Two Elephants in the Matchbox

Book excerpt: Two Elephants in the Matchbox is the story of Jana, a young boy aspiring to be an athlete from an early age, growing from the influence of British colonisation under the torturous regime of Sri Lanka in the seventies. He comes from a brave family of Dutch-Delft patriots, intellectuals who fought historical wars with invaders from the north island regions. His love of cricket and middle distance running is marred by the death of his close relatives. His sporting dream shattered, and on the verge of losing his father from a war-related illness and his mother from an accident, Jana decides to leave the paradise island. His father's dream of seeing his grandchildren will never be fulfilled... Based on the true controversial political events in Sri Lanka in the late seventies, Two Elephants in the Matchbox tells the story of Tamil uprising. The conflicts Jana faced in his home and the streets, witnessing torture and deaths will haunt him forever, but he still keeps the dream for that podium spot in his life back in the UK... Sathajanan was born in Sri Lanka but now lives in London, where he works as a nurse. He is actively involved in ending the suffering of Tamils by peaceful means, to raise awareness of recent ethnic war crimes committed against them. He is also interested in promoting art and culture within the Diaspora communities in London. Two Elephants in the Matchbox is his first novel.