Draft Six,(Final draft.)

" 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, had always been hardworking when it comes to schoolwork and their grades had never let their mother down. Ali and Jaya both had a goal. Their goal was to continue their studies in university and get a good career. However, things had not gone well for the both of them, as well as the other Tamils living in Sri Lanka.

Ali and Jaya had made many good friends in school and in their neighbourhood. They often play wildly together, creating a strong bond between themselves. However, things changed after Sri Lanka got its independence. The government, which was controlled by the Sinhalese, announced that only those who are born in Sri Lanka or whose forefathers were born here would be 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 to 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 at by the Sinhalese and were bullied by children older than them.

Bunch of Sinhalese children would surround around Ali and Jaya. They would throw rocks at them and call them names. One of the Sinhalese mocked at Ali and Jaya, "Tamils are brainless, so are you."

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

Five years had passed; Ali and Jaya had scored well in their results and was able to go to a university. Unfortunately that year, the government introduced new university admission criterias. The 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 academic results.

Therefore, the number of vacancies in university had been taken up. Ali and Jaya were extremely upset. While walking home that very fine day, they overheard a conversation between two Tamils, talking about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE), and 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 fight against 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 towards 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 piled 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 the Sinhalese are 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, were going to oppose the Sinhalese government now.

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

Soon, blood was oozing out of the Sinhalese and Tamils as the riot started. The government would not grant the Tamils 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 could hardly notice as the place was very chaotic. Jaya saw the Sinhalese, he ran as fast as he could towards Ali, but it was too late.

"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...