A professor specializing in Sri Lankan affairs at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton states that, in normal times, ethnically-mixed couples do not face problems regardless of their place of residence in Sri Lanka (29 Mar. 1994). However, they might be ill-treated during ethnic riots (ibid.).

Another professor specializing in Sri Lankan affairs at Acadia University in Wolfeville, Nova Scotia provided the following information on the above subject during a telephone interview on 30 March 1994.

Even though ethnically-mixed marriages are not common in Sri Lanka, they do occur. The treatment of Sinhalese women who marry Tamil men varies according to their place of residence. In the east, where mixed marriages are fairly common, and in Colombo, ethnically-mixed couples are not ill-treated. However, such couples are likely to have social difficulties in the north, including Jaffna. However, it is a rare case, although it exists, that a Sinhalese woman who is married to a Tamil man resides in the north.

Generally speaking, under normal circumstances ethnically-mixed couples are not ill-treated regardless of their place of residence. Nevertheless, it is possible that during ethnic riots, such as that of July 1983 in Colombo, these couples could face ill-treatment. However, such riots have not occurred since 1983.

Since both Tamils and Sinhalese have caste systems, mixed couples who belong to different castes might be looked down upon by their caste members and thus face difficulties.

In contrast to the previous sources, the secretary of the Tamil Eelam Society of Toronto states that Sinhalese women who marry Tamil men are likely to have difficulties wherever they live in Sri Lanka (29 Mar. 1994). The secretary explains that if they live in Tamil-dominated areas, Tamil militants might suspect them of espionage for the Sri Lankan government (ibid.). However, if they live in Sinhalese areas, the local Sinhalese people might consider them to be supporters of militant Tamil groups (ibid.). The secretary adds that such women should not expect "a happy life" irrespective of their place of residence in Sri Lanka.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Professor specializing in Sri Lankan affairs, Acadia University, Wolfeville, Nova Scotia. 30 March 1994. Telephone interview.

Professor specializing in Sri Lankan affairs, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. 29 March 1994. Telephone interview.

Tamil Eelam Society of Toronto. 29 March 1994. Telephone interview with secretary.