Beyond Checkpoints by Rev. Duleep De Chickera is an insightful and emotive journey into war-torn Sri Lanka to recount courageous stories of the human spirit amidst the tragedy that befell the island. Published in 2023, the book was sold out in its first publication and is now in its second print.
The book vividly portrays Rev. De Chickera’s journey as he and his wife, Geetha, ventured through the North and the East on pastoral visits, and served in the South during the tumultuous times of the 1983 Black July riots. The many checkpoints they encountered depict an entry to a world lost between conflict and confusion.
Through heartfelt encounters and compelling narratives, the stories of the people they befriended on their travels emerged, allowing their voices to resound with resilience and perseverance. This evocative and introspective memoir by Rev. De Chickera delves into the complex and often turbulent political landscape of Sri Lanka through the lens of personal experience.
The book is both a travelogue and a poignant narrative that captures the essence of a nation deeply scarred by decades of conflict and division. Content and themes Rev. Duleep De Chickera In Beyond Checkpoints, Rev.
De Chickera takes readers on a journey through Sri Lanka, navigating not only its physical terrain but also its sociopolitical and cultural dimensions. The narrative is a tapestry of vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections that offer a window into the life of a country caught in the throes of ethnic conflict and political instability. The book is structured around Rev.
De Chickera’s travels across various checkpoints—literal and metaphorical—that mark the divisions and tensions within the Sri Lankan society. These checkpoints symbolise the barriers and obstacles that exist both in the physical landscape and in the collective psyche of the nation. His encounters with people from different walks of life, his observations of the changing environment, and his reflections provide a rich, multifaceted view of Sri Lanka’s journey beyond its troubled past.
Writing style Rev. De Chickera’s writing is both lyrical and grounded, capturing the beauty and the harsh realities of Sri Lanka with equal articulacy. His prose is thoughtful, often meditative, and provides a nuanced perspective on the intersections of personal and national histories.
The narrative style blends detailed travelogue elements with deeper philosophical musings, making it both an engaging read and a thought-provoking exploration of the broader themes of identity, conflict, and reconciliation. Beyond Checkpoints stands out for its honest and empathetic portrayal of a country that has often been represented in headlines, but rarely understood in its full complexity. Rt.
Rev. De Chickera’s work contributes to a greater understanding of Sri Lanka’s post-conflict landscape and the ongoing challenges of building a cohesive society from the fragments of a fractured past. It also highlights the role of personal narratives in bridging gaps between different communities and fostering a deeper sense of shared humanity.
The book is significant not only for its historical and cultural insights but also for its contribution to the genre of contemporary memoir and travel writing. It challenges readers to look beyond superficial understandings of conflict zones and to appreciate the subtleties of human experience amid turmoil. Beyond Checkpoints is a compelling and insightful read for anyone interested in the complexities of post-conflict societies, the human dimensions of political strife, and the power of personal storytelling.
Rev. Duleep De Chickera’s exploration of Sri Lanka offers a rich, reflective narrative that encourages readers to engage with the realities of a nation striving for peace and reconciliation. For those who want to learn more about Beyond Checkpoints, there will be an event showcasing the book and a talk by Rev.
Duleep de Chickera on August 31 (Saturday) at 9.30 am at St. Thomas’ Prep.
The book will be available at a discounted price at the event. All proceeds of book sales go towards funding Nuffield School for the hearing and speech impaired in Kaitadi, Jaffna..
