Summary

It is late July, 1983. On the morning of July 25, word comes that riots in Colombo have broken out against Tamils. Relatives come in to see Arjie and his family to confirm that Tamil houses are being burned to the ground. It is also later confirmed that the police and the government are doing nothing to stop the mobs, prompting many, including Arjie’s parents, to believe the government is behind the rioting. As of 1:00 in the afternoon, the government declares a curfew is in effect and that anyone caught without a pass will be shot on sight. Instead of bringing an end to the riots, this makes them worse. Word later comes that the police and the armed forces are cheering on the mobs.

By the evening, Arjie’s family instructs he and his siblings to escape over the wall should...