In a time where reconciliation, devolution of power and national identity are widely debated issues in Sri Lanka, Being a Tamil and Sri Lankan encompasses a collection of essays that aims to tackle these complex topics. The articles collected here first appeared in the North-Eastern Herald. They are grouped in this book under six headings: Peace Process; Ethnic Divide –Its implications; Writers, Artistes and Intellectuals; Education; Media; Tamil Theatre, Tamil Music and Tamil Cinema; and Political Culture. The essays tackle issues that reflect largely but not exclusively the Sri Lankan Tamil perspectives on contemporary issues related to the ethnic conflict and reconciliation. The book provides clues to issues that require significant consideration if Sri Lanka is to truly become a country that remains diverse but united. Can Tamilness and the Sri Lankaness co-exist? Does being Sri Lankan imply that one cannot also be Tamil and proud of it? Through these essays, Professor Sivathamby asserts that it is possible to be both Tamil and Sri Lankan. The book offers some answers to these questions and the manner of attentions required in achieving a political and social reality of unity in diversity.