Conclusion: Diasporic Search for Ur—Remembering the Past, Looking to the Future

Abstract

In this conclusion, I present a brief discussion of the key themes that arise from this volume as a whole. So as to say Ur constitutes a particular aspect which explicitly refers to the place of origin on the basis of social and geographical dimension. Accordingly, individual and cultural identity is expressed through Ur which holds true while conceptualising home. However, it is not only about the place to live in but about the people, ambience and the opportunities that it offers. Home is all about searching for love, relationship, community and ‘belonging’. And the search goes on. In the remaining sections of the conclusion, I tie together some of the main points and themes that emerged from the chapters of this book. In addition, I display the recent situation in Sri Lanka, with reference to recent policy pronouncements, available news/internet reports particularly on the current experiences and circumstances of the Northern Tamils in Colombo and Jaffna. Finally, I end the chapter with thoughts for future directions with regard to the possibilities of return and resettlement of the DPs at their own Ur.How do the IDPs and the refugees construct the notion of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’?What makes home for them?What kind of attachment do DPs have to their homes? How do DPs negotiate with resettlement and unhoming? These are the central questions that have been addressed in this volume which are based on the findings from empirical research undertaken in 2013. The five chapters illustrate the possibilities and outcomes of adopting different methods to enhance our understandings of the concept of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’: narratives, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions and participant observations. Adopting these methods, I show how Tamil DPs articulate with their concepts of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’ to make and remake their sense of home or Ur being in or away. In doing so, the book transcends mere representations of the Tamil DPs by delving deeper into their age, gender, class, caste, personal migration history, their present living conditions and the national frame of reference. In the remaining sections of the conclusion, I tie together some of the main points and themes that emerged from the chapters of this book. In addition, I display the recent situation in Sri Lanka, with reference to recent policy pronouncements, available news/internet reports particularly on the current experiences and circumstances of the Northern Tamils in Colombo and Jaffna. Finally, I end the chapter with thoughts for future directions with regard to the possibilities of return and resettlement of the DPs at their own Ur.