An ethical perspective on the scenario of cultural degeneration in postwar Jaffna

Abstract

This paper attempts to critically examine the lifestyle and cultural values of the people of Jaffna in the postwar period from an ethical point of view. Nowadays, cultural degeneration is considered a serious problem confronting the people of Jaffna. The growth, pride, uniqueness and identity of an ethnic group are contingent on the cultural characteristics of that group. Hence, in the practical life style of Tamil community, culture is regarded as a central unit. Disciplines and noble values have been preserved among the people of Jaffna via culture. As a result, Jaffna has been a unique location distinguishable from other regions. However at present, there seems to be a decline in the importance of cultural values among the populace of Jaffna. Identities that are linked to ethnicity and culture appear to lose their value, these tendencies have been observed by the Tamil speaking community and triggered criticism from social activists. Even though different groups are engaged in charting the cause of the development of Jaffna, they have ignored to look at the cultural core of this region. Before the end of the war, Jaffna society upheld a rigid code of moral behaviour. The people showed a lot of interest in protecting their cultural identities. However, the limitless freedom available to the younger generation has shaken the foundation of the cultural life of Jaffna while making the life pattern of the future generation uncertain. Against this backdrop, this paper emphasized the important of protecting the cultural values of Tamils and examines the forces that are responsible for cultural decline in Jaffna.

1