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Sri Lanka
"Most of them are well-educated and come from middle or upper-middle class."
It's a bitter truth that laws are rarely respected when asserted on behalf of the "wrong" people, whether Sikh or Tamil.
We are presented opportunities everyday to make a difference in the lives of those around us, near or far, through our actions, time, or money. Whether we embrace that opportunity is up to us and, evidently, even the smallest of gestures or actions can veritably snowball into lasting results.
Sri Lanka, floating off the southeastern tip of India, and splashed by salt water on all sides, is a tropical destination that isn't on everyone's travel radar, but it should be. These four reasons to visit the country formerly known as Ceylon will inspire you to skip the Caribbean and venture to the Indian Ocean for your warm weather escape in 2017.
Your mind probably doesn't wander to the small Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka. This rugged yet charming island south of India is loaded with sacred cities, ancient Buddhist ruins and beaches that will impress even the most well-traveled beach bums.
It was the beginning of our journey. A journey to a new place, a new beginning.
Instead of asking our parents to change, why don't we change the situation that caused our parents to change -- poverty? Poverty in Sri Lanka has left many children on the streets scavenging for food, or should we say crumbs. What if I told you for $20 you can buy change -- change in the form of a future.
My Canadian-born son isn't proficient in Tamil. I have not been successful in teaching him. I feel that my ineffectiveness comes off as un-Tamil to some. We're used to the idea of the cultural mosaic and pride in our heritage by proudly declaring that our kids are proud Tamils.
The Sri Lanka case shows that the declared safety of a foreign country depends on Canadian politics instead of evidence like returned Sri Lankans experiencing torture and possibly worse. Politicians are not an authority on persecution. When they act like one, friends are called safe. Then domestic demands shift and suddenly they balk, tugging along lives with whims.
Neither American Idol nor any of the crazy reality shows would ever measure up to this great public program that I have come to respect and appreciate. By watching great programming like The Agenda, my interest in Canadian history and politics has become more entrenched.
