It is still hard for me to reconcile the peaceful nature of this predominantly Buddhist country with its violent history, because I really did not live through it for very long. Within a year of moving, the civil war was suddenly over. The emotional scars remain for those who did live through it, but the physical reminders of the war were gone — no more checkpoints and no more rifles.
Author: Sonia Dandona Hirdaramani
Sonia Dandona Hirdaramani
is from New York and now lives in Sri Lanka. She continues to be involved with Columbia University through her roles as member of the Young Advisory Council for the College, Class Agent International Vice-Chair, Regional ARC Chair and Class Correspondent.