Situation Analysis of Nation Building Efforts in Sri Lanka: From Early Years of Independence to Contemporary Days

Despite the smooth transition of power from the British colonists to the Sri Lankan Sinhalese in 1949, Sri Lanka inherited considerable challenges. After the culmination of the civil war, from 1983 to 2009, Sri Lanka confronted numerous obstacles in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country. Drawing from Birch’s model of national integration, this study attempts to examine the diverse political, economic, and social challenges facing Sri Lanka. The review shows that Sri Lanka needs critical nation building in the following areas: (i) Infrastructural development; (ii) Resettlements and rehabilitation of displaced populations; (iii) Ethnic and religious integration; (iv) Equality in political representation; (v) Educational and employment policies; (vi) Gender equality policies; and (vii) Mental health interventions for children and women. The role of international bodies, like the United Nations Human Rights Council, and neighboring countries is key to creating pressure for national integration and growth. There is fear that if national unity is not at the forefront of state and international policy for Sri Lanka, conflict and instability may arise again.

ستر کی دہای کے افسانوی رجحانات کے تناظرمیں احمد جاوید کی افسانہ نگاری کا مطالعہ

Study of Ahmed Javed's short story in the context of trends of 70s' short story. Tradition of Urdu short story has many turns and short story writers of 70s have their own view point about the political and social phenomena influencing the society. Ahmed Javed is one of them and has his own voice and tone which can easily be identified among others. This thesis is an attempt to identify and highlight the thematic as well as stylistic approach of Ahmed Javed used in his four books of short stories published so far. The thesis has been divided in five chapters. First chapter is biographic study of Ahmed Javed and consists of details of his life and works, His early life, educational career, professional associations and achievements are recorded in it. Moreover Ahmed Javed's literary grooming and his literary company is also highlighted. Second chapter discusses the thematic and stylistic study of short story writer of 70s. This chapter provides the grounds to understand collective features of Urdu short story of this decade. Third chapter is an analysis of thematic dimensions of Ahmed Javed's short stories. Political viewpoint, contemporary sensibility, romantic behavior and other important aspects are the part of this study. Fourth chapter is an analysis of stylistic distinctions of Ahmed Javed's fictional works. Symbols used by him and his command on narrative is discussed in this chapter to understand and highlight various dimensions of his art of writing. Fifth chapter consists of analysis of Ahmed Javed's short stories with his contemporary writers of 70s with regard to thematic approach and stylistic characteristics. At last an overview, findings, concluding remarks and some recommendations are presented.