Sri Lankan Civil War

Introduction and Historical Context:

The Tamil Tiger conflict in Sri Lanka was a protracted and violent ethnic conflict that lasted for
several decades. At the center of this conflict was the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),
commonly known as the Tamil Tigers. The Tamil Tigers were a militant separatist group formed
in 1976 with the aim of establishing an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern
regions of Sri Lanka.

Historical Background and Context:

To understand the emergence of the Tamil Tigers, it is crucial to examine the historical
background and context in which they arose. Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island
nation located in South Asia. It has a diverse population consisting of several ethnic groups, with
the majority being Sinhalese (predominantly Buddhist) and a significant minority being Tamils
(predominantly Hindu).

Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority in Sri Lanka can be traced back to
the colonial period when the British ruled the country. The British implemented policies that
favored the Tamils, who were seen as more educated and qualified for administrative positions.
This created a sense of resentment among the Sinhalese, who felt marginalized and
discriminated against.

After Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948, the Sinhalese-dominated
government implemented policies that further marginalized the Tamil minority. These policies
included the introduction of Sinhala as the sole official language, disregarding the Tamil
language and culture. The Tamil community faced discrimination in education, employment,
and political representation, leading to widespread frustration and discontent.

Key Events and Factors Leading to the Rise of the Tamil Tigers:

1. Nonviolent Tamil Resistance: In the 1950s and 1960s, nonviolent Tamil political
movements emerged, demanding equal rights and autonomy for the Tamil regions.
These movements, such as the Federal Party, highlighted the grievances of the Tamil
community and sought to address them through peaceful means. However, their
demands were largely ignored by the Sinhalese-dominated government, pushing some
Tamil activists toward more radical forms of resistance.

2. Ethnic Riots of 1983: The year 1983 marked a significant turning point in the Tamil Tiger
conflict. After the killing of 13 soldiers by Tamil militants, anti-Tamil riots broke out in Sri
Lanka. These riots resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Tamils and the displacement of
 thousands. The government's failure to protect the Tamil population and its alleged
complicity in the violence further fueled Tamil separatism and paved the way for armed
militancy.

3. Militarization and Radicalization: Following the ethnic riots, the Tamil Tigers transformed
from a relatively small militant group into a well-organized and highly effective guerilla
force. They capitalized on the grievances of the Tamil community and recruited
disillusioned Tamil youth who were frustrated with the lack of progress in addressing
their demands. The Tigers' military tactics, including suicide bombings and guerrilla
warfare, gained them significant attention and resources.

4. International Support: The Tamil Tigers also received support from the Tamil diaspora,
particularly in Western countries, which provided them with financial assistance and
political lobbying. The Tigers' ability to raise funds and procure weapons internationally
further strengthened their capabilities and prolonged the conflict.

In summary, the emergence of the Tamil Tigers was rooted in historical grievances and the
marginalization of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. A combination of discriminatory policies,
nonviolent resistance, violent ethnic riots, militarization, and international support contributed
to the rise of the Tigers and the escalation of the conflict. Understanding these factors is crucial
for comprehending the complexities of the Tamil Tiger conflict in Sri Lanka.