Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Sri Lankan Politics, Social Commentary, Memoir, Political Non-Fiction, Current Affairs (of its time).

Book Review:
''Tortured Island'' is a provocative and deeply personal examination of Sri Lanka's internal strife, written from the unique vantage point of a southern planter, Malinga H. Gunaratne. Moving beyond abstract political theory, Gunaratne grounds his analysis in the lived realities of the Ruhuna region, where he witnesses firsthand the ''caste conflicts and human degradation'' that fuel division.

The book's power lies in its blend of sharp social critique, historical insight, and unexpected humor. Gunaratne, known for his controversial bestseller ''For a Sovereign State,'' does not shy away from asking difficult questions: Why are the Sinhala people so divided? Who benefits from this perpetual conflict? His answers, drawn from his observations as an insider to rural society yet an outsider to the political elite, challenge conventional narratives.

While the perspective is distinctly personal and at times polemical, it offers a valuable grassroots view of Sri Lanka's enduring crises. The writing is engaging and accessible, making complex social dynamics understandable. ''Tortured Island'' is essential reading for those interested in understanding the undercurrents of Sri Lankan society—the local tensions, hidden agendas, and human costs often missed in broader political analyses. It is a brave, candid, and thought-provoking contribution to the discourse on the nation's past and present.