by Usvatte-aratchi For a people brought up in a culture, the foundation of which lies in the learning that all things change (sabbe sankhara anicca), the fear of change is inexplicable. Sudden and gross change is feared more than gradual change; hence the fear of death, common among most people. Revolutionary changes in society are…
'kathika' social, cultural and political review
Tagged revolution
A revolt that could turn into a revolution
Ahilan Kadirgamar Courtesy The Hindu Without a new social contract, there could be unrestrained conflict with the working people in Sri Lanka The great revolt of the masses has overthrown an authoritarian president in Sri Lanka, but it has not abolished the executive presidency. Indeed, on July 18, within days of assuming office as acting…
Urban Planning: the future – special reference to Sri Lanka by Ashley de Vos – Part 2
“The new still follows the old traditions creating a holistic entity. The result is the achievement of a functional and harmonious architecture suited to the life of the Yemeni people. However, when alien techniques and materials are introduced, there are several effects. With imported materials, a large proportion of the cost goes into the pockets…
On Religion and Violence by Charles Taylor
The 20th century has been marked in a horrifying way by “categorical violence”-a violence directed against people on the basis of their belonging to a certain group. Categorical violence has three distinguishing features: excessiveness, the discourse of purification and a ritual element. There are two views of the cause of categorical violence which I wish…
Aftermath of Counter Revolution: Revolutionary Time in David Scott’s Omens of Adversity – Thushara Hewage
Text of the introductory presentation made by Dr. Thushara Hewage, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Ottawa at the seminar on The Politics of Memory and a Critique of Transitional Justice held on Wednesday 3rd June 2015, at Department of Political Science and Public Policy, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. The pieces…