‘Beyond Borders’: 25 years of shared memory, loss and hope

A poignant and timely literary work chronicling the lives of Sri Lankan migrants in the United Kingdom was launched recently at the Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Beyond Borders: Sri Lankan Trials in the UK, authored by Don Asela Jayasekera, presents a deeply personal and reflective account of the triumphs, betrayals, and enduring spirit of the Sri Lankan community in the UK across the past two and a half decades.

In a gathering marked by heartfelt tributes and thoughtful reflection, the launch was graced by prominent personalities including former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Saroja Sirisena, and Sri Lankan High Commission in London former Defence Attaché Major General Swarna Bothota, both of whom have worked closely with the diaspora in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the event, Sirisena remarked, “The role Sri Lankans played in the United Kingdom in terms of guarding the country’s image amidst challenges was exemplary. What was most noteworthy was their community spirit even before formal events, gatherings, and sports became mainstream touchpoints for bonding. Don Asela Jayasekera’s work is a powerful tribute to that unyielding spirit.”

Major General Bothota lauded the author’s sincerity, saying, “Don Asela Jayasekera came out as truly genuine in changing perceptions about Sri Lanka. He contributed immensely with his time, effort, and finances toward promoting the country’s image abroad.”

Beyond Borders delves beyond surface-level diaspora narratives, shedding light on the “unsung heroes”— the everyday Sri Lankans who toiled in silence, facing immense personal and collective challenges. Through tales of grief and joy, setbacks and resilience, Jayasekera seeks to dismantle the glamorised image often associated with living abroad. Instead, he paints a realistic portrait filled with shared community struggles, identity, and emotional endurance.

Renowned journalist and solicitor Lanka News UK Editor Shanthi Senadheera, noted, “Writing a book is no easy feat, especially for someone whose professional roots were in banking. But Asela understood Sri Lankan life in the UK inside-out, and that authenticity comes through in every page.”

The Jam Fruit Tree Publications Assistant Editor Gayanga Dissanayaka added, “The hallmark of Don Asela’s writing is its honesty. He didn’t merely observe the community; he lived it. That’s why his work resonates at such a powerful level.”

Crucially, Dr. S. Sivapalam, a former colleague of Jayasekera from his pharmaceutical career in Sri Lanka, reflected on the historical value of the book: “Asela’s narratives about the trials and triumphs of Sri Lankans in the UK are not just moving stories — they are future records. They will one day stand as important documentation of an entire generation’s lived experience.” From his early days in Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry to his migration to the UK, Don Asela Jayasekera has been closely embedded in the fabric of Sri Lankan diaspora life. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the book, he stated, “This is a tribute to the Sri Lankan High Commission — our ‘Maha Gedara’— and to all the unsung heroes who gave their time, money, and tears for the betterment of our country while managing their own struggles abroad. My hope is that one day, when they return, they will find Sri Lanka as resplendent as they remember it in their hearts.”

Beyond Borders is not just a book; it is a chronicle of memory, migration, and identity. As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the dynamics of its global diaspora, Jayasekera’s work serves as both a mirror and a monument to those who lived “beyond borders” yet never forgot where they came from.