S. Arasaratnam

Sri Lankan historian and author

S. Arasaratnam - Thinkers & Philosophers born March 20th, 1930
Born
Died
Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Sri Lanka

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the understanding of Sri Lankan history and society through academic scholarship. Served as a professor at the University of Jaffna and engaged extensively in research on the Tamil history of Sri Lanka. Authored several important works that explored ethnic relations and colonial history, providing insights into the socio-political dynamics of the region. Involved in various academic institutions and was a respected figure in the field of historical studies.

Authored 'Ceylon under the British Occupation'

Taught at the University of Jaffna

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