The conflict in Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in the historical development of the country. Since the island gained independence in 1948, conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority is a regular feature of modern Sri Lankan history. The conflict cannot be fully understood without comprehending the causes of ethnic tensions.

Roots of Ethnic Conflict

Despite similar South Indian ancestry, the Sinhalese and Tamils developed distinct identities beginning in the twelfth century. This development arose out of two primary elements. First, there was a geographic split between the groups as the Tamils lived in the northeast of the island, with the Sinhalese inhabiting the other regions. Second, the religious and cultural practices of the two groups differed significantly. The Sinhalese continued to embrace Buddhism and viewed Sri Lanka as a Dhammadipa (a place blessed by Buddha). This gave rise to the identification of non-Sinhalese-Buddhists as "outsiders." Meanwhile, Tamils primarily practiced Hinduism, with small communities of Christian and Muslim Tamils. As a result of these differences, ethnic tensions have been prevalent throughout Sri Lankan history.

Ethnic conflict seriously began after independence in 1948. Sri Lanka adopted the British parliamentary system and elections tended to favor the Sinhalese majority supporting two main political parties: the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP). This political dynamic led to the development of policies discriminating against the Tamils and other minorities. In 1956, Sinhala replaced English as the official language, inciting riots by Tamils and other non-Sinhala speakers. The 1972 constitution also changed the name of the island from Ceylon to Sri Lanka and positioned Buddhism at the "foremost place" in the state. The government also nationalized large industrial sectors, reducing private sector opportunities for Tamils and other minorities. Due to these Sinhalese nationalist policies, the Tamils increasingly demanded self-autonomy. As ethnic tensions began to peak, both sides militarized, setting the stage for violent conflict.

Conflict Beginnings And Failed Intervention

In response to the July 1983 deaths of thirteen policemen at the hands of Tamil militants, Sinhalese mobs burned homes and murdered thousands of Tamils. The massacre led to an increase in militant Tamil group membership and better organization among the militias. In short order, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged as the predominant anti-government force. As armed clashes between the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE increased, an Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) intervened in 1987, forcing the government to accept constitutional amendments granting Tamils a degree of autonomy and granting Tamil official national language status.

Unfortunately, the IPKF were soon at odds with LTTE. As anti-Indian sentiment grew throughout the country, Indian forces were asked to leave. The power vacuum caused by the IPKF withdrawal allowed the LTTE to gain control over the recently vacated territory, providing a base to launch a massive insurgency against government forces. This offensive allowed the LTTE to gain control of most of the Jaffna peninsula and large portions of the north and east of the island. Years of terror ensued as both sides committed widespread atrocities against non-combatant civilians. Due to its extensive use of suicide bombers, including the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the LTTE gained a reputation as one of the world's most ruthless terrorist groups.

Attempts at Peace

In 1994, newly elected President Chandrika Kumaratunga launched several peace initiatives, renewing hopes for a settlement. Even talks promised a political solution, Tamil civilians only experienced violence from continued attempts at dislodging the LTTE. Government victories forced the LTTE to resume guerrilla tactics, with deadly implications for civilians. Throughout the rest of the 1990s, the conflict continued as both the government and the LTTE committed indiscriminate mass atrocities.

In 2000, as violence wore down the nation's economy, President Kumaratunga invited Norway to facilitate peace talks. The peace talks moved forward with the inauguration of the United National Party government in 2001, as the prospective prime minister was already conducting clandestine negotiations with the LTTE. Negotiations eventually led to a ceasefire, successfully ending most violence until 2006.

Meanwhile, a series of talks were held to settle the root political disputes fueling the conflict. Unfortunately, the forced concessions by the LTTE led Colonel Karuna to break away from the main body of the LTTE in March 2004. Violent clashes ensued between the LTTE and Karuna's troops, now known as the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP).

Resurgence of Violence

When Mahinda Rajapaske and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) came to power in the elections of November 2005, hard-line militants assumed high-level Defence Ministry positions. With policies such as incorporation of the national police into the defense establishment, LTTE wariness of the new government increased. This provoked a belligerent government response causing fighting to resume. The ceasefire unraveled as politicians were assassinated and violent clashes multiplied. Sri Lanka returned to a state of armed conflict, with devastating consequences for non-combatant civilians. Thousands have been killed and over 300,000 people have been displaced. Firefights and mortar duels inflict heavy casualties on both sides, causing unnecessary civilian deaths through collateral damage and indiscriminate targeting. In March 2007, the LTTE launched their first air strike, showing an increased capacity to retaliate to government air raids.

Current Situation

The government of Sri Lanka continues efforts to achieve military victory over the LTTE, with recent fighting resulting in the government nearing the LTTE's de facto capital of Kilinochchi.

Both sides are reported to indiscriminately shell territory with little regard for collateral civilian casualties. The government's continued campaign to defeat the LTTE militarily has led to reprisal attacks against civilians in other areas of the country as buses and trains are targeted by LTTE suicide bombers. The government has also restricted the operations of humanitarian organizations in rebel-held areas, increasing livelihood pressures on the more than 200,000 people displaced in the north of Sri Lanka.