Draft Five.

" If only the government granted what we wanted, these won't happen, " said Ali, as tears streamed down his face upon looking at his brother's grave, together with his mother.

Ali's brother died during the riot between the Sinhalese and Tamils which has been going on for years. Ali is a Tamil, living together with his family for many years in Sri Lanka. Ali and his brother, Jaya, have always been hardworking when it comes to schoolwork and their grades had never let their mother down. Ali and Jaya both have a goal. Their goal was to continue their studies in university and get a good career. However, things have not gone well for the both of them, as well as the other Tamils living in Sri Lanka.

Ali and Jaya have made many good friends in school and their house area. They often play wildly together, creating a strong bond between themselves. However, things changed after Sri Lanka got its independence. The government, which is a Sinhalese, announced that only those who are born in Sri Lanka or whose forefathers are born here are allowed to live in Sri Lanka. Many felt a pang of panick as they did not know what to do. Ali and Jaya also had to bid farewell of some of their close friends.

"I will never forget you, Salim!" shrieked Ali gaudily as Salim and his family disappear into sight.

Ali then strolled back into his house gloomily, knowing he would not be able to see Salim again. Ali was devasted for days, and what was more depressing was that they even had to stay with Buddhist monks and the Sri Lanka Army which comprised mostly Sinhalese. They were often stared by the Sinhalese and were bullied by children slightly older than them.

A bunch of Sinhalese children surrounded around Ali and Jaya and threw rocks at them. One of the Sinhalese mocked at Ali and Jaya, "Tamils are brainless, so are you."

"Then you thought that you Sinhalese are very smart," said Ali in a sarcastic tone, and as quick as possible, Ali took Jaya hands and ran off.

Five years had passed; Ali and Jaya had scored flying colours results and was able to go university. Unfortunately, on that year, the government introduced new university admission criteria. Tamil students had to score higher marks than the Sinhalese students to enter the same courses in the universities. A fixed number of places in the university were also reserved for the Sinhalese, admission was no longer based solely on the academic results.

Therefore, the amount of space in university had been taken up. Ali and Jaya were extremely upset. While walking home that very fine day, they overheard a conversation by two Tamils, talking about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE), and something regarding violence against the Sinhalese.

"Excuse me, I am sorry to interrupted, but I overheard your conversation. What's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)?" asked Ali, his eyes opened widely, together with Jaya who was also interested in their conversation.

"They are groups of people who fights the unreasonable Sinhalese, “explained one of the Tamil.

"Can we join too?" asked Ali and Jaya excitedly, and they both blinked their wide eyes at the Tamils.

Much unhappiness was caused between the Sinhalese and Tamil. The Tamils felt that the government was being biased on the Sinhalese. Eventually, Ali and Jaya joined the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE). They resorted to violence, killing the Sinhalese vigorously. Daily, there were cases reported on the news that more and more Sinhalese had been assassinated by the LTTE. Blood were all over the street and dead bodies were also lying on the streets.

Ali's mother was unaware that both Ali and Jaya were involved in the LTTE. Ali and Jaya knew that once they joined the LTTE, it meant a dangerous adventure for them.

"Brother, I want you to remember. No matter what, please, safety comes first. If Sinhalese is dashing forward with a knife, run as fast as you can, understand? explained Ali. Both of them, together with the rest of the LTTE members, are going to oppose the Sinhalese government now.

"Brother, I will," replied Jaya, nodding his head approvingly.

Soon, bloods were oozing out of the Sinhalese and Tamils as the riot starts. The government would not grant the Tamils of a separate independent state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. Just then, a Sinhalese, holding a knife on his hand, rushed towards Ali. Ali can hardly notice as the place was very chaos. Jaya saw the Sinhalese, he ran as fast as he could towards Ali.

"Brother! Open your eyes! Please, I beg you!" pleaded Ali anxiously, shaking Jaya vigorously. Carrying Jaya's body, he ran home as quickly as he could. "Hang on!"cried Ali, as he ran rapidly and weeping deeply, but Ali knew...