As an expert in international relations and conflict studies, I have a deep understanding of the complex factors that contribute to civil wars. The Sri Lankan Civil War is a prime example of a conflict with multifaceted origins, deeply rooted in historical, political, and social issues. Here's a comprehensive look at what started the civil war in Sri Lanka:

Historical Context and Ethnic Divisions

The Sinhalese, predominantly Buddhist, and the Tamil, largely Hindu, are the two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. The roots of the modern conflict can indeed be traced back to the British colonial period when the island was known as Ceylon. The British policies of favoring certain ethnic groups for administrative purposes and the introduction of a plantation economy that brought in Indian Tamil laborers to work on the plantations sowed the seeds of division.

Post-Independence Policies

After gaining independence from Britain in 1948, the Sri Lankan government, dominated by the Sinhalese, pursued policies that were seen as discriminatory against the Tamil minority. The Sinhala Only Act of 1956, which made Sinhala the sole official language, was a significant blow to the Tamil community, as it marginalized their use of the Tamil language in public life.

**Ethnic Tensions and the Rise of Militancy**

The feeling of marginalization among the Tamils escalated in the 1970s with the rise of militant groups advocating for Tamil rights. The most prominent among these was the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), founded by Velupillai Prabhakaran. The LTTE sought to establish an independent Tamil state, which they named Eelam, in the northern and eastern parts of the island.

Political Violence and the Path to War

The 1980s saw a marked increase in political violence. The LTTE, with its guerrilla warfare tactics, began a campaign of bombings, assassinations, and other violent acts against the Sri Lankan government and military. The government responded with a heavy-handed approach, which included human rights abuses and the strengthening of a military presence in the Tamil regions.

Human Rights and International Attention

As the conflict escalated, it drew international attention due to the severe human rights abuses committed by both sides. The LTTE was known for its suicide bombings and the use of child soldiers, while the Sri Lankan military was accused of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.

Attempted Peace Talks and Failures

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, there were several attempts at peace talks and ceasefires, but these were often short-lived and failed to produce a lasting resolution. The LTTE's unwillingness to compromise on their goal of an independent Tamil state and the government's refusal to consider genuine autonomy for the Tamil regions were key factors in these failures.

The End of the War and Its Aftermath

The war finally ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan military. However, the end of the war did not bring an end to the ethnic tensions. The aftermath of the conflict has been marked by a continued struggle for justice and reconciliation, with many unresolved issues and a legacy of trauma that continues to affect Sri Lankan society.

In conclusion, the Sri Lankan Civil War was a tragic conflict with deep historical roots and a complex web of causes. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved ethnic tensions and the importance of inclusive governance and respect for human rights in preventing such conflicts.

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Origin and evolution. The origins of the Sri Lankan Civil War lie in the continuous political rancor between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils. The roots of the modern conflict lie in the British colonial rule when the country was known as Ceylon.read more >>