Document #1024248
IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Author)
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.