Controversial Tamil text does not distort history: Professor
[21 Mar 2000]

Professor Lakshman Jayatilleke of the National Institute of Education has denied the allegations by the Ceylon Tamil Teacher's Union (CTTU) that a seventh grade text book distorts Sri Lankan history.

  The CTTU has earlier requested the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to 'ban' a Tamil History and Social Studies book for grade seven students, saying it contained distortions of history.

  M. T. Mahasivan, Secretary of the CTTU, in a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education stated that the teachers belonging to the union would refrain from using the book as part of the curriculum.

  However Professor Jayatilleke denied the CTTU's allegations, saying that the textbook had been prepared in conformity with a syllabus that is common to both Tamil and Sinhala media.

  "The preparation of the Tamil version is by persons competent in Tamil drawn from the Tamil and Muslim communities. The team that did the detailed work for this particular textbook in the Tamil medium did not contain any Sinhala person except in the capacity of advisors. The team members are never under any compulsion to act against their conscience and to distort facts to fit any communal agenda".  

  One of the allegations concerns the inclusion of several Sinhala words in the Tamil textbook, which the CTTU alleges gives an impression that authorities are keen in forcing Tamil students to learn Sinhala Language.  

  Professor Jayatilleke in response said, "It must also be emphasized that the History and Social Studies textbook is not intended as a vehicle for teaching Sinhala to Tamil-speaking children and Tamil to Sinhala-speaking children. Textbooks have been prepared especially for this purpose as it is accepted national policy to teach both national languages to all the Sri Lankan children".  

  Several Sinhala organisations have also expressed their concern regarding the request and allegations thrown by the CTTU. Dr. Piyasena Dissanayake, Secretary of the National Joint Committee (NJC) and former Director of the National Institute of Education, said that since the prescribed curriculum is the same for both mediums there could be not be any distortions in the Tamil medium text books.

  The Secretary of the Jathika Sangha Sabha, Athuruliya Rathana Thera said that his organisation would stand against any attempt to distort the history of the country. "History is the base of culture. The facts in school text books are based on the archaeological and factual evidence extracted from historical chronicles. It is silly that the CTTU argues to change the history of our country without sound archaeological evidence," he said.

  He also stated that the CTTU suggests to change the historical facts that are likely to hurt them. "It is totally ridiculous to try to change the facts." he added.

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