Mr Deva Darsan

The dynamic interplay between education and the formation of national identities is at the core of my research. I delve into the history education context of colonial Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on the period from 1948 to 1983. This era marked a significant transition from British colonial rule to the emergence of the Sinhala colonizers and bore witness to the onset of armed conflict between Tamil Eelam and the Colonial Sinhala state.

History textbooks hold immense power in shaping how students perceive their nation and their roles within it. The narratives embedded in these textbooks can either mitigate or exacerbate conflicts, making education a double-edged sword. My research recognizes the profound influence of educational materials, particularly school history textbooks, on the construction of national narratives.

While existing research has examined the Sri Lankan civil war from various angles, my work approaches the root causes from a unique perspective. By scrutinizing the content of history textbooks from this critical period and assessing their impact, I aim to provide nuanced insights into the complex dynamics that led to post-1983 developments in Sri Lanka.

My personal connection to the issues at hand, rooted in the experiences of my formative years, fuels my commitment to this research. As someone who grew up in a region deeply affected by the conflict, I am driven to contribute to our understanding of how education shapes the concept of a nation and influences the path to conflict or resolution.

Through a combination of historical analysis and narrative interviews with key stakeholders, my research seeks to offer a comprehensive examination of the construction of national identity through education. By critically reflecting on past educational policies in Sri Lanka, my work also lays the groundwork for the restructuring of policies to address contemporary issues.

In summary, my research explores the intricate relationship between history education, the formation of national identity, and the complex socio-political context of colonial Sri Lanka, offering a fresh perspective on the factors contributing to the protracted conflict and its implications for a global audience.