KOCHI: Sri Lankan students are increasingly choosing Kerala as their destination to study art, drama and music with approximately 100 students enrolling in various colleges this year. One student has registered in Karyavattam for a Ph.D. program pursuing further studies in Arts under the ICCR Fellowship for Foreign Students.

Ilangaratnam Sajith, who joined the MA course at Tripunithura RLV College during the 2022-23 period when Sri Lanka was facing civil strife is now inspiring more students to join. Motivated by people like Rebecca (Bharatanatyam), Lovikaran (mridangam) and Denshi (veena), Sri Lankan students find Kerala appealing due to the way they share their experiences on social media including college events, Onam celebrations and trips. Lovikaran and Sajith frequently perform at temples in Kochi.

The education system in Sri Lanka is characterized by its sluggishness. Obtaining results after the final exam takes about six months and the admission process for degree courses lasts a year. Despite the degree being designed for four years, it actually takes five years to complete. Consequently, graduates often find themselves aged 26 to 27 upon completion. Completing a postgraduate degree by the age of thirty is considered fortunate, given that the acceptable age for marriage is between 30 and 32. Interestingly, many express a preference for fellow Sri Lankans as life partners even though most plan to move to European countries.

Job opportunities have expanded and Sri Lanka relies on India for higher education in fields like music, dance and instrumental music. The aspiration is to secure good jobs within the country after completing their courses. Chennai is chosen as a study destination due to the shared language of Tamil. While initially arriving in Kerala without specific intentions, many students now find it difficult to leave.

-- Denshi, Student

There are striking similarities between Sri Lanka and Kerala. Places like Munnar and Wayanad exist in both regions. Sri Lanka is known for its tea and spices paralleling Kerala's offerings. Culinary similarities are also present with rice being a staple food. Coconut milk is a common addition to dishes and while chickpeas are customary, green gram are used in Sri Lanka. Unique to Sri Lanka, eggs are added to Vella appam similar to the fondness for pazhampori among Malayalees. Certain words such as ‘bhithi,’ ‘auluva’ and ‘peraykka’ carry the same meanings in both places.

-- Kalaratnam Rebecca