What caused the civil war in Sri Lanka? This question has intrigued scholars, historians, and policymakers for decades. The Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2009, was a complex conflict with multiple underlying causes. This article aims to explore the various factors that contributed to the outbreak and continuation of this devastating conflict.
The civil war in Sri Lanka can be attributed to a combination of ethnic, political, and economic factors. One of the primary causes was the ethnic tension between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil population. The Tamils, who primarily reside in the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, have historically felt marginalized and discriminated against by the Sinhalese-dominated government.
One of the root causes of this ethnic tension was the British colonial policy, which favored the Sinhalese in terms of land distribution and education. This policy created a sense of superiority among the Sinhalese and a sense of inferiority among the Tamils. The post-independence government of Sri Lanka continued this discriminatory practice, further exacerbating the ethnic divide.
Another significant factor was the political landscape of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Tamil Congress (SLTC) and the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) were the main political parties representing the Tamil community. These parties demanded greater autonomy for the Tamil-speaking regions and the establishment of a federal system. However, the Sinhalese-dominated government repeatedly ignored these demands, leading to increasing frustration among the Tamil population.
Economic disparities also played a crucial role in fueling the conflict. The Tamils, who were traditionally involved in the plantation industry, faced economic disadvantages compared to the Sinhalese, who dominated the agricultural sector. This economic disparity further widened the gap between the two communities and contributed to the growing animosity.
The Sri Lankan Civil War was also influenced by international politics. The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka in 1987 to mediate the conflict. However, the IPKF’s presence was met with resistance from both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, leading to further escalation of the conflict.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged as the primary Tamil separatist group during the civil war. The LTTE’s use of terrorism and suicide bombings against both the Sri Lankan government and civilians further intensified the conflict. The Sri Lankan government’s response, including the use of heavy military force, led to a prolonged and brutal war.
In conclusion, the civil war in Sri Lanka was caused by a combination of ethnic, political, and economic factors. The historical discrimination against the Tamil community, the political landscape, economic disparities, and international involvement all contributed to the outbreak and continuation of this devastating conflict. Understanding these causes is crucial for ensuring that such a conflict does not occur again in the future.
