Sri Lankan Civil War

Rajiv Gandhi Memorial blast site

Elephant Pass armored bulldozer

Sea Tiger Fast Attack boat

Extent of territorial control in sri lanka

Tractors. Jan 2009 displacement in the Vanni

Tamil protest on University Avenue

Sri Lankan Civil War

The Sri Lankan Civil War was a armed conflict that took place in Sri Lanka from 23 July 1983 to 18 May 2009. The conflict arose from longstanding ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils. The war was primarily fought between the Sri Lankan government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers, a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam in the north and east of the island.

Background[edit | edit source]

The roots of the conflict trace back to the colonial period when the island was under British rule. During this time, the British favored Tamils for positions in the civil service and other professions, which sowed seeds of discord between the communities. After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, policies implemented by the Sinhalese-majority government, including the "Sinhala Only Act" in 1956, which made Sinhala the sole official language, further alienated the Tamil population, leading to sporadic violence and the formation of Tamil militant groups in the 1970s.

The War[edit | edit source]

The war officially began on 23 July 1983, with the Black July riots, a large-scale anti-Tamil pogrom that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Tamils and the displacement of many more. This event marked a significant escalation in the conflict, leading to the emergence of the LTTE as the dominant Tamil militant group. The LTTE was known for its use of suicide bombers, its maritime capabilities, and for having a de facto state in parts of the north and east of Sri Lanka at the height of its power.

Over the years, the conflict saw several failed attempts at peace, including Indian intervention in 1987 with the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord and the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). However, these efforts did not lead to a lasting resolution, and fighting continued.

The war was characterized by significant human rights abuses on both sides, including mass killings, abductions, and the use of child soldiers. The civilian population bore the brunt of the conflict, with tens of thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.

End of the War[edit | edit source]

The Sri Lankan Civil War came to a controversial end in May 2009, when government forces captured the last of the LTTE-controlled territory and killed its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. The final months of the war were particularly brutal, with accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity leveled against both the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE. The United Nations estimated that as many as 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the final stages of the conflict.

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

The end of the war did not immediately lead to reconciliation between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. Allegations of human rights abuses and the need for accountability have continued to affect the post-war period. The Sri Lankan government has faced international pressure to investigate war crimes and to take steps towards reconciliation, including devolving power to the Tamil-majority regions.

The Sri Lankan Civil War had a profound impact on the country, shaping its political, social, and economic landscape. It left deep scars and unresolved grievances that continue to challenge the process of reconciliation and peacebuilding in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Civil War Resources
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