthology serves as a powerful affirmation of the imperativeness of remembering and addressing the past. It reminds us that history is not something to be forgotten or ignored, but rather a valuable tool for learning and growth. By engaging with the poetry of witness, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Sri Lanka's history and the ongoing struggles of its people. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka's history and present-day reality are complex and multifaceted. This anthology of Sri Lankan and diasporic poetry offers a unique perspective on the country, shedding light on its neglected national literature and challenging us to engage with its troubled past. Through the poetry of witness, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Sri Lanka's history and the ongoing struggles of its people. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780376738