Promoting Ethnic Harmony in Sri Lanka through Cinematic Art: A Case Study of 'Her. Him. The other’

Abstract

Sri Lanka is a diverse and multiethnic nation consisting of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities. It has grappled with the aftermath of a 30-year-long conflict, creating a notable divide between the Sinhalese and Tamils. Most artistic productions in Sri Lanka have been created with the aim of fostering ethnic harmony among its diverse population. Notably, the Sri Lankan film industry has played a crucial role in mediating cinematic experiences that contribute to harmony among various ethnicities. The roots of this cinematic mediation for ethnic unity can be traced back to the inception of the Sri Lankan cinema industry. This research focuses on the pivotal role played by the Sri Lankan film industry, specifically analyzing the 2018 anthological movie "Her. Him. The Other," a collaborative effort by filmmakers Prasanna Vithanage, Asoka Handagama, and Vimukthi Jayasundara, produced by the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation. Employing semiotic analysis, the study explores how the movie contributes to fostering ethnic understanding among the people of Sri Lanka. Through visual and dialogue elements, "Her. Him. The Other" prominently advocates for ethnic equality, representing all ethnicities in the country. The directors effectively convey the message that ethnicity is a momentary aspect of human identity, thereby challenging the futility of the struggles based on ethnic divisions. This cinematic endeavor serves as a valuable tool in promoting unity and human rights, emphasizing the impermanence of ethnic distinctions