30 Years Ago exhibition, 25th August, 4pm – 5pm Media matters How did the media cover 1983, and why is it so difficult to find archival material on this coverage? How can and should media reflect on Black July 30 years since, in light of more contemporary events and politics? How can acts of journalism help record the moment for posterity, even by those who are involved in the violence as victim or perpetrator? Are there lessons for journalism and media from the violence of ’83? Featuring Dilrukshi Handunetti, Nalaka Gunawardene and Feizal Samath Moderated by Sanjana Hattotuwa

Recording of live panel discussion at 30 Years Ago exhibition, 30 Years Ago exhibition, 25th August, 10am – 11am Frames How do we see our past, and thereby choose to learn from or repeat that which gave rise to violence? In framing histories, what are the politics of selection and exclusion? In a country where the single story often wins out against multiple truths, in looking back at the past, how do we capture the marginal, the violently erased, the inconvenient? How do we, in other words, frame our past to understand our present, and shape our future? The four …

Recording of live panel discussion at 30 Years Ago exhibition, 30 Years Ago exhibition, 24th August, 4pm – 5pm Art and Memorialising How has art in Sri Lanka since ’83 struggled with the politics of remembrance – the depiction of inconvenient truths, recalling and critiquing that which mainstream politics seeks to forget and erase? What role can and does art in general play in memorialising violent events, and how has this played out in our country? More generally, what is the role of art in interrogating a violent past? What comparable examples are there of art in other regions and …

Recording of live panel discussion at 30 Years Ago exhibition, 24th August, 10am – 11am Reflections of ’83: Plus ça change? As Sri Lanka’s first Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES) Mr. Weerakoon has unique perspectives to share around the violence in July, its aftermath and lasting impact. Dr. Nesiah was a public servant for over 35 years. As Government Agent (GA) and District Secretary (DS) of Jaffna, he was involved with the care of around 60,000 victims who moved into Jaffna in the days and weeks following the pogrom. Featuring Deshamanya Bradman Weerakoon and Dr. Devanesan Nesiah Moderated by …