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As Sri Lanka's civil war escalates, this story examines how some individuals overcome communal boundaries...
During my time working in Sri Lanka I observed how the conflict affected relationships between people from different communities. In many parts of the country, Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims mostly kept to themselves, with only limited commercial interactions. But occasionally I met people who worked and socialized across communal boundaries. One of these individuals stood apart.
His name is Omer Cassim Mohammed Sevahir. He was the driver for the media organization I worked with when I lived in Sri Lanka. This is Omer story.
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Piece Description
As Sri Lanka's civil war escalates, this story examines how some individuals overcome communal boundaries... During my time working in Sri Lanka I observed how the conflict affected relationships between people from different communities. In many parts of the country, Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims mostly kept to themselves, with only limited commercial interactions. But occasionally I met people who worked and socialized across communal boundaries. One of these individuals stood apart. His name is Omer Cassim Mohammed Sevahir. He was the driver for the media organization I worked with when I lived in Sri Lanka. This is Omer story.
Broadcast History
Aired on Chicago Public Radio's Worldview on December 28, 2007
Transcript
Sound of Omer driving, talking in Tamil
As we travel the highways and backroads of Sri Lanka, Omer points out places of natural beauty on this diverse island?lush forests, tea plantations, spectacular beaches. He also pauses to tell me about the notable crafts and cultures of the towns and villages we pass? as well as the darker moments in their histories.
He points out a site of a political assassination and a place where a home or shop once was? before it was burnt down in a moment of communal violence.
Sound of Omer driving, talking
There are probably two things that make Omer really happy?
like a kid in a room full of chocolate and video games-happy?
One is discovering a new road he?s never driven on?
the windy-er and more precarious the better. The other is helping people.
O: Humans must be help to human. If I help anybody. God will help me....
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
Runs: 21:18
Ic: Music... As we travel
Oc: Omer offers a kind of hope... SOC (can be removed)
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