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Polaroid of the Week: Joyful Boys of Jaffna, Sri Lanka's Northern Gem

Polaroid of the Week: Joyful Boys of Jaffna, Sri Lanka s Northern GemAfter exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Becki and I reached Jaffna in the country's far north last weekend. Once the heart of a Tamil kingdom, Jaffna faced colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and later became a stronghold for the Tamil Tigers during the civil war (1983-2009). This 26-year conflict claimed over 100,000 lives, with more than 40,000 Tamils lost in the final months around Jaffna.

Five years post-war, scars remain: bullet-riddled walls, barricaded homes, abandoned ruins, and landmine warnings dot the landscape.

Recovery is underway—the Colombo-Jaffna railway reopened in October 2014 after 20+ years, with a rebuilt station. Homes and temples are being restored, displaced families return, and roads modernized. Yet, army checkpoints highlight ongoing tensions. This snapshot from my final week in Sri Lanka touches the surface of this complex history.

Visiting this off-the-beaten-path spot—often overlooked for southern beaches—was my trip's highlight, offering deeper insight into the civil war and its aftermath.

Everywhere on the Jaffna peninsula, we received warm welcomes: curious stares, excited waves, 'hellos,' and chats from intrigued locals. Children especially loved our cameras, posing eagerly and laughing at their images on the screens.

This glimpse into local life left me optimistic, despite challenges ahead for lasting peace.


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