Abstract:
The reign of British in Jaffna was distinct
from other European powers especially from those of
Portuguese and Dutch. These distinctions were based
on political, economical and socio cultural levels.
Jaffna was not an exception for these changes. The
period of Portuguese and Dutch made small changes
in the life style of people, whereas the changes made
during the British reign were remarkable. The main
reason for these changes was the arrival of Christian
Missionaries and their services. The American
Missionaries became more prominent as their services
were more public oriented. As a result of this they
could also imprint their name in the history of Jaffna.
The notable period of the impact of the Missionaries
was from the 1820s to early 20th century. During this
period they engaged themselves in printing and
publishing translations of English works into Tamil.
Printing publishing and establishment of primary ,
secondary and tertiary educational Institutions and
provision of health care for residents of the Jaffna
peninsula . These activities resulted in many social
changes amongst Jaffna Tamils and some of them
survive even today.
They also led to the attainment of a lopsided
literacy level among residents in the relatively small
peninsula. This is cited by scholars as one of the
primary factors contributing to the recently entered
civil war. Many notable educational Institutions within
the Jaffna peninsula owe their origins to the
Missionary activities from America. The services on
education, carried out by the American Mission
brought many changes in the lives of those who
resided in Jaffna. Thus the main objectives of this
research are to explain how and where these changes
occurred, how the inhabitants of Jaffna faced the
impact of these changes and also to document all these
changes.
The research methodology is based on history.
The primary sources for this study include the British
documents, notes, letters and books written by the
priests who had come here to propagate Christianity
in Jaffna and archaeological and other historical
materials. I have utilized as secondary sources, books
and articles in the journals, magazines and internet
based sources.
