The essentials
Sri Lanka became independent in 1948 and has held regular elections since then. Its population includes a Sinhala majority and a Tamil minority, including Tamils with long roots in the north and east and Tamils whose ancestors were brought from India as plantation workers in colonial times.
After independence, some Sinhala leaders held that the country belonged mainly to the Sinhala people. Policies such as making Sinhala the sole official language (1956) and preferences in education and jobs were seen by many Tamils as discriminatory. Tamil political groups at first demanded greater rights and autonomy; from the 1970s some groups demanded a separate Tamil state, called Tamil Eelam, in the north and east.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) became the main armed group, and from the 1980s a long armed conflict took place between it and the Sri Lankan armed forces.
Key points
- In 1987, India and Sri Lanka signed an accord, and the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was sent to Sri Lanka. It became involved in fighting with the LTTE and was withdrawn in 1990.
- Norway and Iceland were among the countries that tried to mediate; a ceasefire was agreed in 2002 but did not last.
- The armed conflict ended in 2009 with the military defeat of the LTTE.
- The conflict caused heavy loss of life and the displacement of many people, and raised human rights concerns.
- Despite the conflict, Sri Lanka recorded fairly high levels of human development in the region and was among the first South Asian countries to liberalise its economy.
- Tamil politicians in India have taken an interest in the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Exam tips
Remember the years 1948 (independence), 1987 (accord and IPKF), 1990 (IPKF withdrawal) and 2009 (end of the armed conflict). Questions often ask about the role of India and the meaning of "Tamil Eelam".
Common mistakes
- Saying Sri Lanka was under military rule. It has had elected governments throughout.