Publication

This paper provides a historical and social survey of Sri Lanka, including the origins of the conflict between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It then gives an account of developments since 2002, when a ceasefire was agreed and hopes were raised that there might be a peaceful negotiated resolution of the conflict. The paper surveys the stance taken by the international community on the conflict, the military capabilities of the Sri Lankan military, and aid and development issues. It concludes by considering Sri Lanka's future prospects, including assessing how real the Government's military victory is and whether genuine political and constitutional reforms are likely to be introduced.