So geographically close, but politically so far. A whole generation had grown up unable to visit the North and parts of the Eastern province of Lanka, during the 26 years of civil war. It is therefore not surprising that the region which was out of bounds, holds a special interest for all Lankans.

This is the question on the minds of concerned educationists, parents and even doctors as reports filtered in that soon after the Ordinary Level (OL) results were released on Monday, some children were not equipped to face the downs which come with an examination.