Abstract

This is the story of the life and impact of the political activist, journalist and freedom-fighter Sivaram Dharmeratnam, who dedicated his life to helping the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.

He started out as an active participant in the war against the Sri Lankan government - and was labelled a 'terrorist'. Yet he stepped away from ruthless violence. Instead, he became a high profile journalist in the Sri Lankan press, and used his position to fearlessly critique the government, despite repeated threats on his life. Finally, in 2005, Sivaram was assassinated.

This vivid life history also engages with much broader issues. It offers an intimate portrait of why an educated man adopts a position of supporting violence.
'Very interesting and original. The concerns he raises have been central to American anthropology for twenty years'
Thomas Eriksen, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo
This book has been long-awaited by many scholars, and others concerned about the conflict in Sri Lanka. It could become a new exemplar of how anthropology should be done.
Margaret Trawick, Professor of Social Anthropology, Massey University, New Zealand