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"Sacred Claims, Disputed Lands: The Thaiyiddy Vihara Conflict in Post-War Northern Sri Lanka"

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Disclaimer The following material is a research-support document compiled to assist further investigation, advocacy, or policy analysis. It summarizes perspectives and suggests source types to consult; it does not constitute legal advice, nor does it assert definitive factual findings. Users should verify primary documents, official records, and eyewitness testimony before relying on the material for legal or public advocacy actions. Editor's Note This report seeks to present competing perspectives on the Thaiyiddy (Tissa) Vihara land dispute in Northern Sri Lanka in a balanced manner. Emphasis is placed on documenting: (1) the historical context of the site; (2) claims and public actions by the Ceylon Buddhist Congress (SLBC) and other religious actors; (3) administrative positions, including the Pradeshiya Sabha and state agencies; (4) statements, testimonies, and concerns from local Tamil communities; and (5) the dispute’s broader socio-political implications for land rights...

The Jaffna Kingdom Flag: Symbolism, Heritage, and the Struggle Against Erasure of Tamil Identity

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The Jaffna Kingdom Flag: Symbolism, Heritage, and the Struggle Against Erasure of Tamil Identity Introduction The ancient flag of the Jaffna Kingdom is not just a relic of history; it is a living symbol that encapsulates the sovereignty, cultural richness, and religious devotion of the Tamil people in northern Sri Lanka. More than mere cloth and insignia, this flag represents centuries of continuity, self-determination, and spiritual values-a collective memory and identity marker for Tamils both on the island and across the diaspora. In recent decades, and especially in post-independence Sri Lanka, the replacement or suppression of the Jaffna Kingdom’s flag has been bound up with broader projects of cultural marginalization, ethnic homogenization, and state-led narratives that exclude or overwrite Tamil contributions and historical legitimacy. This report marshals historical evidence, legal and cultural analysis, and international heritage frameworks to argue that sidelin...