The Rare Victory Of Sri Lanka Long War

The Sri Lankan Civil War, also known as the "Long War," was a brutal and protracted conflict that unfolded within the island nation from 1983 to 2009. The war pitted the Sri Lankan government against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),a militant group fighting for an independent Tamil state in the north and east of the country. After nearly three decades of bloody battles and political turmoil, the government emerged victorious in 2009, marking a rare military triumph against a formidable separatist movement.

Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers: The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War

by Paul Moorcraft

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4227 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	313 pages
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Prelude to War: Roots of Conflict

The origins of the Sri Lankan Civil War can be traced back to several factors, including historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and political marginalization. The Tamil community, concentrated in the northern and eastern provinces, had long felt discriminated against by the Sinhalese majority. These grievances fueled a desire for self-determination and eventually led to the formation of the LTTE in 1976.

Escalation and Intensification

In 1983, the LTTE launched a series of attacks on government and civilian targets, sparking the outbreak of full-scale war. The conflict escalated rapidly, becoming one of the most brutal and protracted civil wars in modern history. Both sides committed human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances.

Government's Strategy and Triumph

Under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan government adopted a comprehensive strategy to defeat the LTTE. This strategy included:

• Military Offensive: The military launched a series of offensives against LTTE strongholds, gradually reducing their territory and resources.
• Political Isolation: The government isolated the LTTE internationally, cutting off their supply lines and diplomatic support.
• Economic Pressure: The government imposed economic sanctions on areas under LTTE control, weakening their financial base.

These combined efforts gradually weakened the LTTE, and by 2009, the government had regained control over most of the country. In May 2009, LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed in a military offensive, signaling the end of the war.

Aftermath and Reconciliation

The end of the war brought a sense of relief and closure for many Sri Lankans. However, the country faced significant challenges in the aftermath, including:

• Humanitarian Crisis: The war had displaced a large number of civilians, who required humanitarian assistance and support.
• Allegations of War Crimes: Both the government and the LTTE were accused of committing war crimes during the conflict.

Political and Economic Divisions: The war had deepened ethnic and political divisions within the country, and reconciliation efforts proved to be challenging.

The Sri Lankan government has taken steps to address these challenges, including establishing a reconciliation commission and implementing economic development programs in Tamil-majority areas. However, the process of healing and reconciliation remains complex and ongoing.

International Significance

The Sri Lankan Civil War has been studied by scholars and policymakers around the world as a case study of protracted conflict resolution. The government's military victory against a well-organized and highly motivated separatist movement is seen as a rare achievement. The war also highlights the challenges of post-conflict reconciliation and the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peacebuilding.

The Sri Lankan Civil War was a complex and tragic conflict that left an indelible mark on the nation. The government's rare military victory against the LTTE in 2009 brought an end to decades of bloodshed but also left behind a legacy of human suffering and political divisions. The challenges of reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction continue to shape the country's present and future.

Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers: The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War

by Paul Moorcraft

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE