Engaging issues of caste – the forbidden subject 

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,-May 18, 2014, 9:16 pm

By Dr. Devanesan Nesiah

Caste is observed by the overwhelming majority of Sinhalese and Tamils but the subject remains virtually taboo in public discussions. If it is mentioned in public, it is often either to hurl abuse or to negotiate a marriage. The latter is because for many of us caste is the most important factor in marriage. The former is because caste is yet widely accepted as a measure of social status; the latter because for many caste is the most important factor in marriage, even more important than character. I am not suggesting that the individuals should be identified by caste but I do think that the subject should be freely discussed as is done in India, although caste oppression there is much more severe than in Sri Lanka.

Engaging Issues of Caste – the Forbidden Subject by Thavam Ratna