Sri Lanka / Tamil
Explore essential resources on the Sri Lanka-Tamil conflict. Access civil war history, human rights analyses, key organisations, and must-read articles.
CONFLICT IN SRI LANKA - The Civil War (1983–2009) & Enduring Tensions
Sri Lanka’s history is deeply shaped by entrenched ethnic and land tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, fueled by post-independence systemic discrimination, state repression, and socio-economic marginalisation.
These grievances culminated in the Tamils' fierce fight for an independent state called Tamil Eelam in the northern and eastern parts of the country, ultimately exploding into the devastating Civil War (1983–2009).
This 26-year-long conflict brought widespread devastation, mass displacement, and severe human rights violations, concluding with a massive military offensive by the government.
Decades after the war's formal end, the struggle for equity remains. Today, Tamils and Muslims in Sri Lanka continue to face systemic challenges, heavy military surveillance, and unfulfilled promises regarding meaningful political devolution.
In 2022, these enduring ethnic divides were worsened by the country's severe economic collapse, which triggered nationwide political protests and intensified inequalities across all ethnic groups.
Explore specialised categories including news sources, major international human rights organisations, analyses of the civil war, and evaluations of state-led reconciliation mechanisms.
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