Jaffna Tamil from Canada
I am Shanta Somasundaram, born in Sri Lanka, turning 69 on June 24th and a retired engineer. My paternal great grand father was the administrator of the மாவிட்டபுரம் கந்தசுவாமி கோவில் (see Facebook). Owing a decision made by his son - my grand father - the family became Christian. The deep interest in my roots took me to Maavittapuram in August 2012, when I met the குருக்கள் who had recollections of my great grand father.
I have another interest for being on this forum and that is to fine my roots back to Tamil Nadu from where my fore-fathers went to Sri Lanka. I want especially to know if there is a region in Tamil Nadu where the Tamil that is spoken sounds like the Tamil spoken in Sri Lanka, particularly யாழ்ப்பாண தமிழ். I was watching video clips from Dhanushkodi, the closest point to Sri Lanka but could not recognize any resemblance.
Hopefully in 2014 I will fly to Madurai from Singapore (my 2nd home), take the train from there to Rameswaram and the road to Dhanushkodi, to discover, film & photograph the people & places.
Best regards to fellow members.