M E S S Y - L I F E

Saturday, 29 August 2009

EL- Draft 3

Sri Lanka once charmed travelers with its beautiful sandy beaches, diverse landscapes and historical monuments. However, it’s now covered with ashes and dust.

Martha, Indian Tamil lives together with his father, Mali in rent house located at Colombo that has mixtures of Sinhalese and Tamils. He’s currently in college preparing to go into university and Mali works in government service.

However, in 1956 due to the new government that was made up mainly Sinhalese, they did not have the chance to continue on what they are doing. Martha’s father couldn’t apply the citizenship in Sri Lanka as he is not born or his forefather was born in Sri Lanka.

This had put Mali in difficulty as he is only given three years to learn Sinhala, if not he will be fired. However, when three years is up and Mali still couldn’t master the language resulting him being fired.

The new rules did not only affect Mali, it affected Martha as well. When Martha’s result was out, he scored good grade that allowed him to go university but he did not score higher then any of the Sinhalese students. This had caused him unable to enter to any university. He went to one of the university and please the person in charge, Mr. Warah “Sir please let me have a chance to join in university, I have good result.” Said Martha with disappointment.
“Well, we cant accept you as our student because your result did not score higher then any of the Sinhalese students. We cannot break the rules and even if you try to ask any of the schools, the answer will still be the same.” Replied Mr. Warah. When reached home, Martha tells his father with disappointment, “Papa no matter how well my grades are, I cannot enter any of the university.” Mali replied, “don’t be sad my son, and I have been fired but at least we still have this house to stay. We sure can have solution to solve our problems.”

Despite all this sad news, and to add on the fire, the landlord told them “you guys no longer can rent the house because your did not have citizenship.” After finish saying, the landlord chased them out of the house. Now, Mali and his son really become stateless – no job, no school and no house. “Papa I think we should go refugee camp to seek for help first.” Said Martha. “That’s a good idea, son.” Replied Mali gives a pat on his son shoulder.

On the way to the campsite, Martha and his father could see people carrying out arson attack such as setting fire on cars and bus stations because of the new rules set by the new government. After walking about an hours, they finally reached the refugee camp. They saw lots of people were injured due to the outbreak attack and many were homeless.

Few days later, Martha feels that by staying in the campsite is not a solution. So he decided to join the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He also wants to help out and fight for their rights. However, things weren’t as success as he thinks. When LTTE went for war with Sinhalese, Unfortunately, Martha dies.

** Sketch-ing m-y L-i-f-e **
aT appRoximately.. 19:44