3.6. Democracy in Sri Lanka

Politics in Sri Lanka (it was then known as Ceylon) was dominated by forces that represented the interest of the majority Sinhala community. They were hostile to a large number of Tamils who had migrated from India and settled there. This migration continued even after independence.

After gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka's political landscape was shaped significantly by the majority Sinhala community. This group characterized the political sphere, often neglecting the aspirations and rights of the Tamil minority, who had settled on the island from India. The discontent among Tamils regarding their treatment laid the groundwork for future conflicts.

Consider a school environment where a certain group of students consistently gets the most attention from teachers while others feel ignored. This can evoke feelings of resentment among those overlooked, just like the Tamils in Sri Lanka felt marginalized compared to the Sinhalas.

The neglect of Tamil concerns led to militant Tamil nationalism. From 1983 onwards, the militant organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fought an armed struggle with the army of Sri Lanka in pursuit of their demand for a 'Tamil Elam' or separate country for the Tamilians of Sri Lanka.

As the Tamils felt increasingly sidelined in Sri Lanka’s political framework, they turned to militant action to express their grievances and demand an independent state known as Tamil Eelam. The push for independence escalated into a brutal civil war starting in 1983, primarily led by the LTTE. This group sought to gain autonomy for the Tamil population through armed struggle, fundamentally altering Sri Lanka’s political and social landscape.

Think of a community where one group feels consistently left out when decisions are made. This feeling can lead to protests or even riots, much like how the Tamils rebelled, leading to more severe conflicts.

The Indian government got directly involved in the Sri Lankan Tamil question. India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to stabilize relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamils.

The intervention by India in the Sri Lankan conflict represented a significant step towards addressing the ethnic tensions on the island. India sought to foster peace by mediating discussions and sending troops to help maintain stability. However, this involvement was met with mixed reactions from both the Sri Lankan government and the local Tamil population, leading to a complicated situation.

Imagine a situation where a neighbor steps in to resolve a fight between two friends. While the intention may be to help, if the friends don't want outside intervention, it can create more tension rather than resolving the issue.

The armed conflict came to an end, as the LTTE was vanquished in 2009. Despite the conflict, Sri Lanka has registered considerable economic growth and recorded high levels of human development.

In 2009, the Sri Lankan army achieved a significant victory over the LTTE, effectively ending the decades-long civil war. While this resolution has allowed for political stability and considerable economic growth, it has also raised questions about human rights and the treatment of Tamils post-conflict. The rapid development seen in Sri Lanka is notable, as it managed to regain and surpass previous economic levels despite years of turmoil.

After a community conflict is resolved, it can lead to a period of rebuilding and recovery, much like how Sri Lanka has attempted to grow economically after the end of its civil strife. However, if not addressed properly, issues can linger beneath the surface, influencing social harmony.

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