tamilweek.com

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Mann” (Earth) is the first film to be produced and released after a long period of time, in the history of Sri Lankan Tamil film industry. This is a 35mm film with Cinemascope mode. It has been scheduled to be released in mid November 2006 in Sri Lanka, possibly all around the country, if situation permits.

“Mann” (Earth) will be screened at Cine City in Colombo from November 24th 2006 onwards, according to Puthiyavan Rasaiah. Also at Shanthi Theatre in Batticaloa on November 24th 2006, at 6.30pm.

Though 98% of the actors, and actresses are from Sri Lanka, couple of actors from India are also appearing in the film, as special guest stars. Having taken Indian audience with huge surprise at the preview show at Prasath Studio, that a Sri Lankan film has come out with such technicalities equally comparable to Indian films, it has also received overwhelming support and appreciation among the Sri Lankan audience in the European Union countries. It was already screened in European Union countries during the past two months.

“Mann” (Earth) will be released in Australia and Canada in November 2006.

This film is 2 hours and 9 minutes long. The whole film was shot in Puttalam, to resemble a village in Vavuniya.

Following are the excerpts of an interview with R. Puthiyavan, Director of “Mann” (Earth), Cine Range Films Ltd. He is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Kingston College/University in the United Kingdom. The story, dialogues, and lyrics were written by R. Puthiyavan.

Q:Why did you decide to make a film?

A: I am very interested in film making. I made two short video films earlier, namely “Maatru” in 2001, and “Kanavugal Nijamaanaal” in 2003. These were my experimental films, and an hour and 45 minutes long. Since I two short films were successful, I have decided to make a long film on Cinemascope mode. There had been no Tamil films made in Sri Lanka for more than twenty five years. I wanted to try out the opportunities.

I hail from Kanagarayankulam, North of Sri Lanka. I wanted to shoot the entire movie in Kanagarayankulam, which is my birth place. I left Sri Lanka eighteen years ago, and I am now settled down in the United Kingdom. I still cherish and treasure my childhood memories from my village. It’s a war torn area now. People of Kanakarayankulam suffered severely during war. The village is completely devastated. It was a very beautiful village, surrounded by paddy fields, birds, and animals.

But I did not get permission from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to film. Thereafter I decided to film in Puttalam. The shooting of “Mann” (Earth) began in July 2005, and ended in August 2005. “Mann” (Earth) is about a love story of two Tamil school students from North, and hill country in Sri Lanka. My Indian movie colleagues did not find it difficult to understand the Tamil language used for dialogues, although we speak slightly different Tamil in Sri Lanka. They understood the language, and been with the film till the end.

Q: How did you select the actors and actresses?

A: I advertised on the newspapers for actors and actresses. I received 1,200 applications, and I selected the correct casts carefully, after several screen tests. There are two special guest stars from India. They are Vaakai Santhirasegar, and Kaathal Sukumar. The songs are sung by Kathik, Mathangi, Thippu, and Jeyachandran. “Mann” (Earth) has given opportunities to several artistes from all background and communities.

I spent nearly twenty five million Sri Lankan Rupees to make the film. I am very optimistic that, “Mann” (Earth) will be successful, like my previous video films.

Q: When are you going to make another film?

A: I like to make a film about the two decades long Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. But the situation does not permit me to travel, and shoot the film, and I have to criticize the parties involved in the ethnic conflict. Criticisms are not welcome in our society. I may have to face the immediate consequences of making such a film. I can make a film now, if I am ready to face death instantly. I am not afraid of death, but I do not want to speed up anything, which deals with politics. Further I want to wait for more developments, before making a decision.

I advocate for democracy. I like to grow and improve my personality with criticism. Everything is connected to politics knowingly or unknowingly. Love is Politics; Life is Politics.

Film fans in Sri Lanka are looking forward to see “Mann” (Earth)

Filming of “Mann” (Earth), in Puttalam

A scene from Mann” (Earth)

Shana plays a major role in “Mann” (Earth). She hails from Batticaloa

“Mann” (Earth) is the debut film for most of the actors, and actresses.

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Give space for life, Not for violence”

An annual commemorative service was held for the disappeared. It is being held annually on October 27th. It was held on Raddoluwa junction in Seeduwa on October 27 th 2006.

It was organized by the Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared.

Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared commemorates October 27th as a day of the disappeared; the day when Ranjith Herath and his friend M. Lionel were abducted and found dead on October 27th 1989 in Raddoluwa junction, Seeduwa.

There are almost 1,000 missing people registered with Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared from 1989 to 1994, according to the organizers.

Jayanthi Dandeniya bursts into tears, while demonstrating. Her fiance Ranjith Herath and his friend M. Lonel were abducted and found dead on October 27th 1989 in Raddoluwa junction, Seeduwa

Monument for the Disappeared -Against Every Single Disappearance was created by Chandragupta Thenuwara under the guidance and initiative of Kalape Api and Asian Human Rights Commission. It was inaugurated by the Friends and Relatives of Disappeared on February 04th 2000, in Raddoluwa Junction where Ranjith Herath and his friend M.Lionel were killed and burnt on October 27th 1989

“My son Krishantha Weerasinghe was abducted on January 11th 1990 from the field at 3.30pm, where he was working as a labourer. He was 19 year-old. Since then, I have had no information about him. I know neither his death day nor time. I am unable to carry out any religious rituals as a result. I come to Raddoluwa annually since 2000 to pay tribute to my son” says W.A.W.Weerasinghe (68) of Kandy

750 friends and parents of the disappeared participated in a silent demonstration held near the Monument for the Disappeared, despite heavy rain throughout the day

“My husband was abducted by unknown persons on December 7th 1989. I have no trace about my husband since then. He was 39 year-old at the time of abduction. He was a labourer. My youngest son was just nine month old baby. I feel lifeless. Because my my husband was everything for me. I brought up my four children all alone. It’s not that easy to be a single parent” says J.A.Ranethena (56) of Gampaha

Gayan Kumara (8) of Galle participates in the demonstration

“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

“I come to Raddoluwa every year to pay tribute to my missing son. He was a student in Empilipitiya. He went missing on August 2nd 1989. I do not know what has happened to him. I miss my son. Nobody can bring my son back to me” says S.R.Heengami (68) of Empilipitiya

“I am helpless without my younger brother. He was abducted on August 26th 1989 from our house at 10.30pm in the night. They told us that, he will be released after his statement is obtained. My parents went behind them, and pleaded for my brother’s release. But they were threatened by the abductors. I am living in a very bad condition. If my brother is alive, he will help me” says A.M.V.Seelavathi (50) of Kandy

Friends and relatives of the Disappeared say that justice should be made for their missing loves ones

“My son went to watch a cricket match, played between the local teams on January 6th 1990. He went missing since then. He was 24 year-old. He was a labourer. He was the bread winner of the family. We are suffering a lot after he disappeared. I do not even have his death certificate. Because I am unable to get it. I am blind. I do not have money to buy a pair of spectacles” says Hapuruge Dili Nona (66) of Rathawaduna, Gampaha

Give space for life
Not for violence

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The annual National Festival of Kites was held on September 17th 2006, on Mount Lavinia Beach. About 180 participants took part in this year’s festival of kites. There were competitions held for children and adults as well.

The categories were:

Children
Under 15 years- Three prizes were awarded

Creativity
Three prizes were awarded

Adults
Best slogan for electronic media sponsor- Three prizes were awarded
Best slogan for print media sponsor- Three prizes were awarded
Best slogan for Sri Lanka Tourist Board sponsor- Three prizes were awarded

Best slogan for the main sponsor- Three prizes were awarded

B.G.Ratnasri used palm leaves and bird feather to make an owl kite. It won the first prize under creative category of the annual National Festival of Kites

Kids enjoy flying kites

Dasun Tharanga (12) with his kite

A large crowd gathered to witness on a Sunday evening

Participants used sarees to make kites

Adults enjoy flying kites

More kites participated under creative category

The National Festival of Kites is held annually to encourage the children and adults to be creative according to the organisers

The most of the participants used easily available resources like dried leaves and sarees

Kites reflect on a spectator’s sun glass

Balloon seller in Mount Lavania beach

Plastic fans for fun

Dimungo Miske Asanga Stanley (26) sells Manioc chips on Mount Lavania beach. He says that he has been selling Manioc chips for seven years

A father carries his son on his back in the beach

Kids bathe in Mount Lavania beach

Boys play in the beach

Pepole bathe and play in Mount Lavania beach on a Sunday afternoon

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com

29th Annual General Meeting of Ilankai Tamil Sangam USA is to be held on October 14th, in Somerset, New Jersey.

Following are among the Guest Speakers scheduled to attend:

Brian Senewiratne, M.D., a Sinhalese, in Brisbane, Australia, has been campaigning for a just peace and democracy in Sri Lanka for the past three decades. With the recently deceased Adrian Wijemanne (a Sinhalese intellectual and a former executive in the World Council of Churches), they have been the ‘voice of Sinhala reason’ for many years.

Dr Senewiratne has contributed a number of articles (many on the Sangam), and addressed scores of meetings and conferences across the world (including the Eelam Conferences in New York in the 1980s). His principled stance on the ethnic issue has had a major impact in his lobbying efforts since he is not only a Sinhalese but a cousin of the outgoing President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Dr. Karen Parker is an attorney specializing in armed conflict (humanitarian) law and human rights. She has represented non-governmental organizations at the United Nations since 1982, and, since 1983, has addressed the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. At the United Nations, she has presented more than 30 written and oral statements on the application of humanitarian law to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka and on the situation of the Tamils. She has submitted testimony on the conflict to the US Congress, and at the Parliaments in France, Australia, United Kingdom, and other countries.

Mr. V.P. Palam, the author is a retired public servant, editor and scholar. His career spanned from teaching, being the Head of the Tamil section of the Educational Publications Department Government of Sri Lanka and Associate Editor of Publications, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India. In 1978 he represented his country at a seminar-cum-training course at the Asian Cultural Center for UNESCO, Tokyo. He participated in the international seminar “Non violence as an effective means of change” in Surat India. In 1986 in recognition of his services towards the development of Tamil as a medium of education, the Government of Tamil Nadu honored him, where the then Chief Minister Dr. M. G. Ramachandran presented him with the traditional Golden shawl (comparable to a Medal). He is a native of Yaalppanam (Jaffna), Sri Lanka. He is now a naturalized citizen living in the state of Michigan.

Entertainment Programs also will be there:

-Classical fusion, by Community youngsters
-Special Program by Agni

Agni – An exciting mix of culture and music. This group of young men and women continue to dazzle audiences and gain new fans as they perform across Canada and the US. Having worked with many prominent Indian stars, such as Shankar Mahadevan, Shrinivas, Sujatha, T.M.Sounderarajan, P. Susheela, A. L. Raghavan, the list continues.…… A band that cherishes our multicultural Mosaic. Songs ranging from M S Viswanathan to A R Rahman – You must hear to believe their versatility. Agni’s talent, surpassing their age is ever evident in all their performances. They are committed to presenting high quality concerts and introducing their fans to music and dance in new and various forms. An Agni concert is an experience you won’t soon forget!

More Information: Sangam Events

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

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. The organisers say that, around 1,000 peace loving people and politicians participated along with religious dignitaries. After the peace rally a meeting was held. Few Buddhist monks got onto the stage and asked the organisers to go to Vanni and have the peace rally and meeting there, following which it ended in a brawl.

Peace rallies will be held in fifteen districts throughout the country, and 100,000 peace loving people will gather in Colombo on September 21st 2006, according to the organisers

The yougest Buddhist nun Wasgaduwa Sumangala attending the peace rally in Colombo on August 17th 2006, organised by the National Anti War Front

People from all parts of the Island participated

“Innocent people including children and students are killed. This has to be stopped immediately. The voice of the innocent people has to be heard. All have to work towards genuine peace. We have to represent humanity” says Reverend Brother Hippolius Benedict of Franciscan Church

Participants urged the warring parties to renounce violence

A.S.Perera, corn seller participated in the peace rally

Peace rally will be held throughout the island to urge the value of peace

“Women and children are the worst affected section of communities by war.Women and children of this country have suffered enough. We do not want to see another war in Sri Lanka. The warring parties must work for concrete peace” says Padmini Weerasooriya (45) from Katunayake, Mothers and Daughters of Sri Lanka

All walks of life participated

Participants say that, there is an undeclared war going on, and it has to be stopped immediately

“We do not want war. We want peace” says Sellathurai Raviprakash (30) of Mattakuliya

Participants queried although there is no declared war in Sri Lanka, curfew is imposed in Jaffna peninsula, and there is no communication to North

“We have to forgive each other, and live in harmony” says Alhaj Zufian of Leader of displaced Muslims in Puttalam

The sign in Tamil says:

“Country united against violence…Price of war is high…No matter who and however they burst, blown up ultimately is the country and her future… – Voice of the general public”

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The annual “Aadi Vel” festival of Jeyanthi Nagar Sri Sivasubramaniya Swamy Temple in Ginthupity was held on August 10 2006. Brass statues of Sri Sivasubramaniya Swamy along with Sri Valli and Theivaanai were beautifully decorated with lotus, jasmine, vaada mallikai, ponnochchi, sevvanthi and nanthiyaavattai flowers .These three statues were taken on procession on a wooden carved cart.

The cart procession started in the morning, and ended in the night on the same day. The procession went on Ginthupity Street , Vivekananda Hill, Wolfendhal Street, Gabos Lane, St. John’s Street, Main Street, 5th Cross Street, Norris Road, 4th Cross Street, Keyzer Street, Lotus Road, Sea Street, Sri Kathiresan Street, Aandivaal Street , and Brass Founder’s Street. It stopped on the way to bless the devotees. A special Police protection was given to the procession and devotees.

“Chutty baby” (11) lead the procession

“Theevatti” is taken in front of the procession

Vel cart on Ginthupity street

Shri Prabhakara Kurukkal and Kumaran Sharma accompany the statues of Sri Sivasubramaniya Swamy along with Sri Valli and Theivaanai

Devotees waiting to welcome the Vel cart

Drums are beaten for “Karakaattam” dancers on Wolfendhal street

“I have been dancing “Karakaattam” since I was a twelve year old boy. I have decide to become a “Karakaattam” dancer. I travel around the country to dance during the temple festival season” says Velupillai Subramaniam Ganeshan (53)

A female “Karakaatta” dancer on Vivekananda hill

A female “Kaavadi: dancer a “Kaavadi” on her head on Wolfendhal street

Devotees smash coconuts on Wolfendhal street to fulfill their vows

An elderly “Kaavadi” dancer dances before in fornt of the Vel cart on Wolfendhal street

“Melachchamaa” on Vivekananda hill

“Archchanai” is performed to Sri Sivasubramaniya Swamy, Sri Valli and Thevaanai in Vel cart

Devotional songs are being sung

Devotees worship on Vivekananda hill

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com