In 1956, on the crest of a surge of Sinhala nationalism, Sri Lanka adopted Sinhalese as its official language. This event became the catalyst of a violent struggle, now almost four decades old.

Once the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," modern Sri Lanka is a battleground for a civil war waged by Tamil, Sinhala, and Muslim groups, especially in the north and east. This conflict led to the 1990 kidnapping and murder of Richard De Zoysa, a journalist who reported on human rights abuses. The notoriety surrounding De Zoysa's killing brought world attention to Sri Lanka and the women's groups which came together to offer support to the victims of violence.

THE SHATTERED PEARL reports on the war, the human rights abuses, and the women who continue to struggle for justice and peace.

Part of the SOUTH series.

"A story of determination and bravery... This video underscores the thread of dignity and sanctity of human life that sustained many who have suffered."—Association for Asian Studies