An analysis of the Violation of Fundamental Right of Tamils in the Northern Province to Enjoy Film and Television Art during the Post-War Period (2020 - 2021)

Abstract

After 30 years of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, most industries have resurged with tremendous changes. In the meantime, most Sri Lankan people have returned to their everyday social and cultural lives, while enjoying cinema and television shows. This is a result of the entertainment facilities made available to society in addition to the endeavors of TV stations and Film Producers to generate a wide range of new artistic productions targeting these viewers. Yet, it can be argued that both the public and private sectors (including film and television Producers) have neglected the entertainment interests of the Tamil-only speaking minority groups that reside in the Northern Province. As a community, they have not been provided with the necessary facilities to watch TV shows or films as they wish by the above-mentioned parties. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Sri Lankan productions have often disregarded the viewing interests of these communities when producing TV shows or films. As human beings, these individuals possess the fundamental right to enjoy their preference of films and TV shows. The discounting of the viewing rights of these Tamil speaking communities have resulted in their feelings of marginalization within the larger Sri Lankan society. Thus, this study seeks to examine the nature of the violation of the fundamental rights of the Northern province’s Tamil population, to seek enjoyment from film and television art during the post-war period. The methodology of this research was developed primarily upon the use of questionnaires and conducting of interviews. In addition, data obtained from Sri Lankan TV and broadcast stations as well as films that were screened during the period of 2020 – 2021 were studied. The findings of this study explore the extent to which the viewing rights of the Tamil-speaking minorities residing in the North, have been violated during the post-war period.