Mixed reactions on Tamil language symposium in South East University
An international symposium on language, culture and social issues of Tamil speaking Muslims is to held at the South Eastern University for 3 days from today (October 24 to 26). Ninety four research papers from local and international scholars are expected to be presented at this symposium. Meanwhile, section of Muslim intellectuals have protested for the terminology “Tamil speaking Muslims”. They say that if the SL Muslims are classified as Tamil speaking, then there will be another group of Muslims to be classified as Sinhala speaking Muslims.
Prof. A. Sanmugadas will preside at the meeting and Thoppil Meeran, a prominent writer from Tamil Nadu will be the Chief Guest. Tamil is spoken by 66 million and is widely spoken in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius and has official status in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Singapore. It is the first classical language of India.
Among the Tamil speakers there is a sizable Tamil speaking Muslim population who speak a slightly variant dialect and have distinct culture and social background. Dr. S. M. Ismail, Vice Chancellor of South-Eastern University said at a press conference that this was the second international conference hosted by his university since its inception and it was aimed at creating a research culture at the university. The Sri Lankan university system was lacking in post graduate studies and research.
He had planned similar symposiums to be held in future and a system to reward undergraduate students for research to enhance the promotional prospects of the academic staff who contribute to research. The symposium was sponsored by IRQUE (Improvement of Relevant and Quality of Undergraduate Education) project.
SE University sources commenting on the dissenting views stated that the incumbent Vice Chancellor is compelled to proceed with this symposium which was finalised by the previous Vice Chancellor during last months of his tenure.
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