With the turmoil caused by the Eelam war slowly settling down in Sri Lanka and the Tamil-speaking people returning home, many politicians are misusing the situation with selfish motives, said Sri Lankan writer Tamil Nathi.

Receiving the Director Manivannan Award for her novel, Parthiniyam, from writer Pamaran, Tamil Nathi said people in Tamil Nadu understood the problems faced by Sri Lankan Tamilians. “Many writers here have been supporting our cause and we are indebted to them,” she said.

Talking about her novel, which revolves around the war time in the island nation, Tamil Nathi said that she took two years to complete the book. “Apart from criticism, I also received threats. People also felt that I should I not write as I am a woman,” she said.

Claiming that writing was a part of her life, Tamil Nathi assured that she would continue to write despite criticism and opposition.