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Sri Lanka's Civil War

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Sri Lanka's Civil War was a prolonged conflict that lasted from 1983 to 2009 between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of the country. This war was characterized by intense ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, leading to significant social, economic, and political repercussions in South Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The civil war began in 1983 after years of growing ethnic tensions and discrimination against Tamils by the Sinhalese-dominated government.
  2. The LTTE was responsible for numerous high-profile assassinations, including the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
  3. By the end of the war in 2009, an estimated 100,000 people had died, and many more were displaced due to the fighting.
  4. The Sri Lankan military launched a final offensive against the LTTE in 2008-2009, leading to the defeat of the group and the end of the civil war.
  5. Post-war reconciliation efforts have been complicated by ongoing ethnic tensions and allegations of human rights violations during the conflict.

Review Questions

  • How did ethnic tensions contribute to the outbreak of Sri Lanka's Civil War?
    • Ethnic tensions played a critical role in sparking Sri Lanka's Civil War as the Sinhalese majority implemented policies that marginalized the Tamil minority. Discriminatory language laws and educational policies led to widespread discontent among Tamils, who felt increasingly alienated from the political process. This discontent escalated into violence when the LTTE emerged as a militant group seeking independence for Tamils, resulting in a brutal conflict that lasted for decades.
  • Discuss the impact of international involvement on the dynamics of Sri Lanka's Civil War.
    • International involvement significantly influenced Sri Lanka's Civil War through various means. Countries like India intervened militarily in the late 1980s to assist in peacekeeping efforts, which inadvertently intensified local hostilities. Additionally, international organizations were involved in attempts at brokering peace agreements throughout the conflict. However, these efforts often faced challenges due to differing agendas among external actors and were ultimately unable to prevent a prolonged period of violence.
  • Evaluate the long-term consequences of Sri Lanka's Civil War on its society and politics post-2009.
    • The long-term consequences of Sri Lanka's Civil War are profound, affecting both societal dynamics and political landscapes. The conflict left deep scars, with many communities still grappling with trauma from violence. Ethnic tensions remain high as minority Tamils continue to seek recognition and justice, while Sinhalese nationalism has surged. Politically, reconciliation efforts have been slow and fraught with challenges, as allegations of human rights violations persist and impede trust-building between communities. The legacy of the war continues to shape contemporary Sri Lankan politics, making it crucial for sustainable peace efforts.